English teacher, Mrs. Braverman brought The Met School Membership (MSM) program to The East West School of International Studies. The program introduced students to opera at the world's greatest opera house right here in New York City. To prepare for the visits to The Metropolitan Opera (Met), Ms. Demby, a retired teacher and lover of the opera as well as a tour guide at The Met came to the 8th grade classes and provided students with an in-depth study guide, including background information on the operas and composers they had the opportunity to see. Mrs. Braverman and Ms. Demby developed a wide range of classroom activities such miming, drawing set designs, and putting on student designed versions of an opera. With Ms. Demby love and knowledge of opera, she was able to impart detailed information on the opera’s music and production. Mrs. Braverman's classes attended four performances in the 2009/2010 school year. Students experienced The Damnation of Faust, Il Trittico-three one act plays, and two performances of The Tales of Hoffmann.
Met Stages brings students inside the artistic process with a pair of director’s rehearsals for a new Met production. The first week, students watched singers in street clothes working with the directors and crew as they learned blocking and practiced with a piano. The following week, students returned to experience the team gearing up for opening night: the conductor fine-tuned the musical performance and directors polished the production while singers rehearsed full scenes in costume with the orchestra. After each rehearsal, students learned more about the production process during an intimate talk-balk session with members of the production team. One of the most outstanding moments of the opera experience was the backstage tour. Students were able to see the inner workings of the magnificent Metropolitan Opera. What an outstanding experience!
Bravo to Mrs. Bravermen for bringing opera into the lives of our students!
Author Unknown