Posted on Friday, January 22, 2021
Most children will tell you they don’t know a lot about opera – and probably don’t want to know.
But Dr. Toni Anderson, Music Program Coordinator, knows a way to reach them.
“Make it fun,” she said. “Keep it accessible and easy to understand.”
In past years, the program has produced children’s operas such as “Hansel and Gretel” and “Little Red Riding Hood.”
This semester, “A Muskrat Lullaby,” a children’s opera written by Edward Barnes was scheduled for production. It was supposed to be a touring show, visiting area elementary schools. But suddenly, COVID-19 changed the world.
Even then, Dr. Anderson had a plan.
“I decided to film it,” she said. “We were very pleased with the results of our virtual Lessons and Carols, so I had a good idea how to do it.”
The cast pre-recorded their performances in the studio, then staged it while masked and socially distanced. In the final production, the characters wore animal masks designed by director Eli Grant ’19 to fit over their COVID masks. They lip-synced to the pre-recorded music.
Dr. Anderson said it was a treat to have Grant return to his alma mater as guest director and scenic director.
“He developed the concept and designed the scenery and animal masks,” she said. “His concept for the production helped create a magical world that I think children and adults alike will find delightful.”
Following graduation, Grant worked at Playhouse on the Square in Memphis, Tennessee. This year, he was honored for best prop design for a musical and a drama in citywide competition.
Grant returned to LaGrange this year and immediately started working with theater projects. He is the founder of Nobis Playhouse in LaGrange, which presented a virtual musical, “The Gift,” at Christmas, with words and lyrics by Grant.
When Dr. Anderson asked him to be a part of “A Muskrat Lullaby,” he jumped at the chance.
“It was such a thrill to work with people who greatly influenced my time at LaGrange College,” he said. “And it was a joy to collaborate with such talented artists.”
Dr. Anderson designed the performance project to spotlight the talents of her cast.
“I wanted to provide a variety of learning experiences for our students in opera performance, children's theatre and music education,” she said. “These are career fields that various cast members plan to pursue professionally.”
A special component of the project was the creation of an Educator’s Packet.
“Lauren Collins and Olivia White, Music Education majors, provided leadership for this,” Dr. Anderson said. “They got input from everyone in the class, but they are the ones who made it happen.”
In fact, Lauren was able to contact Edward Barnes, the composer.
“He sent a video to introduce himself and the opera to the children,” Dr. Anderson said. “I know that will add to the whole experience.”
Alyse Wilkerson Cross ’14 is a teacher at Hollis Hand Elementary School and was allowed a sneak peek at the production.
“‘A Muskrat Lullaby’ is an excellent and well put-together opera that is extremely suitable for children,” she said. “The performance by the LaGrange College Music Program is top notch, as always. This opera, with its whimsical story and lovable characters, will be extremely useful for music educators as a valuable resource to help introduce opera to young audiences.”
Andrew Harry was the accompanist and coach and assisted with the audio recording. Paul Hammock engineered and Jason Hernandez did the mixing and mastering, as well as provided extra orchestration for the opening and closing segments.
Kaylee Ford played the viola, Ken Passmore and Rebecca Powers provided percussion and Jaylynn Mangual served as choreographer.
Links to the opera and the educator’s packet will be sent to music educators the first of February.
Don’t forget Monday’s virtual 3D Journeys lecture. Dr. David Ahearn, Chair and Professor of Religion and Philosophy, will discuss “Himalayan Mysteries: The Religions of Nepal.” Those who register for the free lecture will be emailed the information needed to log into the Zoom session at 10 a.m. Jan. 25. To register, visit here, call 706-880-8244 or email 3DJourneys@kongtiao11.com.
Dr. Kelly Veal will lead a virtual lunch-and-learn session called “Self-Care is Not Selfish! How to Balance Your Life in 2021” at noon Jan. 28. Because of illness, the event was rescheduled from Jan. 14. For more information and to register, visit here. Once registered, participants will be sent details for joining the Zoom meeting.
Check LC Connect for Virtual CE events and instructions. For in-person events, all COVID guidelines apply.
THROUGH MONDAY
Healthful Eating
Women’s Basketball
The Panthers improved to 2-0 with 94-20 triumph over Agnes Scott on Jan. 16. Read about it here. During a 106-25 win over Agnes Scott on Jan. 15, senior captain Jahpera McEachin recorded her first collegiate double-double and tied the program record for assists in a single game with 14. Sophomore guard Gracie Brunel scored a combined 36 points in the two games and shot 10-for-10 on 2-point field goals.
Cast members of the children’s opera “A Muskrat Lullaby” talk about their favorite moments in the show and what it was like performing on stage amid COVID-19 restrictions.
LaGrange College seniors set for final ride – LaGrange Daily News, Jan. 15, 2021
Panthers put up big numbers in season debut – Jan. 15, 2021
Friends surprise colorblind student on his birthday – Yahoo Sports, Jan. 15, 2021
No link available
Panthers ease to home win – LaGrange Daily News, Jan. 16-17, 2021
No link available
LaGrange College to offer free lecture to community – LaGrange Daily News, Jan. 20, 2021
No link available
Category: Academics, Students, Arts and Culture, College, Faculty
Keywords: music education children opera
