The overall mission of The Children’s Education Program is to help develop students’ creative potential and ensure that the performing arts are a fundamental part of their education. This season we are proud to present the following programs:
First Grade
Jill Trinka, Folk Singer
October 2008
Nationally known educator, author and recording artist Jill Trinka presents special programs primarily designed to meet the needs of ESL students. Children will be singing, clapping and moving as Ms. Trinka leads them in authentic American folk songs and singing games. They will discover the unique features of the autoharp, banjo, guitar, and lap dulcimer. Also for a second year, the Red Oak Foundation will donate 2,400 Over in the Meadow books to give to students prior to attending these performances. Connections: language arts, music and singing, reading
Michael Cooper Masks
March 2009
Michael Cooper's one-man show is a celebration of storytelling through mime, masks, poetry and prose. This program is designed to encourage creativity, compassion and a greater sense of self-worth and will be tied to Greg's Mask, a story by Ann McGovern found in the McGraw-Hill supplemental reader. Masks from other cultures will also be introduced. Connections: language arts and reading, theater
Second Grade
Peter and the Wolf
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and Metropolitan Classical Ballet
January 2009
One of the world's great fairy tales Peter and the Wolf, performed by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and Metropolitan Classical Ballet, is an enchantingly simple story of an adventurous boy and his bravery in trapping the wolf. This presentation utilizes music and dance to demonstrate the variety of ways that a story can be told. Prior to attending the program, students will read a simplified version of Peter and the Wolf and will learn to identify instruments of the orchestra both aurally and visually. Narrated in English and Spanish. Connections: language arts and reading, music and theater
Third Grade
The Nutcracker
Texas Ballet Theater
December 2008
Texas Ballet Theater and Artistic Director Ben Stevenson’s beautiful production of this popular classic ballet is a delight. Students are thrilled to follow young Clara on a fantastic journey to a magical world where Christmas trees grow taller before their eyes, mice battle toy soldiers, and snowflakes dance. Opportunities are available to increase perception, understand historical and cultural heritage, develop new ways to evaluate artistic experiences, and look at dance and tell a story. Connections: language arts and reading, music and dance
Fifth Grade
Copland and the Common Man: Abraham Lincoln
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
September 2008
“Copland and the Common Man” exemplifies how our programs relate to classroom curricula. We worked closely with Fort Worth ISD's social studies director to produce a program related to fifth grade American history, highlighting the presidency of Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War and the expansion of the transcontinental railroad. This multi-media program features Aaron Copland's music performed by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and a collection of historical photographs projected on a large screen above the stage while a narrator reads selections from Copland's John Henry and The Lincoln Portrait . The combination of visual arts, music and related narrative provides a highly successful way to present a comprehensive program that offers students greater insight into the rich history of this country. Connections: American historical and cultural heritage, evaluation of musical elements and language arts /writing
Middle and High School
The Magic Flute: The Metropolitan Opera
September 2008
Through the power of High Definition Video we will present The Magic Flute from the Metropolitan Opera. With an A+ cast conducted by James Levine, the opera will be sung in English with English subtitles. Sets and costumes are by Julie Taymor, who made The Lion King such an unqualified success. We are the only education program in the country given clearance by the Metropolitan Opera to present this abbreviated one hour and 50 minute production. Connections: music, social studies and language arts
La Boheme
The Metropolitan Opera
September 2008
We are fortunate to have also been given permission to present the High Definition Video of Puccini's great favorite, La Bohéme. In this iconic production by Franco Zeffirelli, young maestro Nicola Luisotti conducts a star-studded cast led by Angela Gheorghiu as Mimí and Ramón Vargas as Rodolfo. Seeing the full performance of this opera will be an outstanding experience for students of all ages. Connections: language arts and music, social studies
Rachmaninov featuring Andre Watts, Piano; Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
September 2008
The Piano Concerto No. 2, one of Rachmaninov's enduring favorites, is performed by the award-winning pianist André Watts, who is one of today's most beloved superstars. Music Director Miguel Harth-Bedoya and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra continue to expand students' understanding and appreciation of the music of great composers. Connections: social studies, language arts and reading/writing, world history, music
The Crucible; Stage West
October 2008
Because all high school juniors and AP history students study The Crucible , we will present five days of performances in McDavid Studio and onstage at Bass Hall. For more than 25 years this local professional theater company has been recognized for its excellent productions. Jerry Russell, founder and producing director of Stage West, and his talented cast are certain to bring a new perception to this American classic. Connections: language arts and reading comprehension, theater
The Comedy of Errors; Aquila Theatre Company
November 2008
Aquila is the foremost producer of touring classical theatre in the United States . The company of British and American artists is dedicated to bringing the greatest theatrical works to people everywhere – presenting regular seasons in New York , international festivals and tours to towns and cities across America . Their production of The Comedy of Errors has been hailed as an exuberant and farcical tour de force that shouldn't be missed. Connections: language arts and reading comprehension, theater
For more information about programming...
please submit a Request Form (Adobe Acrobat .PDF format) or contact Clint Dawley, Assistant Director of Education, at cdawley@basshall.com.
To view study guides for these programs, click HERE.
