OPERA IN SCHOOLS 


This may look like a typical elementary school gym in Kentucky...but if you listen closely...
You'll realize opera...not basketball...takes center stage here...
The UK Opera Theatre performs 'Monkey See Monkey Do' at schools across the state for one important reason.
SOT Dr. Everett McCorvey: "We want to encourage the kids to encourage the parents to be more involved in the arts so that the entire family is participating."
For members of the cast...this outreach is a chance to cater to a very different audience.
SOT Christopher Baker "It's a different energy than an audience in an auditorium or a theatre, they've never seen anything like this."
And those students give rave reviews
SOT Thomas Hafley "I think I just liked it because they did such good acting
...which is also music... 

...to organizers' ears...
SOT Dr. Everett McCorvey:  "The wonder of the kids is just amazing..." 
A reaction that could also help UK's quest to become a top 20 public research university
SOT  Dr. Everett McCorvey: "A thriving, creative culture...is a part of the Top 20 formula.  What we want to do the in the Commonwealth of Kentucky is make sure that every student and every family throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky has access to the arts."
...an impact that will last long after music comes to an end...
From the University of Kentucky I'm Amy Jones
####