The Penn State School of Music will present two family-friendly performances this fall designed to bring live music and social-emotional learning into classrooms and concert halls, psu.edu reported.
Penn State Opera will present “Dragon’s Breath,” a modern opera composed by Evan Mack with a libretto by Joshua McGuire, created for elementary-aged audiences. The approximately 50-minute production follows 11-year-old Alan as he learns to navigate anger, represented through the image of a dragon, and explores emotional awareness, empathy, perseverance and self-confidence. Designed for students in grades two through five, the portable production features four vocal performers and a pianist, making it well suited for school settings, according to psu.edu.
Penn State music education students will supply classroom resources and interactive activities tied to social-emotional learning goals, allowing teachers to continue discussions and reflection with students after the performance. The opera is touring local elementary schools from November through December, with free admission for families.
The Penn State Symphonic Wind Ensemble, directed by Professor Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin, will also present “Critters, Creatures, and Tall Tales: A Hero’s Journey,” an immersive concert featuring music inspired by adventure, folklore and the natural world. Horn professor Sarah Schouten will perform Elizabeth Raum’s horn concerto, “Sherwood Legend,” portraying multiple heroic characters. The performance combines musical storytelling with an imaginative exploration of characters and places, offering families an opportunity to experience a live wind ensemble concert together, psu.edu reported.
For more information, visit psu.edu.