La Opera Como Vehículo De Aprendizaje

LOVA PROJECT, OPERA AS A VEHICLE FOR LEARNING

INTRODUCTION
LOVA Project uses the process of creating an original opera as a vehicle through which to teach curriculum and essential skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century.
During an entire academic year, a class of approximately twenty-five children transforms themselves into an opera company. They create their own original opera. Theywrite the script, compose the music, make lights, design the set, build costumes and publicize the opera. When they perform, the teachers are in the audience and the students are on their own. They must solve their own problems during the actual production. The performance is an important part of the process in that it serves as the culminating experience where the children apply all that theyhave learned throughout the year. Therefore, the focus is on process, not on the artistic quality of the production itself.
The primary goal of this project is the cognitive, social and emotional development of the individual. Curriculum is integrated and woven throughout the many aspects of the creation process. The process of creation becomes the metaphor for life.
LOVA is a Project thatincorporates all disciplines of art, music, theatre, visual arts and dance.
The project is usually implemented in primary and secondary schools, but recently it has been launched in other institutions like music and dance schools, special education centres and this year, for the first time, in prison.
The project was created thirty years ago by Bruce Taylor in Seattle, Washington and shortlythereafter, teacher training for Creating Original Opera began at The Metropolitan Opera Guild. Six years ago Mary Ruth McGinn brought the project idea to Spain with the support of the SaludArte Foundation and Teatro Real in Madrid. Support for the program continues to grow as people and institutions embrace with enthusiasm this innovative way of thinking.






THE PROJECT: STEP BY STEPIt’s not Me. It’s WE!!
The first step is to create the feeling of COMPANY. This is the basis for our work. Students understand that they are a team and that everyone is important and necessary. They own their work. They decide a company name and logo which will represent them in a meaningful way.

What is an opera?
Students learn what an opera is and what they must do to create one. Theylisten to opera music, watch videos, sing opera songs and dance. We start with what students know and then conduct research that leads them to discover a new world of artistic possibility on their own.

Challenges and Connections
A big challenge is creating the opera itself, so we start by presenting smaller challenges such as cooperative games and exercises that students have to resolveas a group. After each challenge, children write a reflection to express what they are thinking and feeling about the experience. With every challenge, a metaphor emerges that is used as a reference throughout the year.

CHALLENGE OF THE CHAIRS “You are in a boat (the chairs) and you have to cross the river (the red line). No one can fall down! You have your partners and the chairs to helpyou!”




Metaphor and Connection
The metaphors play a huge role in our cognitive and reflective learning. We want to discover the deep meaning of everything. We refuse easy explanations or superficial replies. Everything is connected and applied in real world contexts.


ZIP Energy Games “We pass the energy in a circle every morning.”


Body Massage “We take care of one another.”Professions of an Opera Company
Artists and experts of the opera world visit the school and provide workshop sessions with the children. All professions are important and necessary: make-up artist, composer, writer, performer, electrician, costume designer, documentalist, public relations, set designer, stage manager and production manager.

Getting a Job
Students are eager to be hired...