Don't forget that the parents attending may have ideas for how to keep the topics fresh and interesting. Let them openly discuss how they'd like to see the format of the workshops progress. The Complete MI Book . Scholastic Professional Books, 1998. I have already thought of the pop music connection, such as rap.
Many students can relate to the story-like qualities found in some of the better rap songs.
If they're not particularly interested in Aida , they might search for another opera that sparks their interest. Comparing musical styles between two different soloists performing the same opera by using a Venn-diagram might be another option. Local colleges and university theater departments frequently offer fine arts performances like these. You might even wish to contact a local theater or music department to see if a graduate student would consider coming in to talk with your students about opera. I've also seen secondary schools present opera through a format called The Six Thinking Hats developed by Edward DeBono.