The key to appreciating opera is to gain some understanding and insight before you attend a performance. This strategy fits nicely with Nancy Potter 's Advance Placement English Literature class at Newport High. Her students study a time period and a literature style linked to the current opera. Excitement and interest heighten as the performance date approaches. Last year they enhanced their study of Christopher Marlow with the opportunity to view Faust.
Teachers find it a great multi-disciplinary opportunity.
Since most operas are presented in Italian or German, world language teachers take advantage and prepare their students to appreciate the richness of the language. Students of music can appreciate opera on yet another level. Even the Newport business class got in on the act, analyzing the budget it takes to put on such a production and the reasons ticket prices need to be so high. It's just a wonderful experience for kids. My students come away with a far greater appreciation for opera.