"Why I sent my kids to Youth Opera Camp" A Parent's Perspective by Nanette Almeter

With the 2012 Sarasota Youth Opera Camp well underway, we thought it would be fun to let you hear about it from the perspective of those involved.  Over the next couple of weeks, watch out for posts from teachers, administrators, parents and even the campers themselves. 

Today's post comes from Nanette Almeter, a Youth Opera parent whose kids are first time campers, talking about why she decided to send her kids to camp. 

My daughter, Natalie, appeared in the youth chorus of Carmen this past winter season at the Sarasota Opera. It was certainly one of the most special and memorable times in her life thus far. Her little brother, Grayson, came to one of her performances and enjoyed it so much - as I think most children would if given the opportunity. The opera is truly magical, whether you're in the production or in the audience. After such a great experience, we all thought that joining the Youth Opera and becoming part of that magic would be a wonderful idea. Since the Youth Opera season doesn't start up again until August, the Summer Camp sounded like a good way to fill in the gap, have some fun, and really delve into the world of opera, behind the scenes.

After only three days into this summer's Sarasota Youth Opera Camp, I can say that we're so glad to have signed up and joined in the fun! Already, the children are learning about the history of opera and it's composers and librettists, toured the Opera House, and taken part in acting and improvisation classes. Each day, they're continuing to learn the art of singing in a chorus and also rehearsing music from the upcoming children's opera production of Little Nemo in Slumberland, a world-premiere commissioned piece to be presented at the Sarasota Opera House this November. Add to that, a trip to the library to discuss writers, poets and the inspiration for operatic works and a trip to a nearby bookstore to peruse the latest offerings for ideas.

Each day holds new surprises and adventures: today included a trip to the wig and make-up department, where the children observed one of the "campers" being transformed into an elderly man before their eyes. They've also begun watching a recorded Met performance of Rigoletto, an opera which will also be featured at the Sarasota Opera House this Fall. With all of this and more in just the first few days of camp, I can't imagine how much more they will learn and grow in appreciation of great music, acting and singing in the remaining two and a half weeks! Each member of the staff is an exceptional artist, aside from being fun, kind and truly caring. The only thing that would improve this years Opera Camp for me is if my daughter had been able to attend, but she had a previous obligation out of state. She's still keeping up with the daily camp events, however, through her brother and other friends at camp, but she'd love to be there!

Thank you, Sarasota Youth Opera, for this fantastic opportunity. Sincerely, Nanette Almeter

Sarasota Youth Opera on the Road to Naples!

Ever wonder what life is like for a performer on the road? Sarasota Youth Opera member Syler Stahlmann offers us a first hand account of a day in the life of a youth opera performer when the Sarasota Youth Opera traveled to Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts for a performance of George Bizet's CARMEN with Sarasota Opera.

It’s been a long day, but I enjoyed every minute of it. I would willingly do it again. Here is my adventure in Naples.

After hard days at the Opera House of practicing and preparing for the show, I was very excited to finally preform the show. We worked very hard, and learned a great amount about rests, music, and French. I think everybody was thrilled to be able to put it all to use.

Our bus ride was long and fun at the same time, I got to talk to friends and catch up on how everything was going. We were able to watch movies, and I even beat my high score on Temple Run. But the fun had yet to begin.

Sarasota Youth Opera on the road to Naples

We arrived at the theatre, unpacked our stuff, took a tour of the theatre, and ate our packed dinners. There was still time to kill before the show, so we took a trip to the mall across the street. I never saw a mall like this, it was out doors, and you walked into the shops. It was like a little town, but as I had said before, the fun had yet to begin.

Wig times were coming up soon, so we made our way back to our dressing rooms, put on our makeup, and went to get our wigs on. Maestro Jesse warmed us up, then came the highlight of my night. I waited backstage for my entrance and kept going through my words, and tapped the rhythm into my head so I would not forget it. Said a silent prayer and hopped on stage.

Members of the Youth Opera Chorus getting ready to go on stage for a production of CARMEN

It felt amazing to actually be able to perform my favorite Opera for a large crowd. The orchestra was great, Maestro DeRenzi was very helpful when it came to rhythm (A place we struggled before) and most of all, us, we did great and wowed the crowd. We exited the stage and went back to our dressing rooms. After we dressed in our own clothes, we waited for our next entrance in Act four, so there was about a two hour wait. During this time I worked on some school work, read a book, played on ipod’s and ipads, and hung out with some friends. Two hours went by quickly, I was dressed, had my wig changed and backstage in no time. After the act everyone got on stage for the bow.

The fun had ended faster than I thought, and I was sad to leave and have to go home. Naples was so much fun. I have to say though; our Opera house is way more fun.

-Skyler Stahlmann, Youth Opera Chorus Member

For more information on the Sarasota Youth Opera Program and Summer Camp 2012, contact Ben Plocher, Youth Opera Coordinator, at (941) 366-8450, ext. 249

Sarasota Youth Opera Packs the House for Annual Holiday Concert

On Sunday, December 11, 2011, the Sarasota Youth Opera Preparatory Chorus and Full Chorus packed the house for their annual Holiday Concert at the Whitfield Presbyterian Church in Sarasota, Florida.

Dave Braun, Music Director of Whitfield Presbyterian Church, welcomed the audience made up of Sarasota Youth Opera Supporters, family, friends and fans. Under the direction of Maestro Jesse Martins, Youth Opera Music Director, Ben Plocher, Youth Opera and Outreach Coordinator, the Full Chorus and Preparatory Chorus presented an hour long program of opera choruses, folk songs and holiday favorites. As a special treat, Youth Opera parents were invited to join the choruses for a singing of Stephen Foster's "Beautiful Dreamer" as well as the Christmas classic "Why can't we have Christmas the whole year around?". Maestro Kristen Kemp expertly accompanied both groups on the piano.



Dave Braun, Music Director of Whitfield Presbyterian Church, welcomed the audience as well as offered a special thanks to Executive Director, Susan Danis.


The Full Chorus opened the concert with choruses from Leoncavallo's opera Pagliacci and Weber's opera Oberon.


The Preparatory Chorus followed with charming folk songs performed from memory



Sarasota Opera Individual Giving Officer, Andrea Gartner, joined the Preparatory Chorus on the oboe


Here are a few more pictures from yesterday's wonderful concert:















The applause was abundant for these young performers and the audience left with smiles on their faces and a holiday song in their heart. Bravi to Maestro Martins, Ben Plocher, Maestro Kemp and especially to each and every member of the Sarasota Youth Opera for all of their hard work!

OPEN CASTING CALL!

Sarasota Opera is hosting an open casting call to find children, ages 8 and up, to participate in the Children’s Chorus of our Winter 2012 production of Bizet’s Carmen on Thursday, November 3 from 6:45pm – 7:45pm in the Pavilion building adjacent to the Sarasota Opera House. Acceptance is based off audition and availability. Selected singers will be given the opportunity to perform on the Sarasota Opera mainstage in full costume and make-up alongside professional opera singers. Availability days (minimal), evenings and weekends is required however rehearsals and performances are not daily.

Sarasota Opera is seeking children who are:

• Ages 8 and up
• Ideal height is no taller than 5 feet, 5 inches but other heights will be considered
• Disciplined and can quickly follow direction
• Note: girls must be willing to dress as a boy

At the audition, Maestro Jesse Martins, Youth Opera Music Director, will first teach the group an excerpt from the children’s chorus part in Carmen and then listen to each singer individually. Callbacks with Maestro Victor DeRenzi, Artistic Director, will be held on Monday, November 14 at 5:30pm. Music rehearsals will begin in December and continue until staging rehearsals start on January 14^th, 2012. There will be a total of 12 performances from February 2^nd through March 24^th. Two performances will be weekday matinees. Please visit www.sarasotaopera.org for a complete listing of performances.

If you would like your child to be considered for this unique opportunity, RSVP to the Youth Opera Coordinator via email bplocher@sarasotaopera.org or at 941-366-8450, ext. 249.

What: Open Call for Sarasota Opera 2012 Winter Season Children’s Chorus

When: Tuesday, November 3, 2011 at 6:45pm.

Where: Pavilion Building adjacent to the Sarasota Opera House: 61 North Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236

Contact: Ben Plocher, Youth Opera & Outreach Coordinator at (941) 366-8450, ext. 249 or bplocher@sarasotaopera.org

SARASOTA YOUTH OPERA NOW ENROLLING FOR THE 2011-2012 SEASON

Sarasota, FL – Entering its 28th year, the Sarasota Youth Opera program, the most comprehensive program of its kind in the United States, is now open for enrollment for the 2011-2012 Season for new and returning young singers ages 8 – 18. Enrollment night for returning singers will happen on Tuesday, August 30th from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm and Enrollment Night for new singers will happen on Thursday, September 1st from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm, both at the Sarasota Opera House. Rehearsals will begin the following week.

During the Fall and Winter season, the Sarasota Youth Opera will perform in outreach concerts throughout the community as well as participate in a special concert with the Sarasota Opera Apprentice Artists on March 10, 2012. In addition, Youth Opera members will be eligible to audition for the children’s chorus in Sarasota Opera’s Winter Festival productions of Georges Bizet’s Carmen and Giuseppe Verdi’s Otello. This season promises to be particularly exciting as Sarasota Opera welcomes the new Youth Opera and Outreach Coordinator, Ben Plocher, and the new Youth Opera Music Director, Jesse Martins, in addition to preparations for a world premiere piece presented by the Sarasota Youth Opera in the fall of 2012. Details to be released shortly.

Ben Plocher, who will serve as the Youth Opera and Outreach Coordinator, holds a Bachelor of Music with honors in Vocal Performance from Butler University in addition to a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Southern Methodist University. His experience working as the Operations Manager for the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, a statewide choral organization consisting of 1,700 young singers in 15 different ensembles, immediately distinguished him as a well qualified candidate for the position. While at the Indianapolis Children’s Chorus, his primary responsibilities included community outreach, programming, advertising and the development of educational partnerships. "Sarasota Opera's commitment to educational outreach and programming provides invaluable access to the arts for the next generation of opera performers and enthusiasts”, says Mr. Plocher. “I am truly honored to be able to work alongside the Sarasota Opera team towards the fulfillment of such an auspicious, and important, mission."

Jesse Martins will also be joining the Youth Opera staff as the Youth Opera Music Director. Mr. Martins, originally from Brazil, most recently completed his Master of Arts in Collaborative Piano from Mansfield University in Mansfield, PA. Prior to that, he held the position of Assistant Music Director, Program Manager and Coach with Opera Factory in Auckland, New Zealand where his one of his primary responsibilities was the management of the Youth Program in addition to working with such noted conductors and singers such as Sir Andrew Davis, Wyn Davis, Emmanuel Joel-Hornak and soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. "I feel very humbled and excited for my new position with Sarasota Opera”, says Martins. “I'm thrilled to work with Youth Opera again and can't wait to start.” In addition to his degree from Mansfield University, Martins holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Enrollment Night is a fun opportunity for kids and families to meet the music director and program coordinator one-on-one, take a tour of the Opera House, and learn music in a mini-rehearsal (singers do not have to prepare a song for this exercise) to help determine placement between the Youth Opera Chorus and the Preparatory Choir. There will also be a parents meeting to go over specifics of the program, payment schedules, and other information.

Sarasota Youth Opera accepts all levels of talent and provides vocal and acting training. Tuition is $150 per session and scholarships are available based on financial need. Tuition can be paid via check, credit card or the administration can work with you to create a payment plan. The Fall Session will begin in September and the Spring Session begins in early January and end in mid May.

To sign up for either of the enrollment night, call (941) 366-8450, ext. 249.

Youth Opera members to perform in La bohème

Youth Opera members rehearsing the street scene in Act II of La bohème, which opens Feb. 5.

Youth Opera members in La bohème take time  to talk with stage director Stephanie Sundine.

American Spiritual Ensemble to Perform at Sarasota Opera House

The American Spiritual Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Everett McCorvey will perform two concerts in the William E. Schmidt Opera Theater of the Sarasota Opera House on Sunday, December 5, 2010. The concert, in addition to the elegant dinner following the evening performance, has been graciously sponsored by Bill and Casiana Schmidt. The purpose of this event is to honor the work of Sarasota Opera's Executive Director, Susan T. Danis, in renovating the Opera House and subsequently receiving the 2010 Florida Trust Award for Outstanding Achievement in Historic Restoration and Rehabilitation.

Because of Mr. and Mrs. Schimdt's generosity, the proceeds of the event will go toward supporting the Youth Opera's latest commission, Little Nemo in Slumberland, and rewarding the efforts of the opera staff.

The American Spiritual Ensemble is dedicated to preserving the American Negro Spiritual. Among its members are several soloists who have performed around the globe with their personalized renditions of jazz, opera, and Broadway numbers. The Ensemble also has recorded four CDs and is featured in the 2007 PBS documentary "The Spirituals." Members of the ensemble have sing in theaters and opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and abroad in Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Japan.

The video below contains some information about ASE.

Tickets are available now from the Box Office, by phone at 941.366.8450 ext. 1, or online at www.sarasotaopera.org. The matinée tickets are priced at $15 for general admission. Evening concert tickets are priced from $25 to $75 and the dinner is $150 per person.

We hope to see you there!

http://www.sarasotaopera.org/ASE.aspx