"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