This article suggests that teachers make use of the special student performances offered by many city opera companies. It discusses advantages and disadvantages of these programs and what the teacher might expect of them. The educational programs of 22 American opera companies are described. Part of a theme issue on opera. (SJL)

Investigated the contribution of daytime television soap operas to the perception of the roles of single mothers. Findings reveal there is a perception that single mothers have good jobs, are well educated, are not poverty prone, have healthy babies, and have men friends who provide their children with love. The problem of adolescents and gender…

Create Your Own is a month-long artist residency that introduces children to opera as a method of spinning a tale rather than as elitist, high-brow art. Students create their own opera company and are involved in every stage of the process from writing the story and music to building the set and making the costumes. (TD)

Describes a study that tested whether the accessibility of information in memory mediates the cultivation effect (the effect of television viewing on social perceptions), consistent with the availability heuristic. Shows that heavy viewers gave higher frequency estimates (cultivation effect) and responded faster (accessibility effect) than did…

Studies sexual morality in one year of programing of the soap opera "All My Children." Reconceptualizes definitions of inappropriate sexual behavior to deemphasize marital status. Examines use of force in sexual contact. Finds that men, often heroes, engage in and are rewarded for aggressive sexual behavior in spite of women's protests.…

Presents ideas for a special unit about opera that can be used in high school or college Italian courses. Offers a rationale for using opera, discusses opera in terms of multiple intelligences, explains the integration of an opera unit into regular curriculum, and describes how to develop an opera unit and what concepts to teach. (SM)

Data gleaned from the 1982, 1985, and 1992 Surveys of Public Participation in the Arts (SPPAs) were used in this analysis of participation in opera and musical theater/operetta. Findings indicate that opera is the least popular of the fine arts, being the least frequented and the least selected as an activity respondents would like to attend more…

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 18 titles are as follows: (1) Physical and Oral Behaviors of the Solo Interpretive Performer; (2) Music in English Children's Drama; (3) Playwriting in the Maritime Provinces: 1845-1903; (4) Dance in Denver's Pioneer Theatres:…

Artist-teachers, administrators, and other educators will find the elementary and secondary guidelines useful in formulating the objectives and methods of teaching the performing arts. The underlying assumption is that providing children with opportunities to observe, listen, and react to exciting performances leads to educational experiences,…

This secondary level Quinmester course is designed to teach the principal types of vocal, instrumental, and operatic compositions of the Romantic period through listening to the styles of different composers and acquiring recognition of their works. The course is intended for students who have participated in fine or performing arts and for pupils…

This paper outlines the fourth-year film appreciation course at Rand College of Education in Johannesburg, South Africa, designed to develop a greater critical awareness in students so they are able to distinguish between good and mediocre film and video material. Some attempt is made to establish what qualifies material to be regarded as…

Discusses the production of the opera, "The Mikado," a joint venture between a junior high school vocal department and a professional opera company. Explains funding, student casting, rehearsals, and other details of production. Concludes with the results of the performance, including the community response and student improvements in musical…

Children can complement all areas of their language learning with music, and can enhance their musical activities with language. Opportunities to experience sounds, language, and rhythmic movement support the learning and development of the whole child. Activities dealing with children's books that have musical themes, song picture books, and…

Although the difficulties encountered during the first half of the twentieth century by such singers as Paul Robeson, Marian Anderson, and Roland Hayes are history, the recent struggles of black classical singers for recognition illustrate current barriers. Several prominent black opera and concert artists recount their experiences. (SLD)

Discusses the collaboration between an art and a music teacher whose seventh grade students wrote an opera based on the children's story "The Egyptian Cinderella." Addresses familiarizing students with composing music, student roles, and writing the compositions. Provides helpful hints and considers the benefits of this project. (CMK)