Virtual children’s opera takes art form to schools

“A Muskrat Lullaby,” a children’s opera written by Edward Barnes, was originally scheduled by the Music program as a touring show to visit area elementary schools this spring. The pandemic brought that plan to a screeching halt, but it didn’t deter Dr. Toni Anderson, Music Program Coordinator.

“I decided to film it,” she said. “We were very pleased with the results of our virtual Lessons and Carols, so I had a good idea how to do it.” The cast pre-recorded their performances in the studio, then staged it while masked and socially distanced. In the final production, the characters wore animal masks designed by director Eli Grant ’19 to fit over their COVID masks. They lip-synced to the pre-recorded music.

A special component of the project was the creation of an Educator’s Packet. Music Education majors Lauren Collins ’21 and Olivia White ’22 steered that initiative.

In fact, Lauren was able to contact the composer, who sent a video to introduce himself and the opera to the children,” Dr. Anderson said. “It was a wonderful addition to the production.

Links to the opera and the educator’s packet were sent to music educators in February.

Alyse Wilkerson Cross ’14 is a teacher at Hollis Hand Elementary School.

“‘A Muskrat Lullaby’ is an excellent and well put-together opera that is extremely suitable for children,” she said. “This opera, with its whimsical story and lovable characters, will be extremely useful for music educators as a valuable resource to help introduce opera to young audiences.”