Photo: Brooks Peterson
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Opera Composer and Librettist Collaborate with University Opera Theatre Anna DeGraff (M.M., 2010; D.M.A. candidate, voice/opera, student of John De Haan and David Walsh) performed the role of Sharon Falconer in the University Opera Theatre’s fall 2010 production of Robert Aldridge’s new opera based on novelist Sinclair Lewis’s novel Elmer Gantry. With this production, University Opera Theatre students had the unique experience of working closely with the opera’s composer Robert Aldridge and librettist Herschel Garfein, who traveled from New York City to the School of Music to attend rehearsals and performances of Elmer Gantry. On working with Aldridge and Garfein, DeGraff says, “It was incredible to hear about my character directly from the people who put her on the page. I was able to read the book and see the movie before working on the opera, but I loved hearing Bob and Herschel speak about their reasons for including each element and scene. Knowing what the music and the dramatic action were meant to tell the audience about a character, or how that scene was essential to the story, really helped me gain a more comprehensive understanding of the piece generally, and of my character specifically. When going from book to opera, Bob and Herschel had to choose which characters to include, which scenes to use, etc. Now when I look at my character in each opera, I am not only looking at the personal side (Who am I? What are my motivations?), but about the overall picture. What does my character do for the story? For the message?”
Aldridge and Garfein will return again this year for University Opera Theatre’s MinneLeft to right: Anna DeGraff, Herschel Garfein, Bergen Baker, sota premiere of Robert Aldridge, and Reyna Sawtell. their work Parables in November 2011 (see calendar, page 21 for details) and DeGraff is hoping to be a part of the cast and to work with them again. She shares, “I’m really looking forward to their extended visit and, if I’m cast in a piece they’ve created, to really creating a deeper character with their input. Nothing compares to being able to speak directly with the people who are so creative, so intelligent, and so essential to this art form!” University Opera Theatre director David Walsh says, “The Parables premiere this spring will continue the important connection we’ve made with Bob and Herschel. The students are gaining a new perspective on the work that not only goes into performing opera, but also creating opera. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students. This production of Parables and the CIRI workshop with them is an ongoing partnership in support of the development of new American opera, which I see as the mission of University Opera Theatre.”
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY
Music Therapy Students Work with Local Medical Clinics and his social interactions. After pursing a bachelor’s of music in violin performance from Florida Southern College, she found herself still drawn to using music as a therapeutic tool, and when she found the SOM’s program, she knew it was a good fit.
During her high school years, Liz Stephanz (master’s equivalency candidate, music therapy, student of Michael Silverman) taught violin lessons to a young boy with learning disabilities. They started with five-minute lessons and gradually progressed to hour-long sessions. She and his parents were pleased with the effect that music had on his ability to focus, which improved both his grades
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University of Minnesota School of Music
She says the focus on research and real world skills drew her to the program. Last fall she presented her and her colleague’s research on Autism and music therapy techniques in a poster session at the annual Music Therapy Associations Conference in Cleveland, OH. “I was nervous, being approached by other professionals in the field, but they were so encouraging and so happy that we were doing this research,” she said about the experience. She says that one of the keys of this program is getting opportunities to work with real
people, including an emphasis on internships, clinicals, and research opportunities. Recently she took part in an experimental study to learn about the effects of music in clinic waiting rooms, playing her guitar in a clinic near campus. Although she was nervous at first, she was encouraged by those singing along and making requests as well as the obvious enjoyment of the staff and nurses who listened in. Now preparing for her final year in the program, she is excited about her numerous career options. She is passionate about helping children with Autism, but with the many connections she has made through the program, she is open to any opportunities that may come her way.
Story and photo by Manon Ibes.