History
of the Opera Program at Coe
The opera program at the
Coe Elementary school, a public school in the Queen Anne
neighborhood of Seattle, is 3 years old. The program was
started by two parents, Elizabeth and Mark Power in 2006
with the performance of Hansel and Gretel. This was
followed in the 2007 with the Magic Flute. While both of
those operas were well established pieces, they required
significant adaptations to make them work for elementary
school children. This year however will be a first, in that
we will stage an original Opera specifically written for
elementary school students and which will have its world
premiere by Coe students. This new and original Opera,
called The World Below, has been written by Mark Power and
...
Growth
of the Opera Program at Coe
The opera program itself
has steadily grown since that first performance and tries
to involve as many students and parents as possible, no
matter if you can sing or dance. As Mark likes to say, even
if you are in diapers we will find a spot for you to be
part of it! This year for the first time, besides having
students perform, there will be a significant number
joining the Tech Crew, and help with set design and build,
sound, lights and everything else which goes in to a
performance behind the scenes.
The
Opera Program within the larger Coe school
community
In addition this year
there will be even a greater integration of the Opera
within in the full school community. This through the
integration within the music program through special
educational events around the general theme of being good
stewards of our planet. While the Opera is an extra
curricular activity, and involves many dedicated parent
volunteers, it would not be possible without the unwavering
support of the school's teachers and staff.