On Saturday, October 31, the Pre-College Music Department at Howard Payne University presented “Saturday Class.” The focus of the class this year was opera.
Three different operas were studied: students in grades K-3 learned about Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, grades 4–7 listened to Mozart’s Magic Flute, and grades 8-12 were introduced to Verdi’s Aida.
The morning began with all students and parents assembled in the Choral Hall where many of the Pre-College students performed their favorite vocal and instrumental pieces. HPU Assistant Professors of Music Dr. Celeste Church and Dr. Gregory Church then told and sang the story of Mozart’s Magic Flute.
According to Diane Owens, director of the pre-college music program, “Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and gained a special knowledge about that particular opera and its characters.”
There were approximately 100 students, parents, and teachers in attendance. At the conclusion of the program everyone enjoyed a time of refreshment in the Commons area of the Davidson Music Complex. Afterwards, the students were divided into groups for their particular classes. Each group had various activities and games directed by the Pre-College Music Teachers, as well as live performances of arias by these teachers.
The Pre-College Music teachers that participated and were responsible for making the day a success were: Christopher Bell, Holly Bush, Rebecca Clark, Dr. Celeste Church, Dr. Gregory Church, Pattie Dunlap, Hilary Hogan, Tabitha Livingston, Wade Lowery, Rebekah Shaw, Rebekah Sherrod, Denise Wathen, Kaitlyn Zachary, and Diane Owens.
For information about the Pre-College Music Program at Howard Payne University, please contact Diane Owens at 649-8501,
Abbi Allen playing the piano during the HPU Pre-College Music program’s Saturday class.
HPU student Rebecca Clark and Saturday Class student Emily Beane.
Students from Kindergarten through 12th grade participated in HPU’s Saturday Class on October 31. More than 100 students, teachers and parents took part in this year’s opera themed class.
