“Read Along, Sing a Song” Brings Books to Life through the Arts

Florida Grand Opera (FGO) continues to solidify its commitment to education and the community by partnering with the Miami-Dade Public Library System to offer a FREE literacy program running through the 2011-2012 season.

The “Read Along, Sing a Song” program is designed for children ages five through eight, walking them through a pre-selected story and incorporating elements from different artistic disciplines found within opera. As the children read, they may be instructed to pick up an instrument, follow a dance or sing to a melody during a high point of the story, making reading even more engaging and fun.

The sessions will be led by FGO’s Teaching Artists, Julia Swindoll and Kyaunnee Richardson. Swindoll, or “Miss Julie”, is an enthusiastic educator and musician certified to work with children ages birth through five and will soon complete her Bachelor in K-12 Music Education from Florida International University. Richardson is an undergraduate in her senior year at New World School of the Arts College and studies opera and vocal performance.

Designed to cater to underserved communities, the program is offered at no cost at libraries in Miami-Dade. To maximize the learning experience, sessions are limited to 25 children each. Reservations can be made in advance by contacting FGO Education Manager, Cerise Sutton, at csutton@fgo.org or 305-854-1643 ext. 1100. For specific dates and other details, see the table below or visit www.FGO.org/education.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY:

Date
Time
Program

11/12/2011
2pm-3pm
“Possum Come a-Knockin” by Nancy Van Laan
Main Library, 101 W Flagler St., Miami, FL 33130

12/10/2011
3pm-4pm
“The Nutcracker” illustrated by Alison Jay
Hispanic Branch, 1398 SW 1 St., Miami, FL 33135

1/28/2012
2pm-3pm
“What a Wonderful World” by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele
South Miami Branch, 6000 Sunset Dr., Miami, FL 33143

2/22/2012
6:30pm-7:30pm
“Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears” as told by Verna Aardema
Naranja Branch, 14850 SW 280 St., Naranja, FL 33032

3/17/2012
1pm-2pm
“Tim O’Toole and the Wee Folk” an Irish tale by Gerald McDermott
Golden Glades Branch, 100 NE 166 St., Miami, FL 33162

4/21/2012
TBD
“Little Red Riding Hood”
Pinecrest Branch, 5835 SW 111 St., Pinecrest, FL 33156

BROWARD COUNTY:

Date
Time
Program

11/19/2011
11:30am-12pm
“Little Red Riding Hood”
Southwest Regional Library, 16835 Sheridan Street, Pembroke Pines, FL 33331

12/3/2011
11am-12pm
“The Nutcracker” illustrated by Alison Jay
Lauderhill Towne Centre Library, 6399 W. Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderhill, FL 33313

1/21/2012
11am-12pm
“What a Wonderful World” by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele
Tamarac Library, 8701 W. Commercial Blvd., Tamarac, FL 33351

2/4/2012
11am-12pm
“Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears” as told by Verna Aardema
North Lauderdale Saraniego Branch, 6901 Kimberly Blvd. North Lauderdale, FL 33068

3/3/2012
11am-12pm
“Tim O’Toole and the Wee Folk” an Irish tale as told by Gerald McDermott
Miramar Branch Library, 2050 Civic Center Place, Miramar, FL 33025

4/28/2012
11am-12pm
“Papageno”
South Regional Library, 7300 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL. 33024