Tulsa Opera Performs Outer Space Show Second Graders

Hundreds of second graders got the chance to listen to a performance by Tulsa Opera at school Monday.

The opera was about outer space and celebrating your differences, and the kids even got to practice their own opera skills.

"I didn't know that they could sing so high!” said Maylett Rios, who is in the second grade.

The second graders not only learned about the opera, but they also got to learn about outer space.

"Saw an alien, two astronauts, and the Earth!" said Rios.

The show was called “Space Encounters,” and 2nd graders from every elementary school in Tulsa Public Schools will get to come and watch this week.The students listened to the performance and even had to put their singing skills to the test to get the astronauts home. Teachers say for many kids, financial difficulties can keep them from ever seeing an opera live, so this performance was special.

"These kinds of field trips are probably the only time they will go to any type of performance like this,” said Allison Burscough, a music teacher at Springdale Elementary School. “And it's honestly awesome that we get to provide them with this type of opportunity."

Maddie Breedlove, who was one of the opera performers, said she loves being able to get out there with the kids and have some fun.

"In instances like this, we get to sing opera but in a fun, goofy, I get to express myself in a silly way," said Breedlove.

Breedlove says music is full of life lessons and hopes the kids learn that it’s important to try new things.

"Singing, expressing yourself, being goofy, making mistakes, is all a part of life, and music can help you through so many things,” said Breedlove. “And you can learn things as crazy as the moon and going through space and discovering aliens!"

By Wednesday, every TPS second-grade student will have watched the show.