Read Along, Sing a Song

Florida Grand Opera (FGO) continues to solidify its commitment to education and the community by partnering with the Miami-Dade County Public Library System to offer a FREE literacy program running through the 2014–15 season.

Director of Education at Florida Grand Opera, Cerise Sutton, says “Florida Grand Opera’s education mission is to educate, entertain, and encourage a community of opera lovers—and future opera lovers. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to do just that by stepping off of the stage and into community libraries to teach kids the importance and fun of reading.” The Read Along, Sing a Song program is designed for elementary school aged children, 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 are led by FGO’s Teaching Artist, Monica Kurtz. Ms. Kurtz is a native of South Florida and is very excited to be joining the FGO Education Department this season. “I am looking forward to sharing my love music, movement, and reading with young children across the South Florida area,” she adds.

Kurtz holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Tampa (2005) and a Masters of Music in Music Education from the University of Miami (2012). She has 10 years of experience teaching all ages, including early childhood, elementary, and high school. She is currently working as the Music Director at Mater Academy of International Studies, where she teaches students in 2nd–9th Grades. She is also an instructor with the Frost MusicTime Program at the University of Miami, a program of music learning and enjoyment for children birth to age eight.

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’s Director of Education, Cerise Sutton, at csutton@fgo.org or (305) 854-1643 ext. 1100. For specific dates and other details, see the table below.