Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

6/8/07

NEWS RELEASE
Auburn School District Music Teacher Wins
Seattle Opera Distinction

On May 3, Rhonda Whalen, the music teacher at Pioneer Elementary School, was awarded with a distinction of excellence in cultural education by Seattle Opera at the “Crown-Donors” dinner and dress rehearsal of “La Boheme.”

Ms. Whalen received the honor for her participation in the Seattle Opera’s “Opera Goes to School” program, and for her perseverance in broadening children’s knowledge of vocal and instrumental music and opera, especially for those students who may never have the opportunity to see a live opera.

Seattle Opera’s “Opera Goes to School” program has visited Pioneer Elementary School twice. The first workshop date occurred from February 14-17, 2006. The fifth grade students performed “The Theft of the Gold” with seven of the opera’s singers. It is an adaptation of Richard Wagner’s “Das Rhinegold.” The same opera was performed again the week of February 13-16, 2007, with Pioneer’s fifth graders.

Ms. Whalen has taught the entire student body about the elements of opera including: drama, character motifs, vocal ranges and qualities, foreign language, and orchestra.

For more information contact Amy Spence, public information officer, at 253-931-4713.