Opera and storytelling came alive for over 100 primary students at the Geelong Big Day of Learning on 7 November, 2024. Held at Platform Arts on Wadawurrung Country, this multi-school event celebrated creativity, collaboration, and the transformative power of arts education.

The Song Room’s Geelong Big Day of Learning introduced students from Geelong East Primary School and Grovedale West Primary School to the dynamic world of opera. Guided by acclaimed soprano Ali McGregor and her team from FLUXUS, students were introduced to the storytelling potential of opera. The day provided interactive and engaging activities where students crafted their own narratives, lyrics, and props for a 15-minute opera. Additionally, it offered a unique performance opportunity for students to work alongside professional and emerging industry artists.

Hosted by The Song Room, the event connected students, schools, and professional artists, offering a hands-on experience in artistic discovery and collaborative creation.

Discovering the Magic of Opera

With Ali McGregor and her team leading the charge, students explored vocal techniques, devised narratives, and co-created lyrics and props. Guided by professional and emerging performers, the young participants gained firsthand experience in an art form that many were encountering for the first time.

For McGregor, a champion of making opera accessible, the day was about more than music. “Opera is storytelling at its most dramatic and heartfelt,” she said. “Introducing children to this art form opens up their creativity in ways they may never have imagined.”

Hands-On Arts Learning

The day was structured around two interactive sessions, allowing students to explore various aspects of opera creation. Groups collaborated on writing lyrics, designing costumes, and then rehearsing movements for a 15-minute performance. By the end of the day, the children were not just spectators but active contributors to a vibrant opera showcase.

Through these workshops, students experienced the joy of teamwork and creative expression. As one participant enthusiastically shared, “Arts learning helps me be the best me I can be!”

Reflecting on the success of the Big Day of Learning, one principal remarked, “This event is a testament to the power of the arts to bring people together, inspire confidence, and nurture creativity in young minds.”

As the final notes of the student-led opera echoed through Platform Arts, it was clear: when young minds engage in the arts, they create something far greater than a performance—they create lasting connections and lifelong memories.

Building Confidence and Connection

More than just a creative outlet, the Big Day of Learning highlighted the importance of arts in education. Research consistently shows that engaging with the arts builds social and emotional skills, enhances confidence, and fosters a sense of community—outcomes vividly demonstrated throughout the day.

A Special Thanks

The event was also an opportunity for local organizations like the Anthony Costa Foundation and the Geelong Community Foundation to showcase their support for arts education. Their backing underscores the value of initiatives that connect students with the broader community through creative learning experiences.

The day’s success wouldn’t have been possible without these valued partners and the contributions of many others, including our friends from the JB Hi-Fi Helping Hands team in Geelong, who volunteered their time and expertise to capture the event through stunning photography.

Arts Education for the Future

As schools prepare for 2025, The Song Room invites principals to explore how an arts learning program can transform their schools. Program information can be found here.

The Song Room’s Arts and Wellbeing program is gaining attention in Victoria. Accessible through the Victorian Mental Health Menu, the program helps to enrich students’ learning by teaching social and emotional skills to support student wellbeing and mental health. Victorian government schools are able to access fully-funded programs through Victorian Mental Health. All the information you need to register for 2025 can be found at songroom.org.au/mental-health.

Read about The Song Room’s Big Days of Learning in Perth, WA, Limestone Coast, SA, and Bankstown, NSW.