While listening to Grand Canyon Suite by Ferde Grofé, opera company members drew pictures, stories and varied images that entered their minds. Some had entire narratives taking shape on the page. Others created descriptive sensory images through pictures and words. We extended the imaginative session as an introduction to lighting design.

Using flashlights, hand made footlights from previous opera companies and an assortment of lamps, students designed and executed a lighting plan to accompany the music. With no adult direction, twenty-five students collaborated in silence to illuminate a composition they had heard only once. Many discovered a new interest or talent that day. I observed a heightened awareness of interdependence. What do you see?