Teachers as Artists: Producing an 'instant opera'

All 10 of the teachers and the principal of a small elementary school (pupils from 5 to 13 years of age) in a mid-sized city in Ontario, Canada, have been participants in a professional development and research project aimed at increasing teachers' artistic sensibilities, using the resources available in the school and in the community. The programme involves a combination of workshops and individual projects through which teachers explore various arts media and learn to play musical instruments. This paper focuses on a workshop involving the creation of an 'instant opera' that took place partway through the third year of the 4-year programme. Responses to the workshop, based on field notes and on a short questionnaire, are described. Participants claimed that the experience gave them a greater appreciation for music ensemble, increased their confidence in tackling areas they found difficult, and enhanced their appreciation for how such an experience heightens a sense of community. The paper explores the value of this kind of activity for teachers responsible for music education and for educational communities in general. The importance of ongoing professional development and school-based activities are also discussed.