The GrandKids Arts Education Series offers rich learning opportunities for young people through exposure to professional music, dance, and theatre performances in Macon’s historic Grand Opera House. The arts education program was created by Mercer University in 1996 and enrolled all Bibb County fourth graders. The program has since expanded and brings in elementary, middle and high school students from five counties in Central Georgia.
Students enrolled in the program visit The Grand several times during the academic year, experiencing a variety of professional art forms. Prior to each visit, the students view a DVD lesson that prepares the student for the performance and connects it to appropriate grade-level curriculum. After viewing the video, students receive a GrandKids Gazette worksheet, which uses articles, puzzles and activities to offer additional insight. Teachers are also provided lesson plans that meet Georgia Performance Standards and additional online resources. This distinctive approach moves the arts beyond leisure entertainment into a vivid learning environment. After completing the video and the gazette, students are ready to attend the related performance at The Grand. At the end of the season, students are given the opportunity to create essays and artwork about their experience in the program.
The program is open to all public and private schools and primarily targets third, fourth and fifth grades. For more information or to inquire about program participation, call The Grand Opera House at (478) 301-5461.
