CommercialAppeal.com: “Memphis fifth-graders stage 'Treemonisha'”

[“Caldwell-Guthrie Elementary student Mykah Moody (left) portraying 'Treemonisha,' the title character of an opera by Scott Joplin, during a dress rehearsal at Germantown United Methodist Church before performing for friends and family Friday night. The show is being presented by the fifth grade class.” (Photo by Kyle Kurlick)]

The Commercial Appeal

Memphis, Tennessee

Germantown volunteers help students bring opera to life

By Lela Garlington

Posted March 3, 2012

“Scott Joplin's 'Treemonisha' was the first operetta performed by the fifth-graders at Caldwell-Guthrie Elementary, but it may not be their last with the help of tutors and coaches from Germantown United Methodist Church. For the past three years, GUMC coaches have helped second-graders improve their reading and math skills at the Downtown school, 951 Chelsea.

“When they learned the school's principal dreamed of performing 'Treemonisha,' the church decided to perform double-duty and assist with that as well. The coaches also supplied the costumes and worked on the sets with the children.”

"'The story of 'Treemonisha' shows how education can set people free from gangs of cheaters and thieves,' Principal LaWanda Hill said. 'It talks about character and pride and how being educated is worth striving for. I loved the story the first time I read it.'" [Scott Joplin (c.1867-1917) is featured at AfriClassical.com]