Carole Boston Weatherford: Using Black Music & Children's Literature To Teach Social Justice

Carole Boston Weatherford's book "Leontyne Price: Voice of a Century" is a children's biography about the renowned opera singer Leontyne Price. Here are some K-12 background knowledge topics that can enhance the reading and understanding of the book:

Opera: Introduce students to the art form of opera, its origins, key composers, famous operas, and the role of singers, such as Leontyne Price, in this genre.
Civil Rights Movement: Provide an overview of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, including key events, leaders, and the fight for equal rights and opportunities for African Americans.

Music Appreciation: Introduce students to classical music, including different composers, musical periods, and famous compositions. Play excerpts from Leontyne Price's performances and discuss her vocal techniques.

African American Spirituals: Explore the history and significance of African American spirituals, which were an integral part of Leontyne Price's repertoire. Discuss the themes, melodies, and cultural importance of these songs.

Operatic Voice Training: Discuss the training and preparation required to become an opera singer. Explain vocal techniques, the importance of proper breathing, and the challenges opera singers face in maintaining their voices.

Visual and Performing Arts: Encourage students to explore various forms of artistic expression, including visual arts, music, dance, and theater. Discuss the interplay between these art forms and how they influence and inspire one another.

Marian Anderson: a pioneering African American contralto, widely regarded as one of the greatest classical singers of the 20th century. She broke racial barriers as the first African American to perform at prestigious venues like the Metropolitan Opera in New York City and the White House.

Mississippi Delta: often referred to as the "Birthplace of the Blues," is a region located in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Mississippi. This area is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and contributions to American music. Its fertile soil created by centuries of flooding from the Mississippi River, which has made it an agricultural hub for cotton and other crops.

Sharecropping: a labor system that emerged in the southern United States after the Civil War, particularly during the Reconstruction era and lasting well into the 20th century. Sharecropping perpetuated economic inequality and limited opportunities for upward mobility for many African Americans and poor farmers.

Primary Discussions Questions

• What are some of the challenges or obstacles that Leontyne Price faced on her journey to becoming an opera singer? How did she overcome them?

• How does the book portray Leontyne Price's talent and determination? What actions or decisions did she make that demonstrate her dedication to her craft?

• In what ways did Leontyne Price's success in the opera world break down barriers for African American artists? Why is her achievement important in the context of African American history and representation?

• How does the book emphasize the theme of perseverance? What specific examples or events illustrate Price's perseverance in pursuing her dreams?

• What impact did Leontyne Price have on the world of opera? How did her performances and collaborations shape the art form and inspire others?

• What qualities or values can they learn from Leontyne Price?

Secondary Discussion Questions

• How does the book explore the intersection of art and social activism in Leontyne Price's life? What were some of the ways she used her platform to promote social change?

• What challenges did Leontyne Price face as an African American woman pursuing a career in opera during a time of racial segregation? How did she overcome these challenges?

• How did Leontyne Price's performances at the Metropolitan Opera break down racial barriers in the world of classical music?

• In what ways did Leontyne Price use her platform and voice for social activism? Would you say she contributed to the civil rights movement? If so, how?

• Discuss the significance of Leontyne Price's legacy in the world of opera and the broader context of African American achievement.

• How did Leontyne Price's upbringing and early experiences influence her passion for music and her determination to succeed?

• Biography Exploration: Have students conduct research on other influential African American figures who were firsts in the field of music or the arts. They can create short biographical profiles highlighting their work, achievements, and impact.
• Artistic Interpretation: Have students create artwork inspired by Leontyne Price's performances, the book's illustrations, or the themes presented in the story. They can use various mediums such as painting, drawing, or collage to express their artistic interpretations.
• Historical Context Collage: Ask students to create a collage that depicts the historical context of Leontyne Price's life and career. They can include images, newspaper clippings, and captions to showcase significant events and cultural elements from that time period.
• Creative Writing: Encourage students to write a short story or a diary entry from the perspective of Leontyne Price during a significant moment in her life. They can demonstrate their understanding of her experiences and emotions.
• Music Genre Exploration: Introduce students to opera and its characteristics.
• Discuss how Leontyne Price's career spanned classical opera and spirituals, and have students compare and contrast these genres using audio samples.
• Interview a Singer: Invite a local professional singer or vocal coach to the classroom for a Q&A session. Students can prepare questions in advance about vocal techniques, pursuing a career in music, or overcoming challenges in the field.

Activities Based on Aida

• Libretto Analysis: Divide students into small groups and provide them with excerpts from the libretto of "Aida." Have them analyze the text, discussing the characters, plot, and emotions expressed.
• Discuss the themes of Aida
• Design Opera Costumes: Have students create their own costume designs for the characters in "Aida." They can research ancient Egyptian attire and incorporate elements that reflect the characters' personalities and roles. Students can present their designs and explain their choices to the class.
• Create a Musical Timeline: Have students research the history of opera and create a timeline showcasing significant composers, key works, and the development of the genre. Include Verdi and "Aida" as important milestones.
• Multimedia Presentations: Assign each student or small group a character from "Aida" and have them create multimedia presentations. They can research the character's background, motivations, and personality, and include audio or video clips of performances that showcase the character's key moments.
• Cross-Curricular Connections: Explore connections between "Aida" and other subjects. For example, in history class, students can study ancient Egypt and its influence on the opera. In literature, they can compare "Aida" to other tragic love stories. Encourage discussions and presentations that highlight these interdisciplinary connections.
• Attend a Live or Virtual Opera Performance: If feasible, arrange a field trip to a live opera performance of "Aida." Alternatively, explore opportunities to watch a recorded or live-streamed performance as a class. Afterward, facilitate a discussion about the experience and the impact of seeing the opera come to life.

Visual Literacy Questions
 

• Describe the style of Raul Colón's illustrations in "Leontyne Price: Voice of a Century." What artistic techniques does he use to bring the story to life?
• How do the illustrations contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere of the book? Are there specific scenes or moments where the illustrations particularly enhance the storytelling?
• What details does Raul Colón include to capture her presence, personality, and significance as a groundbreaking opera singer?
• Consider the use of backgrounds and settings in the illustrations. How do they contribute to the storytelling and help establish the time and place of Leontyne Price's journey?