FBN Productions, Inc. Opera for Kids

FBN promotes music-drama as an expression of human experience. Civilizations express themselves in song, word, movement & picture. Experience has been separated into concentrations: history, language, science, physical education & arts. Students rarely witness their studies in a live, interactive format. Opera combines elements to touch all of the human condition. FBN believes presenting opera in an educational environment provides a unique forum for multi-disciplinary & cross-cultural pursuits.

FBN brings together young professional opera singers and the best operas written for the young audience in mind. Whether as a resource for the classroom teacher or as an opportunity to expand students' horizons, opera can be informative, entertaining, inspirational, and just plain fun.

FBN's Touring Programs and Children's Opera Festival:
FBN's touring programs have brought the joys of operatic storytelling to children of all ages. FBN's most recent productions of "The Three Little Pigs," "All According to Taste" (a new take on Goldilocks and the Three Bears), and "Hansel and Gretel and the Case of the Deep Dark Woods" were seen by thousands of young people in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. In spring of 2024, FBN begins a new tradition - the Children's Opera Festival, which will educate and delight children from all over South Carolina. "The Red Song Bird",the newest offering by FBN, was commissioned in 2020, but was long delayed due to to the pandemic.

Advocate for new children's operas:
FBN has long been an advocate for new operas for children. We have premiered five new works, co-sponsored the creation of two and will be presenting "The Red Song Bird" as part of the 2024 festival.

Co-Sponsorship of Carolina Opera Experience:
June 2023, FBN once again was a co-sponsor with Opera at USC for the 12th annual Carolina Opera Experience. COE participants created the story and wrote the lyrics for their original operatic production entitled "bRainstorm," featuring music from operatic classics and original music by Dr. John Valerio. COE is a yearly program where students learn the art of props, make-up, costumes, scenery, and musical preparation in a week-long experience for 4th-10th graders. FBN provides technical support for Carolina Opera Experience. "

Testimonials

"We support FBN because we believe the arts are a vital force and a necessity in this world. FBN is an avenue to keep that life force moving, providing musical stimulus not only for the countless children who experience the performances but also for the young artists who are honing their craft and gaining the hands-on experience they so need to continue carving out their way in this art form." - Beth Clayton and Patricia Racette, Opera Singers

"Thank you so much to all of you for a wonderful performance. There was so much talent on the stage! We were honored to have you. Everyone loved it!" - Tami Roberts, PTO President, Orchard Park Elementary (Fort Mill, SC)

"The kids loved the performance! I am so glad that they can experience opera at our school!" - Patricio D. Aravena, music teacher, Windsor Elementary (Columbia, SC)

"Please convey once again to the members of FBN Productions, Inc. what a wonderful time we had this morning! These singers thrilled our residents and presented a program of arias and duets that will be remembered. Each is extremely talented both in voice and presentation." - William H. WebbIII, Activity/Music Assistant, Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community (Columbia, SC)

"The performances today at M. C. Riley were fantastic! Thank you for offering this opportunity. The students laughed and had such a great time." - Kathryn W. Reardon, former Music Teacher, M. C. Riley Elementary School and Early Childhood Center (Bluffton, SC)

"What a delightful performance you provided our students with this morning! It was truly priceless to watch the excitement in the students faces. We want to thank you all again for offering this performance to Mead Hall and we can't wait to see what next year will bring." - Aiken Opera Society (Aiken, SC)

"A special thank you to the Chapman Cultural Center and the MUSE for sharing their talents at BSES. Students understand the importance of integrating the arts, music, and writing in order to compose the opera rendition of The Three Bears." - Boiling Springs Elementary School (Boiling Springs, SC)

"You guys are the best!!! Kids had a mesmerizing experience listening to all of you at the Matthews Library here in North Carolina. You guys are so talented! Beautiful voices!" - Isabel Mangiratis, audience member (Charlotte Mecklenburg Library System, NC)

"What a wonderful experience to share with my grandkids...