School Performances

Bold. Dramatic. Visionary. LUX orchestra initiative is an explosion of light, sound, and artistry. Founded by conductor and composer Brent Chancellor and in collaboration with Carnegie Hall’s Link Up and SOPAC, LUX presents a new vision for Orchestral music aimed at inspiring young audiences. Developed in collaboration with the elementary music faculty as an engaging introduction to the orchestra, this performance bonds high-level musicianship, dynamic lighting, synchronized projections, and even a sing-along to engage every student and spark lasting enthusiasm for Orchestral music. An interactive experience, LUX acquaints students with different instrument sections, offers insight into basic music concepts, and discusses the orchestra’s role across genres and mediums, including symphony, ballet, opera, and film. Recommended for grades 3-6. 

The Barter Players bring an imaginative and timeless classic to the SOPAC stage! A young orphan named Billy discovers magic in a stolen hat, bringing to life a very special, very snowy friend. Can Frosty help Billy find his real family in time for Christmas? Join these two icy adventurers on a musical quest through New York City as they discover that winter, though harsh and chilly, is truly the season of warmth. Recommended for grades K-5.

Montgomery, Alabama, December 1, 1955 — Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat on a city bus to a white man. Her determination becomes the catalyst for Montgomery’s black citizens to abandon all travel on city buses until they were no longer forced to sit in the back or stand when a white person boarded. But before Mrs. Parks’ act of courage and conviction, others had lain the groundwork for this pivotal moment. Tired Souls introduces audiences to Jo Ann Robinson, Claudette Colvin, and other activists instrumental in lighting a fire under the Civil Rights movement and changing the course of U.S. history. Recommended for grades 3-8.

Poetry Out Loud (POL) empowers students to build self-confidence, master public speaking, and engage literary history and contemporary works. Traditionally designed for public, charter, parochial school, and homeschool teachers, the national poetry recitation program fosters growth and creativity through memorizing and reciting great poetic works. For the 8th year, SOPAC hosts the Region 5 (Essex and Union counties) NJ POL Competition. National Poetry Out Loud is a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts, The Poetry Foundation, and the state arts agencies of the United States. In New Jersey, POL is a project of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts in collaboration with Count Basie Center for the Arts. Recommended for grades 8-12.

Starring Mr. Fish and Trent the Mime, Super Scientific Circus proves that science can be both fun and hilarious. Assisted — and foiled — by the comedic antics of Trent the Mime, Mr. Fish unveils amazing circus skills involving boomerangs, bubbles, beach balls, bull whips, and magic to introduce the principles of friction, inertia, centripetal force, aerodynamics, sonic booms, air pressure, and ultraviolet light. Combining zany characters and outrageous stunts with hilarious audience participation, Super Scientific Circus fuses the wonder of science with wholesome entertainment. Recommended for grades 2-5.

Sharing fast-paced, upbeat, and highly visual demonstrations, The Math Maniac proves that learning math while having fun is as logical as 2+2=4. Engaging and 100% supportive of core curriculum, The Math Maniac supports every level of learning, whether students are reviewing, previewing, or learning material for the first time. Students have so much fun, they forget they’re learning! This program helps K-6 students hone their skills in: arithmetic, patterns, place values, word problems, fractions, measurement, geometry, money, operations, word problems, and probability. Recommended for grades K-6.

Dive into Trekking Mexico’s creative exploration of folk traditions, both ancient and contemporary. This colorful educational show leads families on a Mexican expedition of historic and geographic regions, engaging a vibrant performance of folkloric music and dance. From feeling the rumbling drums of Tenochtitlan to hearing the sweet strings of the Jaranas of Veracruz, audiences enjoy an immersive experience across the jungles of Tabasco and the mountains of Guerrero. During this multimedia performance, kids and families embark on a joyful ride through a rich and storied culture. Recommended for grades K-5.