In a fully-implemented OMA program there are three key elements: the classroom teacher, the arts integration specialist (AIS) and teaching artists. A partially-implemented OMA program includes the classroom teacher and the arts integration specialist.

The classroom teacher attends, and participates in, all lessons taught by the arts integration specialist and the teaching artists. By suggesting curricular objectives, the classroom teacher ensures that OMA content reinforces state standards. The classroom teacher also integrates OMA content into other lesson plans. The classroom teacher works with both the arts integration specialist and teaching artists to integrate the art form being utilized at that grade level with regular lesson plans for language arts, math and science. Not only does the classroom teacher's lesson plan enhance the work of the OMA arts integration specialist and teaching artists, their work is reinforced in his or her classroom so that the students truly understand the concepts being taught.

For example, a 2nd grade classroom teacher is teaching the concept of place-value. He or she meets with the OMA team to inform them of the instructional methods being used. Then they all help design OMA lesson plans that will both correlate with and enhance the classroom teacher’s instruction.

The OMA Arts Integration Specialist is a highly trained, certified instructor. He or she gives twice-weekly 30-minute group lessons to every K-5 student in each class in the school. These lessons integrate music, movement and creative drama with language arts, math and/or science. The OMA AIS (or, in some cases, a Band/Orchestra teacher) teaches recorder in 3rd grade, violin in 4th grade, and either a wind instrument or violin in 5th grade. In addition, the AIS develops thematic instruction for grades 4 and 5 around specific topics presented by the classroom teacher. Again, these classes are intended to enhance what is being taught in the tested curricular areas in the regular classroom. The AIS meets regularly with classroom teachers and artists by grade level to design lessons and insure the integrity of the OMA model.

For example, since the classroom teacher is teaching place-value this quarter, the AIS helps design lessons that presenting examples of music and creative movement that demonstrate note- value and placement within a musical composition or choreographed dance.

The teaching artists visit each K-2 classroom twice weekly for 30-minute sessions that reinforce  language arts, math, and science curriculum for that grade level. Instrumental trios are used in kindergarten, opera duos and an accompanist in 1st grade, and a dance and movement specialist in 2nd grade. The teaching artists meet regularly with classroom teachers and the school's arts integration specialist to share objectives to be addressed in the tested curricular areas.

In this case a dance specialist designs dance patterns and student placement based on columns created on the floor to assist students develop a deep understanding of place-value.
All OMA Arts Integration Specialists, teaching artists and many classroom teachers attend a week-long training session in the summer and three-hour trainings each quarter during the school year.
See a lesson-plan developed by an OMA artist to teach place-value.

Research has shown that music is deeply tied to brain structure and function, and that early exposure to music helps children succeed in school and in life. Using this insight, OMA creates powerful learning experiences at each grade level through music and the allied expressive arts. Children in OMA schools learn critical skills and core content while developing an understanding and love of music, dance, opera and theater.

Kindergarten
Focus: Auditory Acuity

Students work with University of Arizona opera students to strengthen language and writing abilities. Students perform original works based on literary masterpieces.

2nd Grade
Focus: Critical Thinking

Students work with a dance specialist to interpret and respond to music while focusing on collaboration, critical thinking and creative problem-solving.

 

5th/6th Grade
Focus: Research / Create / Perform