ROK brings fine art into the school in a way that is accessible to children of all ages.  The performers were lively and entertaining.  The orchestra was engaging and played beautifully.  Having the composer and lyricist present was also meaningful to the children to help understand the process that goes into creating a show like Mooch the Magnificent.  Bloomington schools are lucky to have ROK as a resource!
- Eve Cusack, Bloomington Montessori 

Participating in the ROK program has solidified the passion that I have for bringing music to children... To be able to expose children to music and opera is a wonderful opportunity and if we can influence just one child to pick up an instrument or listen to music that they wouldn't have otherwise, I feel we have reached a great goal.
- Alyssa Arrigo, performer

"Through [its] productions, Reimagining Opera for Kids aims to make opera tangible, Carballo says. 'Now, opera isn’t this foreign thing that people with weird voices do.'"
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ROK has provided several high quality performances for my school.  Making the performing arts accessible, especially opera, is incredibly important in this era of ‘digital everything’.  As an elementary music specialist, I feel privileged to have my students experience live musical performances which are always very well done through ROK.  Under Kim Carballo’s direction this organization has become a very special part of our school culture.
- Karen Bennett, Arlington Heights Elementary   

I was the substitute music teacher when an incredible group of students came to Childs Elementary to perform 'Little Red Riding Hood.'  They were very professional and extremely talented.  The production held the interest of the students and was enjoyed by all.  This is a terrific program to introduce opera to our children.  I was subbing at Marlin a year or so ago when a group came to perform selections from The Magic Flute.  The fourth grade students that saw it were spellbound and I might add this was not an easy group.  A few weeks ago when I was subbing at Marlin again a boy that had seen The Magic Flute the year before asked me if I could get them to come back.  Who could ask for more positive feed back than that!?
- Deanna Demes, Retired Music Teacher

The ROK performances are always very professional and engaging.  The music is delightful and the staging is inventive.  Our families love ROK and we look forward to hosting a new production every year.
- Lisa Champelli, Monroe County Public Library

For the last several years I have invited the participants in the ROK program to our school to present an opera to our fourth grade students.  Before this visit, the kids are very unsure about opera and whether or not they can grow to appreciate this genre of music.  After seeing a live performance it is easier for them to appreciate the art and the hard work that singers must do in order to become an opera singer... They have opportunities to see and hear operas in a smaller space.  It is a more intimate setting and the children are encouraged to ask questions and engage with the singers.
- Mrs. Lisa Voss, Grandview Elementary

The ROK performance was a great 'first opera' experience for my young students (grades K-2)!  The students were swept up immediately in the storyline, music, and action of the opera.  I was provided with a packet of materials containing several lesson ideas, information about the opera’s composer, and a synopsis of the opera prior to the performance that facilitated my preparation of the students for the performance.  I found ROK to be great group with which to work and would definitely invite them back to our school!
- Sheila Carter (Music Educator),
​Edgewood Primary School