March is a month of celebration—Hollywood’s biggest stars shine at the Oscars, flowers bloom in a dazzling welcome to spring, and St. Patrick’s Day brings a lively burst of green and cheer. But for us, March holds an even deeper significance: it's Arts Education Month, a time to recognize the transformative power of the arts in the classroom. 

The arts do more than inspire creativity. They teach students how to think critically, collaborate effectively, and solve problems with innovation. Research shows that students involved in the arts perform better academically, graduate at higher rates, and grow into well-rounded individuals. The arts matter. That’s why our Connects team is dedicated to making them an integral part of education, equipping teachers with tools to bring creativity into everyday learning. 

This month, we’re celebrating the educators who bring the magic of the arts to their students—teachers who use music, theater, and storytelling in unexpected ways to spark curiosity and inspire confidence. Some of them are right here in Los Angeles, while others, like one of our Teacher Advisory Committee members, teach beyond county lines in places like Redlands. 

Through our Connects program, teachers turn their lessons into something truly unforgettable. Just ask Susan Convirs from Balboa Gifted/High Ability Magnet Elementary School: 

“I have used opera to truly create an arts-integrated curriculum. I have created connections through all the areas of the arts: music, visual, theatre/performing arts, and dance. I have developed lessons to add opera into language arts, math, social studies, and science.” 

History and social studies, in particular, blend seamlessly with the arts. Steve Saunders from Redlands Christian School has seen firsthand how opera brings historical moments to life for his students: 

“[LA Opera's] Connects programming aligns very well with the history/social studies units that I currently teach and have taught in the past. Each In-School Opera performance has helped bring to life the key figures and events that students are learning about in their history units, thereby making connections between what they are learning in the classroom and singing about on the stage.” 

But the integration doesn’t stop with history—Connects is expanding its reach into STEM as well, thanks to teachers like Ms. Convirs: 

“Over the years, I wrote numerous grants to fund the program and improved my writing skills in the process. One proposal I helped Connects’ programming write was funded by the Boeing Corporation to incorporate STEM concepts into the Elementary In-School Opera (EISO) program. I also worked with a coding provider to create digital stages using clues in libretto to integrate the arts into technology practice.” 

For students, these lessons aren’t just about learning—they’re about discovery. They’re about finding a passion they never knew they had. Ms. Convirs remembers a particularly striking moment with one student: 

“Once, I had a student sitting in the classroom during recess with his iPad. He had his earphones on. When I asked him what he was listening to, he said he just needed to hear ‘Nessun dorma’ just a few more times.” 

That kind of impact can appear when you least expect it. Judy Scheuer, who teaches at Leichman Career and Transition Center, recalls a moment of pure serendipity at the LA Zoo: 

“A ferret named Mimí appeared six months after we had attended a performance of La Bohème. As soon as they heard the ferret's name, the students started talking about Mimí, her boyfriend Rodolfo, and how she had died, among other things, as the lady holding the ferret stood there amazed. Luckily, she was sufficiently familiar with La Bohème to appreciate their very surprising knowledge.” 

The arts don’t just educate—they connect. They build bridges between knowledge and emotion, between the classroom and the stage. And when it comes to collaboration and social skills, nothing quite compares to putting on a show together. 

Through our In-School Opera programs, students and teachers transform their schools into a stage. Dr. David Metz, a theater teacher at Santee Educational Complex, loves how it ignites his students’ enthusiasm: 

“Since it kicks off at the beginning of each fall term, it gives my students a crash course in stagecraft and is perfectly scaffolded with high-interest, accessible materials and an array of skilled teaching artists to administer the curriculum.” 

For many students, performing onstage is a moment of triumph. Ms. Convirs has witnessed countless transformations: 

“Over the years, there were numerous students who had never been on stage before. Working in an ensemble gave these students the confidence to be singing and acting in front of an audience of their peers and families.” 

But for one student, this experience was life-changing. Ms. Convirs recalls: 

“One student in particular stands out to me. He was a student with Tourette's syndrome and had developed both vocal and physical tics. When his family came to see him perform, he exhibited not one physical tic and wanted to present one of the solo spoken lines in the production.” 

His family was moved beyond words: 

“They were actually crying at the end of the EISO production. They went on to encourage this student to participate in the theatre arts program at his middle school.” 

This is the power of the arts—not just to educate, but to uplift, to heal, and to create moments of pure magic. And it’s not just students who are impacted—entire school communities come together through Connects programming. Gina Townsend of Moffitt Elementary shares how everyone plays a part: 

“Our school's parent-teacher organization played a crucial role by assisting with costumes, enhancing the visual aspect of our performances. The technology department contributed by providing expertise in film and editing, ensuring a polished final product. Additionally, teachers and staff supported and encouraged students through meaningful discussions and practice sessions, creating a safe space for them to rehearse and perform. Parents also played a vital role by helping their children practice at home, which empowered students to take risks and grow in their abilities.” 

These stories prove what we already know to be true: arts education transforms lives. Through LA Opera Connects, students gain confidence, bring lessons to life in ways they never imagined, and discover new perspectives that shape their futures. And if you need even more proof, we’ll leave you with one final thought from Ms. Townsend, who has seen the impact firsthand: 

“Parents and families absolutely love this experience. They are so proud of their children and all their efforts to learn, collaborate, practice, and ultimately perform in an opera. Many have noted significant improvements in their children's enthusiasm for learning and engagement with school. They appreciate how Connects encourages their children to explore the arts and overcome any fears of performing onstage. Overall, the feedback highlights that Connects programming not only enriches our students' educational experiences but also positively influences their personal development, which parents and families truly value.” 

The arts don’t just belong in the classroom—they belong in the hearts of students, teachers, and families everywhere. And through programs like Connects, they will continue to inspire, empower, and change lives for years to come. 

Click here to learn more about Connects    programs for schools and teachers.