High Schoolers Learn The Ins And Outs Of Opera

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Dozens of high schoolers are dancing and singing their way through the summer as these future opera stars perfect their craft.

Andrea Fujii has a look at opera camp.

Honing operatic skills is not how typical teens spend their summer, but 25 Baltimore City and County high schoolers wouldn't have it any other way.

"Opera is just a passion for me," said Jamel Sanders, student.

It's opera camp at the Lyric Opera House, in which students learn all elements of the art.

"We're learning music, we're learning dancing, we're learning languages," said Patricia Recac, student.

"They're going to have a good overview of what the world of opera is all about to prepare them for a career in opera," said Jim Harp, artistic director.

Sanders heard his first opera three years ago, and he's known his calling ever since.

"It talked about something.  Every song has a message, every song has something it wants to say," said Sanders.

The students auditioned for the four-week program, which is about more than just performing.

"You get to meet people that love the same thing as you and that's priceless," said Recac.

The camp culminates with the students performing their own opera that they created, wrote and produced, and everyone is welcome.

This is the second year for the free opera camp.