The Pirates of the Carrot Bean sailed into the Four Corners School gymnasium Tuesday, searching for treasure. Students climbed aboard for the fictional ride, which included singing, dancing and even a sea monster.
"I liked it," said fifth grader Daisy White. "It was funny."
The University of Minnesota Duluth graduate students in music performance struck educational gold with their performance, promoting healthy eating, hand washing and exercise.
"We learned you can eat fruits and vegetables," said Sheila Gregerson, 4.
The show inspired youth, said fifth grader Felicity Byrd, and had awesome songs.
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"I think they should come again," Daisy said.
Even adults were impressed.
"I couldn't imagine the subject area being as fun and exciting as it was," said Four Corners Principal Patti Lindelof.
The swashbucklers took youth and community members on a trip to colorful islands, where they learned calcium and iron in broccoli make you strong and potassium in bananas keeps your cares and worries away. Students saw the "anti-oxi dance," met a sea slug who watched so much television he couldn't move and learned the proper way to wash their hands.
These pirates have travelled to nearly 40 schools since the UMD Fine Arts Academy launched the Voyageurs program for the 2008-2009 school year. In the first year alone, they performed for more than 3,000 children.
"It's been sort of a smash hit," said artistic director Cal Metts, UMD voice faculty member.
The Voyageur group is unique, said UMD graduate student Liz Steffen. The music, dance and bright colors of the set grab children's attention. Audience participation keeps them engaged, and classroom follow-up reinforces the messages.
Tuesday, Four Corners students grinned as the pirate crew wrapped themselves in ropes during a dance number, gasped when the sea monster swallowed up music teacher Shannon Thompson and joined in to hoist the sails.
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"I think it's fantastic," said Jenna Colaizy who played the captain of the Carrot Bean. "Kids' faces just light up."
When the musical ended, the pirates jumped ship and followed students back to the classroom to reinforce the lessons they'd learned. First graders in Tracey Walt's room didn't want to turn into slugs. They named their favorite fruits and vegetables and talked about getting out to dance, swing and ride bikes instead of watching TV. Then UMD graduate students William Lucas and Brishelle Jacobs taught them the "hand wash jive." The children gave the musicians a hearty "Argh" as they left. But the lessons will linger.
"We've gotten feedback from teachers that the songs have stuck in their heads months later, so it's doing the job and it's a lot of fun," Colaizy said. "And they don't even realize they're learning."
The group is working on a second show for elementary and middle school students. Cinderlad will focus on bullying and healthy eating.
"I think there might be a little homage to the Pirates of the Carrot Bean in there," Steffensen said.
And there is talk of expanding the program, Metts said.
Ellen Chicka, president of the Four Corners PTA, said the organization brought in an Opera for the Young group from southern Wisconsin last year. This year, she said, they decided to try something local. The Voyageur program was fun and engaging, Chicka said, and she just may take Daisy's advice.
"I was just asking what they're doing next year," she said.
