The San Diego Women’s Foundation has invested $50,000 in grant money to the San Diego Opera’s “Words and Music,” a unique youth program dedicated to bringing an appreciation for opera to younger generations. Nicolas Reveles helped design Words and Music nine years ago. The program involves close to 500 children, grades 5 through 10, at five different schools. “The students will turn literature they’re working with into a libretto composition,” Reveles said. “Two teaching artists — a musician and stage director — will conduct the classes. Then, we obtain adult singers to perform the finished work.” Students experience firsthand the process of creating a work of art, specifically their own original opera and its affect on a live audience. They learn the connection between words and music and how to use them in storytelling.  In small groups, students read, write and compose music using portable keyboards. They learn to negotiate, compromise and strategize as they develop their musical score. The San Diego Opera contracts opera practitioners with extensive experience in arts education who meet with students three times per week for several hours. Classroom teachers receive six hours of training, which over time, can equip them to carry the program forward. Students keep journals and portfolios, critique their work and interact freely with the professional singers who will sing their student opera at its final presentation to 1,500 students, plus faculty and parents. One of five projects selected by the Women’s Foundation — out of 65 applicants — the educational program not only teaches music and lyric composition but also improves literacy skills, Reveles said. Foundation president Eileen Haag said the 210-member philanthropic women’s foundation has a strong commitment to financing other programs throughout the year. Since its founding 10 years ago, more than $2 million in grant money has been issued to more than 50 community partners. The funds donated to Words and Music by the foundation will support salaries and consultants’ fees. As a bonus, Reveles said, students will be invited to attend an opera dress rehearsal at the Civic Center.  “I found their enthusiasm about opera interesting,” he said. “It’s really not a huge step to go from straight theater to understanding opera. The kids readily accept it. “Sometimes they’ll use a rap song as part of their project. We don’t tie them down to a particular style. It’s whatever they want to create.” Reveles said he believes there is a parallel between the music and the children’s personal lives, and that they learn about themselves while working with others. “That’s what impressed the women’s foundation,” he said. “We can’t hope to fill the gap to musical cutbacks experienced in schools but we can give them something.” Currently, the first 12-week residency is at Southwestern College. The comprehensive and intensive courses will continue through March. For more information, visit www.sdopera.com/Company/Education or call (619) 232-7636.