Rooster masks and handmade shakers in hand, Joseph Martin Elementary students gathered in the gym March 2 for a performance by the Atlanta Opera. The set, props and animated performers drew the student in as the plot unfolded. The multi-sensory opera, “Rabbit Tales,” made students a part of the show several times. The children clucked like chickens and shook noisemakers when prompted.
The characters and plot for “Rabbit Tales” were inspired by the “Br’er Rabbit” stories by Joel Chandler Harris. Actors portraying Br’er Rabbit, Teenchy Duck, Sister Fox and King Lion entertained students while teaching moral lessons, such as honesty and consideration for others.
Nicole Chamberlain, music composer for “Rabbit Tales,” is the daughter of Bernadee Randall, a recently retired Joseph Martin Elementary kindergarten teacher. Chamberlain’s sister, Joell Greco, is a teacher at Liberty County High School.  Chamberlain lives in the Atlanta area, where she composes music for operas, orchestras, smaller chamber ensembles, musicals and films.