Hitting High Notes at the Youth Center

On the surface, it may seem like an unlikely pairing. An Italian opera at a youth detention center. But on a recent, cold, winter day the combination was warming hearts and opening minds at the Hamilton County Juvenile Court Youth Detention Center.

The visit resulted because of a friendship between Marcellene Winfrey, music teacher at the Youth Center’s Cincinnati Public Satellite School, and Tracy Wilson, director of community engagement and education at Cincinnati Opera. “I asked if the youth were receiving any arts programming,” said Wilson, “and shared my belief that we could offer something meaningful.”

So, in a first for both organizations, the Opera came to the Youth Detention Center.

The Opera presented “Behind the Voice with Morris Robinson” and “The Art of Storytelling Workshop” to students in Ms. Winfrey’s classes. Mr. Robinson will sing the lead role in the opera Lalovavi which premieres in 2026 as part of Cincinnati Opera’s trailblazing Black Opera Project.

“With our Lalovavi workshop bringing artists to town with daytime availability, they came to me asking if there was anything they could do to give back,” said Wilson. “I immediately thought of Ms. Winfrey’s classes.”

When Robinson sang his first note, his deep bass voice filling the small room inside the Youth Center, there were audible gasps and a few uncomfortable laughs, from the students. He sang selections from Giuseppe Verdi’s Italian operas Macbeth and Simon Boccanegra, sharing words no one understood, but with a passion and intensity that transcended language and was felt deeply. It was a moment of pure awe.

Robinson’s song selection resonated with the students, drawing them in and sparking their curiosity. They immediately started engaging, asking questions, and wanting to know more.

The sessions with Lalovavi composer Kevin Day and librettist/poet Tifara Brown were just as powerful. Ms. Brown read from her book of poetry, Honeysuckle, a very personal and moving moment that resonated with the students. Her words sparked conversations about storytelling, self-expression, and the power of finding one’s voice.

Students brought their own bars and raps to the session, and Day even laid down beats on the keyboard to accompany them. There was a beautiful exchange of creativity, students encouraged each other, affirmed one another’s artistry, and truly embraced the moment.

Wilson said for her, “One thing that really stood out was how supportive the staff was. Many of them stopped by to watch, participate, and encourage the students. One of the teachers even joined in the storytelling activity and performed alongside the students! That kind of environment makes all the difference.”

Wilson went on to say, “This experience was unforgettable, not just for the students, but for all of us involved. It reminded me of the power of youth voices and how, even in challenging circumstances, creativity and expression can be a source of strength and connection. When the students asked when we were coming back, that was everything.”

Plans are already in the works for future collaboration between Cincinnati Opera and the Youth Center. “We want to ensure more students can engage and experience the transformative power of the arts,” said Wilson. “This isn’t a one-time event, it’s the start of something bigger.”