When Seth Keeton was young, he thought opera involved snobbery and women wearing horns on their heads.

He said those are common misconceptions. &uot;People think it’s very highbrow, and it’s only for the upper class.&uot;

Keeton, now an opera singer for the Minnesota Opera, along with several performers, talked to music students at Albert Lea High School about what they do, gave a short performance, and listened to several students perform.

&uot;I think it’s something you’ve got to do. A lot of these kids have never been to the opera before,&uot;

he said.

After the singers performed, they answered questions.

&uot;Do you ever, like, find yourself singing in weird places like in the shower or the supermarket?&uot; one girl asked.

Keeton explained that he found himself humming constantly at an office job when he was younger. In fact, he found himself waiting for empty elevators just so he could sing.

&uot;I knew then that I’d never have an office job.&uot;

Liora Grodnikaite, another singer, told students she’s found herself singing as she’s walked down the street, without knowing it.

Albert Lea High School choral director Diane Heaney said most of her students were familiar with opera, but some of the younger students weren’t.

&uot;I said, ‘What’s opera?’ and they said, ‘It’s singing high and wobbly.’&uot;

She said the presentation also let students know that musicians are normal people. &uot;For one thing, it tells them people can make a career as a musician,&uot; Heaney said.

Addy Berg, who sang in front of an audience of over 100 students, said she was nervous. She said she was familiar with opera, but she didn’t expect the singers to be so down to earth.

Students will perform in concert with one of the singers on Oct. 28 at First Lutheran Church at 6 and 8 p.m.

(Contact Tim Sturrock at tim.sturrock@albertleatribune.com, or call 379-3438.)