Spirit Magazine - Summer 2014 'The Many Faces of Music'

SPIRIT OUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SOUTHRIDGE SCHOOL

Summer 2014/Issue 32

The

Many

Faces of Music

INSIDE THIS ISSUE PYP and MYP Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pgs 2-3 Senior School Music . . . . . . . . . . . . Pgs 4-5 Music Trips abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pgs 6-7

The Many Faces of Music Music at the Junior level occurs in class, at performances, and attendance at musical events.

IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES: • Performance Days once a term where students have the opportunity to share with their classmates any performing art they are involved with • Orff-based program in PYP, including singing, movement, dance, and instruments • Recorder in Grades 4 and 5 • Ukulele in Grade 6 • Band in Grade 7 (co-taught by Dr. Bespflug, Mr. Burrage, and Mr. Mitchell, to ensure a smooth transition from the Junior School music program to the Senior School music program) • Sample units and projects: ○○ Composition unit in Grade 4 where students write an original piece of music by themselves for the recorder, and also write a collaborative song with lyrics for the PYP Exhibition ○○ Composer project in Grade 5 where students research a composer (classical or contemporary) and then learn to play a piece by that composer on their recorder ○○ Ukulele song writing project in Grade 6 where students choose a piece of public art and then write an original song (ukulele chords and lyrics) about the theme of that art – working under the mentorship of a local singer-songwriter ○○ Partnership with the MODAL (Multimodal Opportunities and Diversity in Artistic Learning) research group at SFU to pilot new arts education projects, such as the Musical Futures project with the Grade 7 band PERFORMANCES AND CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES: • Collaborative full Junior School singing for Remembrance Day, Christmas, and Earth Day • Choir performances for Remembrance Day, Christmas, and the Closing Ceremonies, as well as other assembly opportunities. (These are often integrated choirs: PYP and MYP together, and including the Senior School choir for Remembrance Day) • Performances in the community, such as the PYP choir singing at Semiahmoo Mall each Christmas season, and the MYP Glee group singing at Sunnyside Manor, a local seniors’ home • Christmas concert for all students in Kindergarten through Grade 7

• PYP musical and MYP musical in alternating years • Grade 7 - Bandathon with expert clinicians to start the year in beginning band; ‘Teach Your Parent Night’ to allow students to show their parents the basics of their new band instruments; Kiwanis Music Festival each spring for formal performing experience; and the Year-End Band Concert

VIEWING AND APPRECIATING: • Various fieldtrips to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, musicals performed by other schools, or community music events (such as the Nutcracker Ballet) • In-school performances, including Opera in Schools, various musicians (such as Michael Mitchell), and the Senior School bands - Donna Winterburn and Kevin Bespflug My favourite memory was when I first learned how to use an instrument which was in Grade 1. It was fun to explore music and that will be a memory I will never forget. I learned how to play the xylophone and it was hard but with my teacher by my side I got the hang of it. - Davina Lit (Grade 5) I really love learning to play the recorder because it is a very nice instrument. Every time I play the recorder it reminds me of the peaceful sounds of music. - Rhea Sidhu (Grade 6) A memory for me was the Christmas concert.

- Arjan Dhaliwal (Grade 6) In Grade 4 we had the play Evergreen. The role of a beginning speech was up for grabs and Ms Winterburn gave the role to me. I participated in the play successfully! This was probably one of the most memorable moments in all the time I have been at Southridge. - Julia Thind (Grade 6)

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We Are All One The music program at Southridge provides the opportunity for all to perform on a regular basis. The core of our program in the MYP and Senior school is instrumental, with concert band offered at each grade level, from 7 to 12. Four jazz bands also rehearse and meet during the concert band block or after school. The vocal program is a co-curricular one, meeting at lunch two or three times each week. In addition, there are many opportunities for small groups and both vocal and instrumental ensembles to perform at concerts, festivals, sports tournaments, in the community, and on tours.

The fact that music is made in ensemble is an important one; unless one is playing solo unaccompanied, music by definition is collaboration at its finest. Not only do we have to work together, but we need to do so ‘in real time’; this is both challenging and rewarding. Students learn to contribute their best towards a common goal of making wonderful music. They learn that what they do affects others, both their cohorts and their audience.

My favourite music memory was when I was the squirrel in the PYP musical Evergreen. I felt confident and graceful, I enjoyed listening to the fun facts on forest fires and having fun singing and dancing to the music. Dr. B and Ms Winterburn have been great mentors in music productions and I am glad they are still going hard and making every musical the best.

- Mary-Kate Fain (Grade 6) When I was part of the musical last year everyone was as much part of the musical as everyone else, even if they did not have a big part. My favourite moment was when I sang my solo in the last performance. I did not even sing it perfectly but people congratulated me afterwards and I felt really special. The MYP musical last year, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, was an amazing experience and I hope I get to be part of another musical soon.

- McKenna Gill (Grade 7)

In the Senior School, students have the opportunity to play in both curricular and co-curricular ensembles. On-timetable, the concert band, with its woodwinds, brass and percussion, plays music from Bach to the Beatles, whereas the jazz studies groups improvise over heads and changes from Brubeck to BB King. The Grade 8, 9 and 10 jazz bands, which are larger groups, perform Big Band charts from Basie to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Off-timetable, the senior jazz band, brass choir and all of our vocal groups meet after school and at lunch times.

- Steve Burrage

I was Augustus Gloop for the MYP play Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and even though I am skinny, I still got chosen as the big guy! It was fun performing as someone the opposite of me and singing and playing my part was just so entertaining to me (and probably everyone else)!

- Michael Golos (Grade 7) Willy Wonka was a really fun and memorable experience, enlightening me on the wonders of performing with my classmates and working under the instruction of my teachers.

It was a very exciting experience. - Braedon Ellemo (Grade 7) I enjoyed watching Willy Wonka because it seemed practised and it was an interesting story. - Brian Tkatch (Grade 5) As teachers, we aim to provide our students with many diverse opportunities in music and the performing arts. From creating to performing to viewing to appreciating, the music program at Southridge gives students a grounding for a lifelong love of the arts.

- Donna Winterburn and Kevin Bespflug

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The Many Faces of Music

Senior School Music: A typical year in music at Southridge...

OCTOBER​ Jazz Retreat - 3 days working with professional jazz musicians in the mountains NOVEMBER Open House - one or two groups conduct open rehearsals and perform Remembrance Day Service - senior concert band and choir DECEMBER Shops at Morgan Crossing - one or two jazz ensembles perform at Christmas tree lighting An Evening in December - Winter concerts, two nights Semiahmoo Christmas Party - jazz studies classes (9 & 10) perform and visit at Semiahmoo House FEBRUARY Envision Jazz Festival - Grade 9, Grade 10, senior jazz bands attend local festival MARCH BandFest - Grade 8, concert band overnight trip to festival in Victoria APRIL Grade 9, Band Trip - usually two-night trip to a festival in Whistler, Seattle, or Kamloops Blue Frog Studio - Grade 10 jazz studies recording session MAY Southridge Fair - Jazz groups and individuals perform on talent stage Cafe Concerto - Year-end music department concerts, two nights JUNE Commencement and Prize Day - musical performances for school closing events

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As opportunities arise, we also have students perform at full school assemblies and various seniors’ homes or Peace Arch Hospital. Students enjoyed participating in a pep band, which provided music for two different tournaments, most recently the CAIS U-13 National Basketball Tournament held here at Southridge in 2014. Lastly, the music department regularly offers international performance tours with our senior ensembles. Destinations have included New Orleans, Italy, Austria, and the Czech Republic with the concert band, and Idaho and Cuba (four times) with the jazz groups. Our second Italy Tour with the senior concert band was completed in March 2014 and was a tremendous success!

- Steve Burrage By being a part of the musical Into the Woods, I saw a whole other aspect that the school has to offer. Even without having a big background with musicals, and having never sung some of the notes that we were faced with, I was able to learn and develop my voice throughout the rehearsal period and by the performance I felt like I had been doing this my whole life. My experience with the play is one of the best memories I have from this school year and I know that I will always reflect on it.

- Paige Stewart (Grade 11) The experience of getting to play in a professional studio was very rare, and a ton of fun. Almost of all of us had seen performances at the Blue Frog, but playing in it was completely different. It was definitely the best part of the jazz studies course this year. We worked hard, and were very proud of the outcome we heard.

- Sean Leighton (Grade 10 - keyboard, drums and clarinet)

We Are All One

The jazz retreat took place at Rockridge, which is a beautiful location, though far away. It was an extremely helpful experience that aided me in both my singing and my instrument playing. The clinicians that helped us were patient and inspiring, often with eccentric ways of encouraging us to do our best. I enjoyed it a lot, and I think it helped me grow as a musician.

- Isabelle Lei (Grade 9 – trombone and choir)

but we kept practicing and got better. We ended up making it into the show later on, and proved that we could work together.

Working in a group requires collaboration and open-mindedness to other people’s opinions and suggestions. During rehearsals we all had different opinions, but in the end we found ways to make it work.

- Julia Bicknell (Grade 11 – guitar and voice)

Performing in Into the Woods was a challenging yet very rewarding experience. The musical is notorious for having a difficult score, however I believe that we did a very good job of performing it. For me, the most challenging part was the rhythms of the various songs and the many cues that came with the play. But after working on it from last April, it slowly became natural to us and our hard work really paid off. - Harris Wong (Grade 12) I found learning how to sing and dance at the same time very challenging, but very rewarding….like learning quantum mechanics. It took me a long time to learn the dance routine. I had to keep thinking positively and trust myself that I would eventually get it. I was very appreciative that the students and Ms. Kelly were patient with me; it was a very positive environment to work in.

Everybody was so encouraging and supportive. - Kierstan McCaw Performing at the winter concert was a wonderful experience.

My group didn’t make it into the show after the audition process,

The jazz retreat is always a great trip for everyone involved with the music program and it allows us to move out of our comfort zone by participating in clinics and by practicing improvisation. It is also an inspiring opportunity to watch other established musicians and to play with them in the final concert.

- Melissa Vereschagin (Grade 10 – clarinet and saxophone) I have greatly enjoyed my time in the Southridge music program, and value the teamwork and collaboration that goes into making and performing music. My greatest level of satisfaction and fulfilment lies in the jazz style, whether I am playing trumpet, piano or guitar. In Grade 10, our jazz jtudies class recorded in a professional studio. It was a highly educational and entertaining experience, which resulted in a level of recording that exceeded our expectations and inspired me even more to pursue my love of music. - Avery Laird (Grade 11 – trumpet, piano and guitar)

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The Many Faces of Music

CUBA TRIPS: 2001 2005 2009 2012 The best part so far was we went to an arts school and performed for a bunch of kids. There was a huge salsa/cuban dance going on. It started with the girls inviting me and Bryan up. We danced for a solid ten songs. It was tons of fun. So far, I LOVE Cuba.

- Brent Mosher (now Grade 12 - drums and percussion) The best part of the day was by far the orphanage where I became the translator for a bit. We played some games, sang songs and just had a great time. Then eight of us ended the day with some salsa lessons. All in all, one of the best days of my life.

- Prem Ramani (Grad 13 - baritone saxophone and percussion) I’ve never been on a school trip out of the country before and I am so glad I came to Cuba! Cuba is awesome. Dancing at the school was so much fun. Everybody here has so much energy.

I can’t wait to see Havana and do more salsa dancing!! LOVE salsa dancing! - Katie Bishop (Grad 12 - tenor saxophone)

Two memories really stand out to me. The first was when we performed at the arts school in Cienfuegos. We opened with Boogie Lou and the next thing I know the whole room filled with people of all ages screaming louder than the Jay-Z concert I went to at Rogers Arena! Music crossed generations in Cuba, but not so in Canada. When everyone sang Oye Como Va with our band I was in heaven and just couldn’t believe this was actually happening!

My second most memorable moment happened in the Jazz Cafe! What an honour! As we were playing Oye Como Va the solo section began and the next thing I knew Mr. Burrage was looking at me with that classic “I forget who is soloing, want to give it a go?” look that occurred all too often in Cuba. I couldn’t believe it; having never solo’d in front of an audience, I couldn’t believe my first time would be in the Jazz Cafe in Cuba!

- Lauren Bromage (Grad 13 - tenor saxophone) Some of my favourite moments this trip had to be whenever we played. The response we got from the students and audience at the Jazz Cafe reminded me of why I play music: the positive energy and pure joy from music that filled the room we played in was infectious.

- Chandrika Manjunath (Grad 12 - alto saxophone)

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We Are All One EUROPE TRIPS 2008: Venice – Saltzburg – Vienna – Prague 2014: Milan – Venice – Ferrara – Montecatini Terme Florence – Pisa – Pompeii – Naples – Rome – Vatican City The best concert was in the church, because of the echoes.

- Lily Liu (Grade 10 - French horn) Not only was it a little surprising yet incredible to see our concert advertised, but the reverberations and acoustics within the church were amazing. - Genevieve Hilton (Grade 10 – flute) The church had the best acoustics, Boys’ Town had a great audience and I played the best at the second school.

- Nicole Ure (Grade 11 - French horn) Everyone loved us in Boys’ Town.- Nina Chen (Grade 10 – trumpet)

I loved seeing how different their culture was to ours; I’ve never seen so much life and passion, how much their faces lit up and how happiness just radiated out of them when they were dancing, singing, and playing their instruments.

- Lauren Low (Grad 12 - tenor saxophone)

My favourite memory of the tour is singing on the bus.

- Malcolm Nguyen (Grade 10 - baritone horn) In Italy the pizza was amazing. The pizza was an art and a gourmet delicacy. - Kai Lung (Grade 10 - baritone horn) My favourite memory was the bell tower [in Florence]; climbing it up and down and seeing the scenery was amazing.

- Cherry Chun (Grade 10 – trombone) I liked playing with the Italians for our first concert. That was amazing! Music really is universal.

- Allisen To (Grade 11 - tenor saxophone) The church’s solemnity and serenity was very nice. The organ solo at the end was boss. - Taehyo Kim (Grade 11 – trumpet) Our first concert was at a small school in Terme Tetuccio. We were privileged to perform in a beautifully restored theatre from the 1920s. The music director had sent musical parts so that our groups could play together on a couple of tunes, albeit in different keys!

After the performance, the Italians welcomed us to a reception, with great food and excited youngsters. In spite of the language barrier the students all had a wonderful time together. In Florence our concert was at a small church, Chiesa di Santa Margherita.

Our brass choir played outside to swell the audience; tourists and locals stopped by and seemed to enjoy the show. After we played, a pipe organ filled the building with the beauty of Bach.

Late one night, in Rome, we played a concert for a group of boys at an alternative school, called Citta Dei Raggazzi, or Boys’ Town. The mayor, one of the students, welcomed us amid loud cheers and whistles. Our final concert was at another school in Rome, where once more we were welcomed with open arms and Vivaldi in concert was followed by impromptu rap battles all around. Several times during the tour, we gathered at the front of the bus and practiced for an upcoming performance.

Students also sang, just because!

- Steve Burrage

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The Many Faces of Music

While Cuba was very laid back and chill, Italy was constantly moving and soaking up as much history as possible. It was an experience I will never forget and I’m so glad I got to spend it with these wonderful students. I would especially like to thank the four great teachers who could have been relaxing with their families but instead took 30 teenagers to a foreign land. Ciao Bella.

- Bryan Froh (Grade 12 - alto saxophone)

It was a genuine pleasure to accompany such wonderful students and colleagues on this amazing tour to Italy. At all times, the students carried themselves with Canadian friendliness, Southridge pride, and personal integrity. Their performances were superb! The acoustics of the church doubled our volume, the wonderful welcome of the schools warmed our sound, and the overt enthusiasm of the rowdy students in Boys’ Town truly pumped us up. I know the trip created many fantastic memories of old friends, new friends, adventures and sights and sounds.

- Steve Burrage

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Editor Dorothy Podmore Design Steve Culley, mgdc culleycreative Thanks Contributors Photos Various Send us your news at alumninews@southridge.bc.ca Please contact lboudot@southridge.bc.ca with your address.