“ I ’ ve witnessed how music has positively affected confidence and helped students excel . It ’ s a way to unlock , engage and bring out the best in those who can shine in creative performance .” students feel comfortable by the anonymity of group learning . The integration of laughter and joy in the classroom also helps students warm to exercises , giving them a positive experience with music education ,” says Michelle Kim , Teacher , Music , Junior School .
“ I ’ ve witnessed how music has positively affected confidence and helped students excel . It ’ s a way to unlock , engage and bring out the best in those who can shine in creative performance .” students feel comfortable by the anonymity of group learning . The integration of laughter and joy in the classroom also helps students warm to exercises , giving them a positive experience with music education ,” says Michelle Kim , Teacher , Music , Junior School .
As students progress , they begin to see the development of their competencies and projection of their voices , building self-confidence and positive experiences , especially during school productions . Ms Kim shared that through performances , students make memories that will last a lifetime . “ The musical last year was a really fun experience . You get to connect with students from other grades , and it feels like a professional setting ,” says Leah , Grade 7 .
The impact of music cannot be understated . “ I ’ ve witnessed how music has positively affected confidence and helped students excel . It ’ s a way to unlock , engage and bring out the best in those who can shine in creative performance ,” says Ms Kim .
THE JOY OF MUSIC
The importance of joy in learning and a sense of belonging are a key focus of the music program . It is an important way to build community and to motivate students to continue with music . “ To inspire students to continue their music education in high school , one of the biggest focuses is having a joyful music program in their junior years . Music in school is about companionship , especially ensemble music-making . It ’ s about being part of a team . It ’ s a way for new students to get involved and to meet friends , to go on trips together , sing together and make music together ,” says Ms Hartley .
“ I ’ ve really enjoyed making friends across grades because the music program is a mix of people from different backgrounds and ages . Some are beginners , and some have been playing for a long time , which I think is , in general , a really good experience to have ,” says Novyanna , Grade 12 .
The School also has unique opportunities to explore the world of music beyond campus . Music trips and festivals provide a chance for students to bond with their peers and connect with music communities in different regions , provinces and countries while having fun . These trips often culminate in performances with dozens of ensembles coming together to celebrate the power of music as a unifying force .
For example , this year the Grade 7 Choir took part in the Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival , receiving a gold award and an invitation to participate in the 51st Annual MusicFest Canada where they also received gold . While the Senior Choirs and Orchestra attended the Cantando Music Festival in Edmonton receiving glowing remarks from festival adjudicators .
“[ During a trip ,] a band teacher conducted us with different warmup exercises , different analogies , different techniques and different styles of music . [ We get ] to play with totally different groups of people and get a variety of music that we wouldn ’ t have played otherwise ,” says McKenna , Grade 12 .
With its choice of classes and specialization , ensemble teamwork , community and school performances , and music trips , the CHS music program has extraordinary depth and breadth of opportunity , allowing students to find their own individual musical expression . An enduring component of school life , music at CHS allows students to discover the joy of learning , build confidence , and make connections and memories .
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