Monday 26 August 2013

Things to Note

Music Program:
 
Our overaching music goal for the program here at Stevenson is to support, nurture and inspire the growth of every student as a music maker.  The Stevenson music program integrates speech, song, movement, games, art, technology and instrument play as we develop skills and concepts.  Year plans are available at your request.
 
There are several extra-curricular music opportunities for the students throughout the year including:
  • recorder club
  • orff ensembles
  • drumming club
  • auditions for solos/drama
  • dancing
  • song-writing project
  • music assembly leadership
If you have questions about the program, please feel free to contact me at the school or at my email address (jrempel@sjsd.net).
                
                                                                Recorders:
 
All students in Gr. 2-5 music are required to have a recorder for music.  Dollarama recorders are NOT recommended.  My experience is that they break and do not have good sound.  Students who purchased a Yahama recorder in previous years have one at school already.  It is suggested that each student have a second recorder at home for practicing.  Forms are available in the music room or the school office.  The cost is $6.50.  Exact cash only please.
 

Choir:
 
I am excited for our Grade 2/3 and Grade 4/5 choirs this year.  We are continuing to have practices once a cycle.  Each student will be fitted with a choir shirt.  Every student needs dark pants and clean shoes for performances.  The purpose of choir is multi-fold: to have fun singing, to develop singing and personal skills for making music in a group and to experience choir performances.  
 
The following are important dates for all Grade 2-5 students:
  • Nov. 7 - Remembrance Day Service @ Stevenson
  • Dec. 18 - Winter Concert @ Stevenson
  • Feb. - Music Celebration @ Sturgeon Creek United Church
  • Mar. - Winnipeg Music Festival @ Westminster United Church
  • May 21- Celebration of the Arts @ Stevenson 

Are You Ready for This...

 
Welcome to a new school year 2013-2014.  School is just around the corner and I'm excited about all of things we will learn and grow in this year.

Two new things coming this year include the implementation of the new Provincial Report card/music outcomes and the use of Ipads in all classrooms across the Division.

Manitoba Education has developed new curricula for the Arts subjects (drama, dance, music and visual art) for K-8.  The Stevenson-Britannia music program has been using the new Manitoba music curriculum frameworks for the last 5 years.  SJSD elementary schools will be implementing the new Provincial Report card this year and the music essential learning outcomes reported on will now be 4 instead of the original 3 set out by SJSD. 

The music outcomes reported on will now be:
1. Language and Performance Skills
2. Creative Expression
3. Knowledge & Understanding of Music in Culture & Society
4. Analysis & Communication

For more information regarding specific learning outcomes for each grade level, please visit the MB Education Music Curriculum website and check out the Framework of Outcomes pdf.

Saturday 24 August 2013

Just a Spoonful of Sugar...


The time is drawing nearer for our return to school and all the exciting things that 2013-2014 will bring.  If you haven't already gone, Winnipeg's own outdoor theatre, Rainbow Stage, is playing Disney's Broadway Musical, "Mary Poppins," until the end of Thursday, Aug. 29th.

Some of you may know several of the actors who attend(ed) school in SJSD.  Paula Potosky is playing the lead role of Mary Poppins.  Cory Wojcik is also a SJSD grad who acted in numerous plays and musicals in the school division.  Also, Jenessa Lee, who plays the role of Jane Banks, is a current participant in the Divisional Musical Theatre program.  Below is the link to the Free Press review of "Mary Poppins," followed by an article about Paula. 

This is a wonderful production that's sure to bring back childhood memories and be one for your children to remember for a long time!


I remember my first trip to Rainbow Stage when I was about 10 years old.  I saw Disney's production of Peter Pan and I was immediately caught up in the magic of the theatre.  I distinctly remember the colors, smells and sound as the magical story came alive through the singing, dancing, costumes and staging.

Wpg Free Press - Something Magical About Mary

Wpg Free Press - Paula Potosky Interview