Trip to the Symphony

On Tuesday, all our Grade 4 and 5 classes went on a field trip to the Winnipeg Music Symphony Orchestra presentation of "Bach" to the Future.

The Concert Master leading the violins.  The large children's choir sang beautifully.

Our students getting ready for the show.

The aerialist performing to Ravel's Pavane For a Dead Princess.

A childrens' violin club performing Ode To Joy.  They were awesome!

Students sharing about their experiences and favorite memories.

What did you like about the symphony?

Youth Forum Rocks the House!

Today at the Holiday Inn, 4 students from our school went to the 6th annual Divisional Youth Forum with Ms. Rempel, Ms. Couch and Mr. Miller.  Our school has been involved with many sustainable living and social justice activities this year, both globally and locally.  We got to celebrate our accomplishments with other student leaders and hear about their activities.  It was very inspiring and motivating.  Thanks to Stevenson-Britannia students and families for caring and giving back to our world.

We are better together!

Better Together is an original song mosaic and video created in collaboration with all 15 elementary schools in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. This project is a true representation of student voice in action.

Orff Club

This year we have Grade 2, Grade 3 and Grade 4/5 Orff Clubs at lunch.  Our students are busy preparing pieces for a performance.   We are learning how to use instruments, develop playing techniques through songs and stories, and work together as a group.

Grade 2 Orff students learning to play their instruments

Using percussion instruments to make sounds

Rehearsals from 12:10-12:45 in the music room:

Grade 2 - Day 1
Grade 3 - Day 2
Grade 4/5 - Day 6

School Theme Song

This year we decided to create a theme song for our school to celebrate our students and our community.  Our Grade 4/5 students came together to develop lyrical content and then recorded their ideas and voice to melodies.  This song captures the positive spirit of our school and inspires our students and staff to REACH FOR THE STARS!

Making Music

 We have been busy in the music room since we returned from Spring Break.  Some of our highlights have been singing and dancing to our new school song "Reach for the Stars."  

Reaching for the Stars!

Be a friend and we'll go far!

We care for ourselves and each other

Grade 2/3s started Recorder Karate.   Super stars!

Our Grade 2/3 classes have been busy learning recorders.  We've now learned how to read the Treble Clef staff (EGBDF, FACE) and can read and play B - A - G notes.  All students are preparing the song "Hot Cross Buns" for a recorder test.  Each student will receive a white belt when they've passed.

Preparing for the Winnipeg Symphony.  Responding to the music.

For the past month, our Grade 4/5 students have been learning and listening to 11 classical music songs that will be played by the Winnipeg Symphony on our April 23 field trip to the Concert Hall.  We have discussed and experienced different stories and musical themes behind the music.

Playing the dream game while listening to a symphony song

Student Led Conferences

Student led conferences are now over.  Several families attended the open house and students show-cased music performances, assignments and instrument skills.  Great job everyone!

Student sharing his work with parent.

Reach for the Stars!!

REACH FOR THE STARS recording session

On Thursday at 9:00, we are going to launch our brand new Stevenson school song, "REACH FOR THE STARS" written by Mr. Miller, Ms. Rempel and Grade 4/5 students.  Since September, we've put in hours of song writing, instrument playing, studio editing and vocal training to make this happen.

We know this song will be sung and enjoyed for years to come.  Congratulations Stevenson!

Everyone at Stevenson

Raise your hands

And we can reach for the stars

Be a friend and we’ll go far….

Also, our silver medal choirs will be sharing their festival songs with the rest of the school on our Thursday assembly.  All are welcome.

Winnipeg Music Festival

Grade 4/5 singers at Westminster United

Congratulations the Grade 2/3 and Grade 4/5 choirs on their excellent singing at the Winnipeg Music Festival in the last 2 weeks.  They have certainly worked hard in preparing for the last 2 months and their efforts have paid off.  Both choirs received silver medals for their performances.  Well done!  We are proud of our work.  We are the singing school!

Thank you to Mrs. Hahn-Tomchuk for accompanying us.  As well, thank you to the many parent volunteers who joined us on these trips.  We appreciate you!

Feedback from another educator, "I was impressed through the whole performance at how focused and attentive the students were.   They were awesome."

On stage singing!

Grade 2/3 singers warming up in the green room

PREPARING FOR THE FESTIVAL with Mrs. Gafic

We had a guest conductor come in to our choir class to help us prepare for the festival.  We learned how to make 'Yes faces' and put some 'surprise in the eye.'  We learned that vowels and forming our words correctly are important to telling the story and getting the message across to our audience.

Symphony Visit

Today our Grade 2/3 classes went to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra's presentation of Manny Tuba and the Magical Jukebox.  Students were asked to share their personal responses to the songs and performances.  They are learning to identify and describe the musical pieces.  We've listened and identified instrument sounds and concepts such as tempo, dynamics and pitch.  It was a very enjoyable event!  Thank-you WSO!

Click on link below to take you to field trip video:

http://www.safeshare.tv/w/fxCShVgvxZ

Questions students would ask about the performers or musicians:

- How did you do the magic trick?  - Aura
- Why did Mr. Mark, who sang 'Under the Sea', sound just like the crab in the movie? - Altea
- How did Mr. Mark remember all the words?  - Irish
- How long does it take to practice the songs? - Ally, Noah
- Where did you learn to play your instrument? - Tyson
- How many people were at the concert? - Merrick
- Where do you keep your instruments? - Trevor
- How did you learn to play your instrument? - Josh
- What was your favorite song? - Jaiden, Shannen
- How do you remember where the notes are? - Mya
- How do you play altogether? - Mosab
- How do you get so good at all the songs? - Bailey
- Are there more symphony musicians? - Adrian
- How do you play the harp? - Octavia
- How do you not make mistakes? - Josh
- How do you make the music so loud? - Marrisa

Out of this World!!

History has been made!  Canada's own astronaut, Chris Hadfield, recorded the first song in space!

This 2013, our Music Monday song comes from outerspace.  Canadian astronaut, Chris Hadfield, and Barenaked Ladies', Ed Robertson, have teamed up to bring earth and space together in a co-written song, "I.S.S. (Is Somebody Singing)."

On Friday, February 8, the two will premier "I.S.S. (Is Somebody Singing) over satellite.  Check it out!
CBC song from outer space