April has been a whirlwind month for our enthusiastic Grade 2/3 volunteer choir!
This talented group of 85 voices not only performed at our Celebrate Music assembly but also represented our school at two community events: the Winkler Festival of the Arts on April 10 and the Morden Festival of the Arts on April 15.
Their dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed. At the Winkler Festival, adjudicator Dawn Bruch-Wiens—vocal instructor at Canadian Mennonite University—praised the choir’s excellent preparation and impressive command of the Japanese language in one of their pieces. She encouraged them to bring even more facial expression to Three Little Fishies.
At the Morden Festival, Dr. Elroy Friesen, Director of Choral Studies at the University of Manitoba, described their two-part singing as “outstanding for this level,” and applauded the choir’s “beautiful and vibrant sound” and “great energy.” He offered helpful feedback as well, encouraging the choir to maintain a lighter tone, even when singing with volume.
In addition to performing, the students had the opportunity to listen to choirs from Northlands Parkway Collegiate and École Discovery Trails and learn from the adjudicators’ feedback. Throughout the entire experience, our students displayed exceptional professionalism, self-control, and school pride. They truly shone as both gifted musicians and admirable young citizens.
After a busy spring, the choir will enjoy a well-earned break in May before coming together for one final performance at our Family Picnic on June 13. We extend a heartfelt thank you to our Grade 3 students for their leadership and contributions to the choir, and we wish them all the best as they prepare to sing with us one last time at J.R. Walkof School!