Some of the schools around Ottawa are doing an amazing job of teaching and motivating kids in their music activities. Although a few years ago it wasn’t very ‘cool’ to be seen singing at school events, TV shows like ‘Glee’ and movies like ‘Pitch Perfect’ have changed that.
At nearby All Saints High School in Kanata, the music department is buzzing, and thanks to the extra-curricular work of teachers like Deanna van Zeeland, there are groups of youngsters having fun learning notes and harmonies – and they are coming in the shop this Friday to show off their stuff!
“flASH” is the name of the All Saints Show Choir (which cleverly incorporates the school’s acronym for ‘All Saints High’) who focus on repertoire including the domain of musical theatre. They also enjoy working up songs like Sting’s ‘Every Breath You Take’, Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, or a medley of themes from James Bond films. As well as singing at the school and events around Ottawa, they have plans to participate in ‘Show Choir Canada’ which is a big event happening in Toronto in a few weeks’ time, so they are busy fundraising for that! Come and encourage the singers on Friday!
Bluesettes and Co. Vocal Jazz Collective is another group at All Saints, and they work on harmony arrangements of tunes such as James Taylor’s ‘Lonesome Road’ or the Beatles’ ‘Day Tripper’. Bluesettes & Co. is an auditioned group made up of 18 young men and women in grades 9 to 12. They perform a cappella music of all genres, and have a particular love of jazz and blues. It is a place where students can really be creative and learn to be the best performers they can be. They also conduct themselves and so they really take ownership of the group, work as a team, and develop leadership skills that they will use their whole lives.
They have performed in Montreal and Toronto, and a few years ago in Ottawa they got to do a workshop along with groups involving the owners of Gaia Java!
Please come and support the kids as they demonstrate their music and look for encouragement in their upcoming performances.
See more details at www.gaiajava.ca where you can also review the listing of upcoming music night performers over the next month or so – ranging from University students to seasoned professionals who are willing to come and share their talents with you.
Both groups perform at Gaia Java on Friday, March 27 at 7:00pm.
Awesome!!