The Carnival of the Animals

Grades 1 to 4 recently delved into the whimsical world of The Carnival of the Animals by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns, immersing themselves in the delightful movements of this musical suite. To showcase their learning and creativity, an informal presentation was held on Wednesday, February 28, in the Chapel, with students, staff and parents/guardians in attendance. The event not only offered insights into the concepts explored through our arts curriculum but also featured captivating mini performances and movements by the Grade 1 to 3 students, demonstrating their understanding of the music through collaboratively planned expressive dance and movement. The audience witnessed lions marching, kangaroos hopping, tortoises crawling, and swans dancing, to name a few ways our students embodied the music.

Narrating the enchanting tale were the Grade 4 students, while musical talents took center stage with Mr. Wright and Grade 12 student Aaron Y. mesmerizing the audience with their violin and xylophone performances. However, a true highlight of the event was the presence of our esteemed Artist-in-Residence, Mr. Matthew Larkin. Renowned for his exceptional skills, Mr. Larkin's performance on the keyboards, including the School’s pipe organ, added an unforgettable dimension to the presentation. This engaging event not only showcased the students' artistic talents but also highlighted the invaluable contributions of arts education in Grades 1 through 4, fostering creativity, expression, and appreciation for the arts. Thanks to the generosity of the Woods family, students had the privilege of experiencing Mr. Larkin's expertise, enriching their musical education and leaving a lasting impact on their artistic journey. Additional thanks to our music teacher, Ms. DeBoer-Jones, for all of her work on this lovely showcase.