LPSD high school band students are helping middle schoolers take it to the next level as they visit and share musical notes.
The Lloydminster Comprehensive musicians have been visiting a few schools and giving the younger grades the inside track. Bishop Lloyd musicians are also in line to hit the high notes as the high school band stops by.
“It’s important for younger students to learn what is possible if they commit to developing a skill throughout several years. Performing music as an ensemble has shown to be very beneficial for the developing brain as it’s one of the most demanding activities you can participate in,” says Stephen Davis, high school band teacher.
“I want to do band in high school. I would want to play another brass instrument like saxophone,” says Amelia who enjoyed the talent of the high school saxophone jazz soloists.
Davis sees the band visit as giving the middle schoolers a look at the next level in music.
“It’s also a great opportunity for students to learn what kind of programming is available at the high school so they can make informed decisions about what courses to take when they arrive.”
Music teacher at Bishop Lloyd, Katelyn Jardine intends to keep the music playing by allowing the kids to explore contemporary pieces.
“One of the things that we do is tunes that students know, and that they look forward to. So, having the grade 6s looking toward grade 7 and listening to the grade 7s play. Then the 7s and 8s – just seeing what’s possible,” says Jardine.
Over 300 Bishop Lloyd students cheered loudly as the high school musicians performed a repertoire that included the Concert Band with Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen and Fracas by Randall Standridge. The Jazz Band played Tenderly by Rosemary Cooney and Duke Ellington’s Caravan. Then it was the turn of Music 30/Garage Band, and they did Silver Lining, Sunday Morning by Maroon 5, and Die with a Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.
College Park, and ES Laird, also benefitted from the high school musical insight.
