The W.H. Morden Public School Grade 6-8 choir performed a compilation of songs at Queen’s Park earlier this month.
In addition to singers, the Oakville choir included violinists, a flutist and a pianist. Approximately 40 family members and Members of the House including MPPs watched the performance at the Ontario legislature on Dec. 8.
Songs performed included: ‘Winter Song’, ‘Rocking Around the Christmas Tree’, ‘War is Over’, ‘Dona Nobis Pacem’, ‘Jingle Bell Rock’, ‘My Heart Will Go On’, ‘Salut D'Amour’, ‘Enfant de Paix’
Shelli Fisico, teacher at W.H. Morden PS, says the school is proud of the choir’s efforts as they “sang and performed in English and French, in unison and harmony, while paying attention to the pitch, creative expression and dynamics of the music.”
“We were excited to learn that
Global News also covered our performance as we sang Céline Dion's song, ‘My Heart Will Go On’,” Fisico says. “The performance was powerful as Céline Dion made a public statement on that day about her having been diagnosed with Stiff Person's Syndrome. The students have decided to do a school-wide Céline fundraiser for Stiff Person's Syndrome and we are currently learning a collection of our favourite Céline songs.”
Grade 8 student, Charlotte, says the experience was “amazing.”
“When we first got to Queens Park, I was definitely nervous but we sang loud and clear to a lot of parents and parliament officials. I learned that if we all work together as a group, we can be in harmony and make a much louder, nicer sounding song. I loved having the opportunity to sing at Queens Park. It was a positive experience that I will remember for a long time.”
The choir experience connected to the
HDSB’s 2020-2024 Multi-Year Plan in several ways including the ‘Learning and Achievement’ area of focus, where students, through a culture of high expectations, maximized their artistic and leadership potential.
“It also encouraged students to make real world connections to the government and prepare for a dynamic future,” Fisico says.
Fisico was chosen to attend the Legislative Assembly of Ontario Teachers’ Forum, a multi-day professional development opportunity. Teachers were made aware of opportunities to connect students with the Legislature and the W.H. Morden choir was asked to perform at Queen’s Park.
