The kindergarten to Grade 8 students of HHS were entertained by concerts Sept. 18 and Sept. 21.
A Little Opera on the Prairie presented its first touring production, Isis and the Seven Scorpions, by Canada's own Dean Burry, Sept. 18. Composer Dean Burry is one of Canada's most innovative emerging composers. Part of LOOP'S vision is to create shows that will appease a young audience, as well as complement and enhance the current school curriculum. The artists involved are: Kathleen Lohrenz Gable, artist director, Susan Schmidt Goerz, stage director, and Kerry Agnew, pianist. The cast of Isis includes Anastasia Winterhalt, Alicia Woynarski, Justin Gerhard and Jeremiah Scott.
Based on ancient Egyptian mythology, and set in the present day Egyptian desert, Isis follows a group of archaeology students and their professor, searching for the Lost Temple of Isis. Calamity strikes when the professor is stung by a scorpion and left near death with his students desperate to save him. Their only hope is to call upon Isis, the goddess of magical healing. In doing so, the students learn of Isis's own story of survival, fraught with deception and betrayal as well as hope and charity. Isis and the Seven Scorpions is based on an ancient Egyptian myth and is perfect to grab the attention of young people.
Will Stroet and the Backyard Band was in the gym Sept. 21. Will and the Backyard Band connect with kids through high-energy, interactive and educational music in English and French. Often described as a bilingual rock concert for kids, audiences take part in fun actions and sing-along choruses. Will sings original songs about literacy, animals, sports, road safety and multiculturalism, transforming ordinary topics into an extraordinary musical experience.
Will first discovered his talent for writing kids' songs while completing his bachelor of education at the University of British Columbia in 2004. After releasing his first CD in 2005, Let's All Dance, and receiving great reviews from kids, parent, teachers and event organizers, Will knew he had found his calling. Since then, Will has performed his highly entertaining show to enthusiastic young audiences at hundreds of major festivals, schools and theatres across Canada.
Since 2005, Will has released six albums of original music and one music DVD, which have garnered national recognition. He's received a 2011 Kids Music Award, a 2011 West Coast Songwriters Award, approval from the Parents' Choice Awards, and nominations from the Western Canadian Music Awards, the Canadian Independent Music Awards and Canadian Folk Music Awards. Will's music is also featured on Putumayo's compilation, Kids World Party. To learn more about Will, watch videos and listen to music, visit www.willmusic.ca.
For over 40 years, OSAC has nurtured the traditions of presenting excellence in the performing arts for adults, children and family audiences in various genres and disciplines. Since 1957, Junior Concerts has presented tours of professional performing artists selected for their artistic excellence, educational programming and ability to relate to elementary and high school audiences. In 1994, the Junior Concert Society merged with OSAC and continues to present professional performing artists who perform for students across Saskatchewan, helping to develop an enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of the arts. Funding from Saskatchewan Lotteries and the Saskatchewan Arts Board supports OSAC's visual and performing arts programs.
The Grade 3 class and their teacher, Darcy de Montarnal visited the residents of Lady Minto Health Care Centre, Sept. 9. This is a good way for the students to learn the history of the area as well as learning to interact with the senior residents of the community.
This week's students of the week are Gage McDonald in Grade 2 and Kesha Schaefer in Grade 8. Congratulations to both of you.
