Explorations in Music

I am delighted to share that we're starting a new program for younger children this fall. It's called “Explorations in Music” and will provide the children with an opportunity to begin exploring music and building relationships with each other and the congregation.

We will have different presenters and instruments each week, so you will never get quite the same thing twice, but generally speaking the kids will have opportunities to play around with different instruments, will get to learn about the cool things they can do, and will make music in a group.

We will share our activities with the congregation by inviting them to join as participants and presenters. The focus will be on play, exploring music together, and building relationships. We're hoping to provide opportunities for the children to get to know congregation members better as well as connect with other faith traditions, especially Indigenous ones, in response to the Truth & Reconciliation commission.

The program will run most Sundays after church and it promises to be a fun time, so I hope you will check it out, no matter your age. We are grateful for the support and contributions of Queen Street Music.

Schedule:

Sept 23^rd, 11:30 – 12:00 – Gerard Yun 

(snack available in Rm 206 at 11:15)

Assistant Professor in Community Music at Wilfrid Laurier University. Gerard is trained in a number of singing and instrumental cultural traditions including Zen shakuhachi, Native American flute, overtone singing, didgeridoo, and Ghanaian drumming. In addition, he holds graduate degrees in choral/orchestral conducting. As a community music practitioner and scholar he helps people encounter unfamiliar musics and builds their confidence through creative improvisation.

Sept 30^th, 11:30 – 12:00 – Queen Street Music: Ukuleles

(snack available in Rm 206 at 11:15)

Queen Street Music is a community driven, creative school with a focus on performance and quality education Programs for ages 3 to Adult Private and Group lessons year-round Performance and enrichment. This time they will help us learn the basics of ukulele.

Oct 7^th, 11:30 – 12:00 – Theresa McGregor

(snack available in Rm 206 at 11:15)

Indigenous rooted person, Theresa McGregor is a Drum & Song carrier, Moon Bundle, Earth & Water Protector, Traditional Women's Dancer. Proud member of the Indigenous & Non Indigenous women's hand drum group Mino Ode Kwewak N’gamowak (Good Hearted Women Singers).

Oct 14^th, 11:30 – 12:00 – Drums! 

(snack available in Rm 206 at 11:15)

We're going to set up a couple of drum kits. Come see how everything works, make lots of noise, and discover the cool sounds an electric kit can make.

Oct 21^st, 12:00 – 3:00 – Lucas Tensen, Kazoo Making, and more!

(potluck lunch available in Fellowship Hall at 11:15)

Celebrating community and nature through sound, song and soulful imagery is what continues to motivate Lucas Tensen as a multi-disciplinary artist and facilitator. In 2008, he travelled to St. Louis, Senegal to learn the 21 string Kora, (a West African Harp). A few years later, Lucas began making them. He also collects and plays other instruments like the Japanese shakuhachi flute and a collection of old aluminum pots and lids that were transformed into magical singing bowls. Lucas earned a BA in Cello Performance and MA in Community Music from Wilfrid Laurier University. We will also be making kazoos and have a variety of music activities.

Oct 28^th, 11:30 – 12:00 – Unique Sounds (snack available in Rm 206 at 11:15) Have you heard of a theremin? An otamatone? A harmonium? Come check out these unique instruments and discover the cool sounds they make.

Nov 4^th, 11:30 – 12:00 – Theresa McGregor (snack available in Rm 206 at 11:15)

(please note that Explorations will not be offered Nov 11^th & Nov 18^th)

Nov 25^th, 11:30 – 12:00 – Gerard Yun 

(snack available in Rm 206 at 11:15)

Dec 2^nd, 11:15 – 12:00 – Christmas Carol sing!

Join Explorations for juice, coffee, tea, Christmas goodies and your favourite Christmas carols in the Fellowship hall (note the alternate location!). This edition of Explorations is open to parents, guests, and congregation members, so please join us.