New arts education program hopes to be the key to student success

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Band, choir and music teacher Brenda Bernath says the new program will give a chance for students to get involved with something they are all familiar with.

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“I think it’s great to introduce them to music in a different way that maybe they haven’t had. They’ve listened to music, but maybe they haven’t actually formally played or formally learned to read music,” Bernath said.

Bernath said the class will focus on the basics of piano playing and music reading. The students will be exposed to different kinds of music and will get to fully explore the versatility of the keyboards.

“Students all love music. They listen to it all the time so just making them appreciate different types of music and also appreciate what music reading can do for you can open up a lot of doors,” Bernath said.

“[The keyboards] have all kinds of neat sounds, background beats, things like that. You can add a drumbeat behind what you’re playing … so even though they might be playing something simplistic, they can make it sound like something. I think they’ll have a sense of pride in that and feel successful by having that.”

Most grade nine students would have been introduced to music in some form in elementary school, but for the students with more musical background, Bernath said there will be room for them to learn as well.

“Those students will probably have numerous books, and the school can find other books and resources for them to use so they can continue to grow with their playing skills,” Bernath said. “No matter what level they’re coming in with their piano skills, we’re still able to offer them some growth.”

As for Bernath, after over 20 years of teaching at Carlton, the new program is a welcomed change.

“It’s very exciting because music is what I love to do. It’s my passion, so to be able to teach music all day long is great.”

“Students may decide after this course to take some guitar lessons … maybe some will take piano lessons. It’s never too late to learn music. It’s great to be able to introduce students to that and give them an opportunity that maybe a lot of them haven’t had.”

knguyen@jpbg.ca

Follow on Twitter: @khangvnguyen