École Deer Meadow School choir invited to provincial music festival

École Deer Meadow School’s choir is thrilled to have been invited to attend the provincial music festival. The group performed at the Olds music festival in March, for the first time, and because of that performance received an invitation to provincials. 

“I am honoured that we were recommended to provincials,” says teacher Cali Wright, Deer Meadow teacher and choir director.

Wright says she has attended provincials previously, with another group and, “the caliber of the choirs there was astonishing. It really is an honour to be considered to sing in front of and listen to such wonderful choirs.” 

The choir sang “There is Sweet Music Here” by Mary Lynn Lightfoot and “Shake the Papaya Down”, a Jamaican folk song arranged by Ruth E. Dwyer and Judith M. Waller. The group’s accompanist is Chelsea Pederson, the band teacher at École Olds High School.

“The adjudicator gave us a lot of things to continue working on,” says Wright. “She was impressed with the clarity of our words, our faces during the performance, and how well our voices blended when the whole choir was singing in unison. 

Wright says the experience of singing at the festival was positive for students. “We got to watch the Grade 4 and 5 students from River Valley School, and the Reed Ranch School choir,” she says. “It was a pleasure to get to listen and share our music with other schools in Chinook’s Edge. Many of the students from Deer Meadow were still singing songs from the other choir when we loaded the bus to head back to the school.” 

The choir is made up of 20 students. It is open to all grades. The students participate by attending choir voluntarily through their lunch hour. 

“The students bring their lunches and eat together for the beginning of our time together, which I think is one of the favorite parts of the experience for many of the students,” says Wright.

Up until this year there was a Grade 5 / 6 choir and a Grade 7 / 8 choir.  “Combining the choirs into one group has helped increase numbers and excitement,” says Wright.

Wright says, “I am really grateful for all the support to help make music programs like this happen. The support comes from parents, other staff, administrators, the community, and the division to help band and music connect and work with each other on a fairly regular basis.” 

Provincial festival is scheduled for May 22 in Edmonton. Students and staff are excited about the opportunity.