Music

Music education is an important part of the development of the whole child. At Van Walleghem, we provide creative musical experiences at every level through the Orff process. The Orff process is based on each child’s nat­ural musical inclinations and draws upon games, chant, song, movement, folk dance, drama as well as playing pitched and non-pitched instruments.

All of our students play the barred instruments and a great variety of percussion instruments from kindergarten through grade 5. Recorder is introduced in grade 3 and continues until grade 5. The recorder is an invaluable instrument that develops note reading and ensemble skills.

In addition to regular class instruction by our Music Specialist there are co-curricular opportunities offered throughout the year including grades 2/3 choir, grades 4/5 choir and grades 6-8 choir. Our choirs perform at events such as the Remembrance Day assembly, the annual Winter Concert and in festivals and events outside the school.

BAND

At École Van Walleghem School, we believe that exposure to playing an instrument is an integral part of every child’s education.  That’s why every student takes band in grade 6.  Students in grade 6 will spend the year learning to play an orchestral woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument, where they will learn skills such as teamwork, independence, problem-solving and perseverance (in addition to actually playing their instrument).

As students progress to grades 7 and 8 band, they will encounter numerous opportunities for musical enrichment, such as jazz band, “Jingle Band” (a special band put together for the elementary Christmas concert), small ensembles and solo opportunities.  The grade 7's will spend a day at a Band retreat, where they will work with specialists on their instruments and bond as a group, and the grade 7's and 8's will perform at the annual Level One and Optimist Band festivals (in April and February, respectively).