Grades 5 to 7 students are invited to write a song reflecting these strange COVID-19 times. It could be original or a parody. Students were asked to talk about their feelings, moods, experiences, frustrations, joys, funny things, sadnesses. Families were encouraged to help create and perform the song if they wished. Most students chose to do solos.
Thanks to all those grades 5-7 students who entered the COVID Parody Songwriting Contest. It was so difficult to choose winners, as all the songs showed such creativity, humour and originality.
The judges were: Mme Lorenz, her husband, Eric, and her son, Max. All three judges are musicians themselves. Your impressive videos made us smile, laugh, and applaud. Well done, everyone!
Because Mme Lorenz is in charge of making the pizzas, we limited the first place winners to two winners. Making two pizzas is already a stretch for your supportive music teacher. However, Mme Lorenz was inspired to bake many honourable mention prizes, aka, chocolate chip cookies, which will be baked and delivered in the next couple of days.
Congratulations to Emily! We had many wonderful entries to the contest, but Emily's entry was the most ambitious. Her polished performance, musicality, choice of a difficult melody, and well-written, extended lyrics, made her the winner in the student class. Bravo, Emily!
Congratulations to Jordan and her family! I had to create a second category of winners, as some families really had fun embarking on the COVID Parody Songwriting challenge. Loved the scene of the family driving longingly by the school. Too funny. Loved it that three Qway students and mom were involved. We can all relate to the screaming scenes. Well done!
We loved that Georgia accompanied herself on the piano. Not an easy thing to do! Beautiful singing and an excellent attempt at sweet talking Mme Lorenz into giving her a cheese pizza. Sorry, Georgia, no pizza, but we hope you like the chocolate chip cookies. The judges think Georgia should start or join a band. She has a lovely, pop style singing voice. Well done!
Mason and his Gramma Nancy did a family rap with lots of funny short videos and photos to accompany the rap. Mason spoke the verses and did lots of great acting; his Gramma repeated the chorus. Lots of great rhymes and a very funny duck hat made this video come in at a close second place. Mason is a bit shy, so the video is not included. We're hoping he may change his mind and tell Mme Lorenz to include it on the music website afterall. Great job, Mason!
Franklin wrote strong lyrics for this parody. You can hear the concern he has for the people on this planet. You can also hear that he is aware of what is going on around the world with references to Trump and the World Health Organization. We share your vision of a world which is virus free, Franklin. We liked the simplicity of the piano accompaniment and your lovely singing. Thanks for all your passion!
We enjoyed the clarity and tunefulness of Samantha's singing. She really hits those high notes. Not sure if we want to catch a virus though. Building a snowman would be more fun. Thanks for putting this together while you stay inside, Samantha!
Sarita impressed us with her strong ukulele skills, lovely singing voice, stage presence, and original song. We certainly hope you keep performing so that the rest of us can listen. What a pleasure!
Cassandra had us belly laughing with her rendition of Kung Fu Fighting. We loved her sense of fun and playfulness. She took the task of writing a parody seriously, but she didn't take herself too seriously! Dance moves were killer.
"Imitation is the highest form of flattery." That being said, Mme Lorenz is flattered that Morgan chose to parody the Quarterway School Song which she wrote a long time ago. Morgan's strong singing shines through. Sounds like allergy season is here. It's not easy to sing when you have the sniffles. Video images need a little work. Good work, Morgan!
Lila is in grade 3 and really wanted to write her own parody song. We're glad she did. It started out as an atmospheric poem, and then Lila got brave and added music from Moana. Excellently done, Lila!
Aidan Metz Application pour la Concours Virtuel - Ensemble à distance: "Ton expérience face au virus"
Ben and Danielle Marsh and their four children changed the lyrics of One Day More to reflect common complaints during the Covid-19 lockdown. The video was intended to give friends and family a laugh during this stressful time.
Yes, you can get your parents to help you write the song. Yes, your family members can sing or play along with you.
"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery..."
Oscar Wilde