Choral Celebration
2015
In the first week of June each year all of the students of Lester B Pearson School for the Arts gather to present what we call, "Choral Celebration". These concert have been going on for as long as Pearson has been an arts school. They are a highlight of the school year, and truly show the musical progression of the students as they move from grade 4 to grade 8. We hope that you enjoy the music that we have prepared for you!
You can go to the playlist or choose individual songs below.
Pearson Singers
Earlier this year the Pearson Singers performed at Kiwanis. The two pieces you will hear this evening were the songs they performed. Their performances earned them a gold certificate. The first piece is from the musical “Oliver”. Oliver has been sent on an errand to return some books to the library. It is market day and all of the venders are in the street trying to sell their wares to him as he goes on his journey. Our three soloists for this piece are Eden Reshef, who will trying to sell you roses, Haleigh Paschink as the milk seller and Ireland Crowther, who is selling ripe strawberries! Please enjoy the Pearson Singers performance of Who Will Buy.
Our second selection this evening comes from the Caribbean Islands. This song describes a scene in the life of Tottoyo, a young boy who likes playing outside in the tropical weather until late hours. When it is time, Tottoyo’s mother calls him to come into the house, but he refuses, arguing that he just likes to play and have fun outside. After calling him several times, the mother becomes annoyed and frustrated and calls him more forcefully. Tottoyo reacts by hiding out of sight behind the bush, leaving mom waiting at the doorsteps. Please enjoy Tottoyo , written by Chrsitian Grases
Grade 4's
The grade 4 classes of Mrs. Case and Mr. DaSilva are very excited to be a part of their first Choral Celebration. Their first selection tonight is from the musical ‘You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown in which Charles Schulz’s beloved comic comes to life. In the story, Charlie Brown is sad that he still has not discovered what it means to be a "good man". He proudly displays a pencil which had been dropped by the little red-haired girl (his perennial crush). As he examines it, he discovers that "there are teeth-marks all over it . . . she nibbles her pencil . . . she's HUMAN!" With that realization, he concludes that today hasn't been so bad, after all, and he's done a lot of things that make him happy. As Charlie Brown expresses what makes him happy, everyone, touched by his love of life, begin to express what makes them happy as well. It is at this point in the musical that we hear the song Happiness. Right then, he realizes being a "good man" means trying your best and making the most of the things you've been given in life.
Next, the grade fours will perform Freedom! Throughout the ages, people around the world have raised their voices to protest oppression and have used musical expression as a means of escape. In this freedom song, the feelings of joy, celebration and hope for the future are expressed in the lyrics: All around the world, people hear the call. Such a joyful sound, freedom is calling us all!
Grade 5's
The grade 5 classes of Mrs. Bailey and Ms. Bird will be the next to take the stage. Their first selection tonight is a well-known traditional Irish folk song. The lyrics, originally published as early as 1740, tell the story of a great piper who is very respected by every person in the nation. “Loudly he can play or low. He can move you fast or slow. Touch your hearts or stir your toe.” In this arrangement, the lyrics from the original folksong are infused with the melody from The Rakes of Mallow. Here is Piping Tim of Galway.
Their second song delivers the universal message of hope that is shared in this inspirational song by the Celtic Women. “Sing a new song to the world, let your voice be heard, go and bring the word.” Soloists this evening are Julianna, Caity, Raina and Cadence and joining us on violin are Angelica and Henry. Please enjoy Sing Out!
Grade 6's
The grade 6 classes of Miss Chesnut and Mr. Surman will now join forces to present their musical selections. Their first song Give us Hope is from the project Sounds of a Better World, a series of songs focusing on children and how small steps can be made to improve their world. In the words of the composer, Jim Papoulis (pa-poo-lis) “what I have come to understand is that we must send the better part of ourselves into the future through our children. If we want society to evolve, we need to understand the importance of childhood, and how vital our role should be in doing whatever we can to nurture every child.” The solo this evening will be performed by Nicole Bryant.
Their second song, Yo (jo) Le Canto Todo El Dia (dee –ah) has infectious rhythms and playful melodies that capture the vitality and charm of Venezuela. A translation of the lyrics is as follows:
So I am moving with my heart, So I am leaving with my drum,
I sing to you all day long.
So I am leaving with a drum with affection and emotion.
Grade 7's
he classes of Mrs. Kapp and Mr. Morrow are now set to perform for you. Earlier this year the grade 7’s studied medieval music. Their first selection is an energetic setting of a medieval text, Laus Deo in excelsis, et in terra pax hominibus. This translates as “Glory to God in the highest and peace on Earth”. We hope you enjoy John Leavitt’s setting of Laus Deo.
The grade 7’s second piece is a story about two sparrows, one at the end of its life and another at the beginning. The wisdom of the older bird is passed on to the younger, and in the process we all learn how to spread our wings in preparation for our future. Please welcome Claire Jones-Fright on the violin accompanying the grade 7’s singing Don Besig’s Take These Wings.
Grade 8's
Mr. Malik and Mr. Cairns’ classes also performed at Kiwanis this year. The two pieces they are going to present to you now also resulted in a gold award. The first piece is a composition by the English composer, John Rutter. The song speaks of how beautiful our earth is praises its creation. Our soloists are Shelby Turner, Meaghan Simpson, Melissa Tang and Brett Martin. Please enjoy, Look at the World.
Our next selection is one that most of you will probably. We have had a lot of fun putting this piece together and it has a raft of soloists. Here we go! You will hear: Meaghan Simpson, Grace Grant, Melissa Tang, Ireland Crowther, Grace Valdron, Xavier Wehrli, Katrina Bustamante, Sam Lownie, Katherine Latosinski, Connor Overton, Maria Lierman, Shelby Turner and finally Sydney Sutherland. Ah, but that’s not all – one guitars are Tyler Collins and Owen Spicer, and one the drums we welcome Lucy Grant. Hold on to your seats and get ready for Queen’s, Bohemian Rhapsody.
Twelve
One of the most popular makers of movies and musicals is ... Disney! Well, this year Twelve has an entire medley of Disney songs for you!
Whole School
We will take time to live, to be free. Without being tied down to the daily routine, we will be able to dream up our life.
Come, I am here; I am waiting only for you. Everything is possible; everything is allowed to come.
This is the translation for the next song you will hear, but it could also be the words we live by on a daily basis at Pearson. We can honestly say that we are not a place that is tied down to daily routine, but more importantly, we are a place where “everything is possible” and we are able to “dream up our life”. Our string quintet is comprised of Sarah, Chun, Allyson Zheng , Rhyan Vink, Ben Kubica and Connor Overton. Our soloist is Brett Martin. Please enjoy, Le Temp De Vivre.
In the rhythm of life, we sometimes find ourselves out of tune. But as long as there are friends to provide the melody, the music plays on. Thank you to two wonderful teachers who share with us their love of the arts, who encourage us to do our best and who touch our hearts and souls with their presence. Your love of teaching has put a tingle in our fingers and a tingle in our feet ... For your rhythm of life has had a powerful beat at Pearson.