Education Blog

Hello Singing Music Students, It has been a long time since we have been able to sing together. Today I thought I would post some singing activities for you to enjoy! First, let’s sing about “Why We Sing”. Primaries know this song from Primary Days of Music and can sing along. Intermediates can join in by reading the sheet music and lyrics. Next, here is an old favourite we know called “A Pizza Hut“. A perfect song to sing while you order Skip the Dishes. 😀 Next, have some fun with these melody exercises and games. Primaries click here. Intermediates click here. Lastly, did you know our Parkcrest student teacher…

Hello Excellent Music Students, SO EXCITING! Did you remember that our second live performance of the year was going to be the Vancouver Opera visiting our school to perform the indigenous story “Flight of the Hummingbird”? Well guess what?! They are presenting their performance through live streaming for all schools. I know that many Parkcrest staff are watching the performance and I hope that many students will watch the performance as well. Click on the video below for a synopsis of the story:  Now click on the video below to watch the performance:  Afterwards try this Flight of the Hummingbird dance activity and invite your younger siblings to join…

Hello Accomplished Music Students, Thank-you to those of you that have been able to complete music assignments during this time of distance learning.  Today I thought I would encourage the rest of you to complete some music learning during your flex time, by sharing examples of student work (with permission). I am so impressed by Parkcrest students! Here are a few examples to share: 1. Abigail Santos in Div. 8 created her own song and sent it to me through email. Click below to hear a sample from her song “Rainbow ‘Cross the Sky”.  2. Candi Lee in Div. 2 printed out the sheet music posted for the song “Hymn to Freedom”.…

Hello Incredible Music Students, Did you know that today, is a very special day for TWO reasons? Today, all across Canada, is an important day called Music Monday. Music Monday happens every year on the first Monday of May. It is a time where music students all across Canada learn the same song. This year the song is called Hymn to Freedom (click to hear the song).  Can you learn the tune and sing along? Here is the Hymn to Freedom Sheet Music if you would like to play along too! I would love for you to record yourself singing or playing the song and send it to my email: liz.vaesen@burnabyschools.ca…

Hello Wonderful Music Students,   I hope you all enjoyed a day off from your school work for our Pro-D day yesterday! The teachers at Parkcrest attended many different online workshops aimed at helping us teach you better virtually. I noticed last week that only a few students were able to complete the music activities that I posted, and I want you to know..that is ok. It is important that you complete your classroom assignments first and then come here to enjoy some extra “flex” work when you can. Parents, I know that you are very busy helping your children with their school work at home and we teachers appreciate…

Hello Amazing Music Students, I am so excited this morning to share with you some fun online music activities for you to do this week in your flex learning time. Remember to finish the work from your classroom teachers first! Primary students: Test your rhythm knowledge here (click on “Which Rhythm Do You Hear? on the top right).         Tell me your score in the comments below. (Div. 7 & 8 play level #2 / Div. 5 & 6 play level #6) Test your melody knowledge here and tell me your three scores in the comments below.                      …

Hello Fantastic Music Students, Congratulations to Ava Montagano who guessed my favourite composer, Hans Zimmer! Hans is a German born composer who has created incredible music for over 150 movies. He is the composer for The Lion King, Dunkirk and The Pirates of the Caribbean. His newest project is to compose the music for the upcoming new James Bond film. Here is a picture of Hans: Now let’s watch a live symphony performance of Hans Zimmer’s composition The Pirates of the Caribbean. Can you count how many different instruments he has to write the music for? There are so many parts playing at the same time. Intermediate Choir students, I wonder…

Hello Clever Music Students, I see that some of you were able to name my favourite conductor. Well done. 😉 As for my favourite composer, those were all very good guesses but not my favourite.  I will give you three hints below: (Intermediates, no SoundHounding the music!) He is a German composer. He composes Happy Music: Dramatic Music: Adventurous Music: 3.  He is still alive. Comment below if you know his name! 

Hello Awesome Music Students! Wouldn’t it have been great to go on a field trip to see the Vancouver Symphony this year? Well guess what…we can! The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra has decided to post online their Beethoven Concert.  This was recorded in March, before social distancing was put into place. Please play the video below and make sure you click to full screen and turn up the volume on your device. Wow! What a beautiful performance.  Do you know the difference between a composer and a conductor? The composer of this song is Ludwig Van Beethoven, of course. We have been studying his music this year to celebrate 250 years…

Hello Parkcrest Students and Families, This is my first post of all time. When I’m not teaching, I don’t usually spend much time on the computer. I’m too busy singing and dancing, reading and baking, going out to church activities or to visit my friends and family. I certainly never thought I would have my own blog! Wow! However, if this is how I get to stay connected to you…then learning this new skill is going to be GREAT. I miss you all very much! I especially miss hearing your beautiful singing voices and musical talent.  I even miss the 138 questions that come my way each day when teaching…