Celebrating the music of the Beatles
Amy Gregson – Times Reporter
The sounds of the Beatles could be heard in the Strathmore High School gym March 23.
Bands from the High School and Crowther Memorial Jr. High played a variety of Beatles music for their “Beatlemania” concert.
“It was so much fun. The kids had a great time,” said Karly Zinken, band teacher. “The audience really enjoyed the concert. I talked to so many parents who said it brought back some memories for them, so that was good.” Some of the songs played included: “When I’m 64”, “I Want to Hold Your Hand”, “Twist and Shout”, “Hey Jude” and “Imagine”.
The classes used the Beatles songs for much more than entertainment. They used them to study different aspects of music such as the form of a song and learning about the differences between intro, chorus, bridge, verses and outros.
The songs were also used to study the elements of music such as the rhythm, tempo, how fast or slow the music is, melody and harmony and how to listen for different instruments that are being used.
“We thought it would be fun for the kids to learn about music in a new way,” said Zinken. “They can relate to the slightly more modern music, although if you ask the kids it’s old, but it’s newer than classical music.”
The different ensembles have been looking at the Beatles music since January along with other classical pieces, they have been preparing to play at festivals.
The bands that performed were the Grade 7 band, Grade 8 band, Grade 9 and then a high school band made up of students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 and two jazz bands, one from the junior high and one from the senior high.
Two girls also sang during the night and a small student group called Ivy Inferno played their own version of Eleanor Rigby.
The Band Parent’s Association organized a silent auction and a bake sale to raise money to subsidize the cost of instrument rentals. More than $3,000 was raised.
“A month’s worth of rentals for the Band Parent’s Association is $2,500,” said Zinken. “The kids do pay a rental fee, but that only covers about a third of our rental costs. The rentals are highly subsidized by these fundraisers and the Band Parent’s Associations.”
Along with practicing for their concert, the high school band attended the Alberta International Band Festival in Edmonton March 17 and 18.
The high school band played for a clinician at the University of Alberta and at the Festival.
“We had great feedback, learned a lot and had a ton of fun,” said Zinken.
The grade 8 and 9 bands are currently getting ready to perform at the Alberta Band Association Festival of Bands in Red Deer in May.
The bands will be teaming up again, along with bands from the Catholic Schools, for Music Monday, May 3 at the Civic Centre, and then will play at the Concert in the Park May 28 in Kinsmen Park.
amy@strathmoretimes.com