FIDDLESTICKS!: Poetry

Showing posts with label Poetry. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Music is Hope...

I've been debating whether to post this here or on the Loopy Library since it involves slam poetry, a cello, and mention of a book we've discussed at Senior Book Club. Fiddlesticks wins, since I just posted on the library blog yesterday! Quinn had the amazing experience of attending a slam poetry workshop with Nathaniel Larochette at Encounters With Canada last week and his poetry and personality had a huge impact on her. She came home with his book and we have been watching more of his performances - I cannot believe how moving his words are! So watch, listen and then maybe look him up and enjoy more!

Things you may not know about Mr. Bernier:

He began playing fiddle at the age of eleven and after earning his Bachelor of Music in Music Education at the University of Saskatchewan he went on to become the 1990 Grand Master Fiddler. Mr. Bernier began teaching full time as a private music teacher and also went on to teach students at music camps across Canada and the United States.

His dedication to music education, particularly in Saskatchewan, is evident in his lifetime of accomplishments which are really too numerous to fit into this sidebar – you’ll have to google him to find out (he even won the 2003 SCMA Humanitarian Award !)

Did you know that Mr. Bernier actually writes and arranges music in addition to teaching here at Rivier? Very cool.

His students have also gone on to accomplish great things such as: Winning the Royal Conservatory Silver Medal Award for the highest exam marks in the province; Touring with the National Youth Orchestra; and recording their own CDs. So pay attention in class!

Most important of all, Mr. Bernier has set up the ONLY strings program in Saskatchewan available to middle and high school students – and you can get academic credit for it. Wow!