The temperature averages slightly
above 0ºC. It feels like Ottawa in
March. There still is snow on the ground
but not as much as before. The melting
snow has given way to small streams of brown water, running along
the paved & unpaved roads. Hundreds
of small brown puddles litter the unpaved roads and the sidewalks are muddy because
they too are unpaved. This forces me
to continue wearing my winter boots so that I don't get any mud on my dress
pants. I also have to watch where I step
because if I slip and fall, I'll be covered in mud. On the plus side, I no longer have to worry
about fierce blizzards and windstorms.
(While writing this post, there were two brief periods of snowfall on May 4 & 6).
I'm now into my fourth month living
in the north. My, how time flies. Final exams are just five weeks away and
after that, summer vacation. I have been
working feverishly, preparing final exam outlines and weekly lessons. Student absenteeism is now the main problem
for teachers & school administrators.
I have noticed a significant drop in attendance for my Grade 11 class
last week and several teachers have told me that it may stay that way or get
worse. The only thing we teachers can do
is call home and encourage parents/guardians to instruct their kids to attend all
their classes. With land trips and out-of-town field trips taking place around this time, the school looks deserted sometimes.
Last week, two of my Grade 9 guitar
classes were taught by Greg Simm, a well experienced guitar player who is
associated with the Tusarnaarniq Sivumut Association (TSA). The TSA is a music organization that runs
guitar & fiddle workshops in Pond Inlet, Iqaluit, and Pangnirtung. This time, Greg was in Iqaluit, holding
guitar/fiddle workshops at Nakasuk & Aqsaarnit Middle Schools. When his name was mentioned to me several
weeks prior, I happily agreed to let him meet and instruct my Grade 9s. He taught them the standard 12 bar blues and I assisted by playing drums.
In English, we began the Media Unit,
looking at advertising, creative advertising, and the persuasive techniques
that are used by companies & politicians to sell their products & ideas. Creative advertising is relatively new,
aiming to capture the attention of consumers by being unique, life size, humourous
and 'thinking outside of the box'. (See the above pic). The
students analyzed three commercials and five creative ads. Judging from the faces of the attending
students, they really enjoyed the examples I chose. Next week, we will be looking at the news,
propaganda, famous photographs, and viral marketing.
For junior & senior music, we're
getting ready for a concert on Thursday, May 10th. An art show is taking place at the high
school in the evening and I was asked by the art teacher if the bands could
provide some background music. I agreed and a
variety of pieces are being prepared.
For suspense, I'm not going to say what those pieces are. Additionally,
I will be performing two piano pieces to give the brass & woodwinds a
chance to rest their lips.
And lastly, 795 Iqaluit Squadron is
having its Annual Ceremonial Review on Saturday, May 26. With the final parade just three weeks away,
many are wondering what kind of team demonstrations there will be? The topic of a musical display came up during
my meeting with the commanding officer on Saturday. Reflecting on the progress of the newly
created drum line, I concurred that they could perform a simple demonstration
for their family & friends. My
drummers were immediately onboard with the idea and hastily decided when would
be the best nights to hold extra practices.
My drummers still have a lot of work to do but I know they will succeed.
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