Music Monday: Rainbow Schools celebrate character education through the arts

Close to 100 students from Rainbow Schools in the Espanola area will come together on Music Monday on May 7, 2012 for a unique event celebrating character education through the arts.

Original songs, drama, dance, and visual art works will be presented at a public concert at 6:30 pm in the gymnasium at A. B. Ellis Public School, 128 Park Street in Espanola. Participating schools include A. B. Ellis Public School in Espanola, S. Geiger Public School in Massey and Espanola High School.

“The first Monday in May is always Music Monday, a national celebration of publicly funded music education,” says Norm Blaseg, Director of Education for Rainbow District School Board. “The concert in Espanola is one of many events taking place to celebrate Music Monday, which coincides with the launch of Education Week in Rainbow Schools.”

Students and their teachers have been working with community artist Pandora Topp and Rainbow District School Board Arts Education Co-ordinator Ralph McIntosh since early March. Students were invited to research an aspect of character education, or a social justice issue related to the curriculum, to create original art works.

Art works include drama and dance presentations, a martial arts display, and several original songs. The evening will end with all participants singing the finale together.

“The public concert is a culmination of their efforts,” says Ralph McIntosh. “It will be a wonderful showcase of character and creativity as students communicate important messages through the arts.”

Everyone is welcome and there is no cost to attend. Donations will be accepted to support a designated local charity whose work impacts children and youth.

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Media Contacts:
Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7217

Ralph McIntosh
Arts Education Co-ordinator, K-12
Rainbow District School Board, 705-523-3308, ext. 8250