Pinecrest PS welcomes Evolutionary for Rock Day on December 3rd

Friday, December 3, 2010 is Rock Day at Pinecrest Public School. Students from Confederation Secondary School’s Evolutionary Band will conduct workshops for Grade 6, 7 and 8 students. Band members will host clinics on drums, vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, brass, wind instruments and technical support. The workshops, from 8:50 am to 2 pm, will conclude with a short preview of some of Evolutionary’s songs for this year.

Pinecrest Public School teacher Scott Zoldy invited members of Evolutionary to the school. “Rock Day is another strategy aimed at bridging the transition from elementary school to secondary school,” said Zoldy. “What makes this day unique is that we are including all of our Grade 6 and 7 students along with the Grade 8 students who are going into Grade 9 next year.”

He added: “Engaging Grade 6 and 7 students early in the transition process will help them build a level of comfort with their local high school.  We want our elementary students to develop a clear understanding of the culture at Confederation Secondary School and know that it is a warm and welcoming place where they belong.”

“We are happy to be part of this Pinecrest initiative,” said Confederation Secondary School music teacher Norm McIntosh. “The Evolutionary band members are looking forward to interacting with the Pinecrest students in a one-on-one situation.”

He added: “Music education develops self-esteem, appreciation of the work of others, self-expression, cooperation and critical thinking skills. These skills are vital to the success of our future leaders – our children. We need to get students turned on to music early in school. There is so much for them to learn.”

“Evolutionary is an integral part of Confederation Secondary School,” said Pinecrest Public School Principal Randy Wallingford. “We want our Pinecrest students to be energized about music education and the possibility of being part of the band and further developing their passion for music.”

Confederation Secondary School Principal, Pablo Gil-Alfau, applauds Pinecrest Public School for making Rock Day a unique learning experience for students. “Mr. McIntosh and the Evolutionary Band of today and in years past are shining examples of how art influences learning and enriches the lives of all who experience it,” he said. “Mr. McIntosh has dedicated his career to educating our youth with music. Through Rock Day, his students are now being given an opportunity to give back by sharing their knowledge with elementary students.”

McIntosh added: “Having teens teach younger students can be beneficial to both the younger students and the teens. The younger students view the teens as positive role models. The teens, in turn, are given an opportunity to make an important contribution to the community in which they live. This further supports student success.”

-30-

Media Contacts:

Randy Wallingford, Principal, Pinecrest Public School,
Rainbow District School Board, 675-0200.

Pablo Gil-Alfau, Principal, Confederation Secondary School,
Rainbow District School Board, 671-5948.