Gr. 5s Collaborate on Songwriting Project

This fall, our Grade 5 students had the exciting opportunity to be involved in the Voice to Voice Project.

This student songwriting initiative was led by Instruments of Change, a non-profit. The goal of the project is to allow kids to express ideas about their unique and shared identities through music, while connecting from students across Greater Vancouver to enhance their cross-cultural understanding. The project brought together 120 Grade 4-7 students from four different Vancouver schools, to collectively write a fun and meaningful song about freedom. YHS Grade 5 students recorded their part of the song on November 20th, and shot the music video on December 4th.

Here is what Terra (5Y) had to say about the project:

“Our time we have shared with Voice to Voice has been a once in a lifetime opportunity. I think this was a very fun experience because we were all actively communicating and listening with one another, while doing a fun activity all at the same time. Together, we agreed on the lyrics to one line of a rap that is going into a song. It was fun to figure out the lines for the rap and find the correct beats.”  

Watch the full music video, featuring students from Mount Pleasant, John Henderson, Dr. A.R. Lord and York House:

Celebration of Community

CelebrationofCommunity_09Dec2015-6256On December 9th the YHS community gathered at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts for the annual “Celebration of Community”.

This annual event is the one time during the year that the entire community comes together. It’s a treat to hear our budding musicians perform in such a glorious venue, and to celebrate the spirit of the season together. View highlights from all the performances below.

CelebrationofCommunity_09Dec2015-6275The afternoon was interspersed with sing-a-long carols, a reading in French by Alex, Gr. 11, and a Sr. Improv Drama Presentation — a first for the Celebration of Community.

Special thanks to Leith Wheeler Investments for sponsoring this event. The impressive venue, carol singing, and festive atmosphere make for a wonderful holiday tradition. Watch the highlights below and view the full photo gallery.