This Spring, Parry Sound elementary school students will collaborate with Artists Samantha Whelan-Kotkas, Mark Limacher and Walter MacDonald White Bear. This incredible trio of teaching artists will bring an exciting multi-disciplinary, educational experience to our students that inspires imagination and creativity through music. 

Through individual class visits in Parry Sound, students Grades 4-6 will hear instruments, teachings, and stories of the land taught by Walter – a Cree singer-songwriter, educator and motivational speaker, originally from Moose Factory First Nation. Reflecting on these teachings, students will create their own compositions with pianist Mark Limacher, an accomplished composer and improviser.

Ultimately, students will gain first-hand experience using music as an avenue for self-expression, reflecting on the process through storytelling with trumpet player, and educator Samantha Whelan-Kotkas. Samantha’s boundless energy, extensive education, musicianship and understanding of multi-disciplinary performance make her stand out as one of Canada’s top performers.

This year’s two-week virtual residency will culminate in a final performance on April 8th featuring music created together with our students and our visiting artists!