Music matters. Arts education aids in creative thinking and problem solving, it instills knowledge and skills that stretch across the curriculum, and can help connect a child to culture, to their heritage, and to their community.
On Monday, May 5, Music Monday celebrates its 10th anniversary with a live webcast linking simultaneous events across the country; ending with synchronized nationwide performances of “I.S.S. (Is Somebody Singing)” with former Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Chris Hadfield, led by Maestro Bramwell Tovey of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
The song was co-written by Ed Robertson (of the essential Canadian pop group The Barenaked Ladies) and Col. Hatfield while he was commanding officer for the International Space Station—a person who brought a unique perspective of our world to so many living within it through the use of creative media; weaving the connections between art and science, between technology and humanity; reminding children (and adults) everywhere they are all a part of the same world.
This live webcast [TUNE IN HERE] will include performances by school groups and local musicians, to messages from prominent Canadian musicians, politicians and leaders, and inspiration and encouragement from local youth, parents and industry advocates.
Music Monday is a collective salute, through the most fitting tribute of song, to the importance of Arts Education. Because it matters that children learn through the arts, it is important to help them build the bridge between the past and the future by giving them the opportunity to develop the finer skills of expression, of recognition, of empathy, of humility, of design, and the useful habits of planning, of practice, of revision, and of sharing.
Music matters. Supporting learning through the arts is important. Is somebody singing? Yes.
Happy Music Monday everyone! Thank you, students, for sharing this work of expression with the world.
