Upper Canada Chorus

We wish so much for our children: joy, discipline, success, balance, confidence, enduring happiness, meaningful friendships, strong character. These are broad ideals that require nurturing with deliberate intention on the part of parents and teachers as a child develops.Life is more about the journey than the destination.

John Dewey (an educational theorist) once said, "Education is the process of living, not preparation for future living". The things our children do on a daily basis play a part in shaping their lives. How essential it is then to teach practical skills, the tangible results of which can be enjoyed every step of the way.

I wish challenge for my 2 children ... an age appropriate learning context complete with obtainable challenges so they can experience the confidence that engenders true accomplishment. I wish practical problems that can be creatively solved to deepen their strong rooted sense of self esteem. I wish for them to be stirred and inspired - on an emotional level - by joyfully experiencing and discovering elements of life around them. I wish to encourage the seeds of discipline, that they might learn diligence through steady commitment to a chosen course. I wish for them to be surrounded by other exceptional youth who will help bring out their best qualities as they work together as a team, learning more about themselves as they learn more about others.

As the Upper Canada Chorus enters its tenth season, I have more reasons than ever to invest my time and energy. Where else will my children be able to sing folk songs from Eastern Canada, discovering the legend of "Oak Island Gold" while learning to sing with pure, open vowels and a beautiful vocal tone? How else could I facilitate the accomplishment they feel as they perform a German Lied by Schubert with appreciable excellence on stage at the Toronto Centre for the Arts? In what other environment could I find the mutual encouragement so characteristic of a group completely dependant on each other in their pursuit of excellence?

The choral context at the Upper Canada Chorus is a uniquely dynamic experience, designed to facilitate exponential growth in all areas of both musical and personal development. In only two short years it will be time for my eldest daughter to enter and embrace this environment. I can only hope the experience will be for her what it has already been for so many other youth in our community, and what it has been for me.

Michelle Rawlins
Mother of 5 year old Keira (Viaje), 3 year old Ainsley (First Chirp), and 1 year old Kent (Future Chorister)
Associate Music Director
Upper Canada Chorus