Dear Editor:
I attended Steven Laplante’s organ music workshop for Giant’s Head students, Grades 3 to 5 at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Friday, Jan. 23.
Mr. Laplante’s passion for music and mastery of the pipe organ instrument was infectious and much to my delight the children were drawn into a wonderful sound experience, classical music no less, from composers in the Renaissance to Romantic period.
Watching Mr. Laplante’s hands and feet simultaneously play the keyboards, brought expressions of curiosity, surprise and calm to their faces and a few students played the seat in front of them, clearly engaged and enjoying the experience.
Credit must go the sponsors and teachers who organized this opportunity.
Respectful behaviour as an audience member is a learned skill which must be taught early and practiced often.
Listening skills and attention management expected of our youth require dedicated teaching at home and school.
Our community is rich with work sites, businesses, farms, greenhouses, studios, museums, galleries, parks, trails, scientists, artists, and performers.
School field trips for students to experience these resources are vital to engage learning beyond the classroom, discover our community; and perhaps one day like Steven Laplante come home and share their gifts.
Kathy Smith
Summerland
