Tunnganarniq
Fostering good spirits by being open, welcoming and inclusive
Donald Mearns (Educator, Elder – Pangnirtung)
“It is well known that music education is linked to higher levels of learning other skills. It changes the way we think and how we see the world. We have lost the old-world commitment to all areas of learning - the arts are dragging poorly behind other subjects. This means that students miss out on a fully rounded education. The magic of Bach, the heart stirring vibrations of throat singing, the beats of simple drums, traditional music and its history. It all adds color, vibrancy and joy in life.”
Philippa Ootoowak (Community Archivist, Elder - Pond Inlet)
“I have always had music in my life, thanks to my parents, but for many children this opportunity is not available. Most schools and recreation organizations are stretched for money. With limited budgets in schools, music groups and choirs are the first things to be discontinued.
I have personally taken an active part in classes from visiting fiddle teachers. The children love these musical groups and ask for more when those teaching have to leave. There are children who show little interest in school studies or who are not good at sports, but they pick up the idea of playing a musical instrument with much enthusiasm. It is wonderful to see this as in turn this renews the student’s interest in coming to school.
Music is a ‘hands on’ active class, and many Inuit feel more comfortable learning this way rather than sitting at a desk reading or writing. Music in all its forms can be a wonderful teacher of skills needed for life.”
Greg Campbell (Manager of the Nunavut Teacher Education Program, Nunavut Arctic College)
“When I was the principal of Nasivvik High School in Pond Inlet, Nunavut, I was fortunate to have been directly involved with Greg Simm and Kim de Laforest and the music program they brought to our school each year. Their music workshops were thoroughly enjoyed by all of our students in grades 7-12. Greg and Kim have an exceptional way of getting all students involved and it was amazing to watch how much the students learned after just a few classes.
This program had a very large impact on our students and Kim and Greg were known by almost everyone in Pond Inlet. Our students’ attendance always improved when Kim and Greg were in the school because students did not want to miss their time learning how to play the fiddle.
Greg and Kim also have a great rapport with our students and in fact, many students would stay in contact with the both of them through email in order to continue working on their musical skills.
I would highly recommend that schools get involved in this program and I would encourage all school principals in Nunavut to make this music program part of their students' lives.”
Adam Malcolm (Teacher)
“In the weeks leading up to a visit from Kim and Greg the buzz among students builds: "We should practice fiddle after school today," and "Can't wait till they get here," and "I want to learn guitar this year," and "What day do Kim and Greg get here again?"
Kim and Greg have created and sustained the spread of a culture of music and joy in the northern communities where they teach. I have observed first-hand the positive affect that their program has on students' confidence and mood. Gaining the ability to pick up an instrument and make music is a powerful antidote to emotional turmoil.”
Kathleen McKinley (Educator)
“I would encourage teachers to visit Kim and Greg’s class…I learned so much from being there with them. Many of us talk about ‘Differentiated Instruction’ but can’t walk the walk. Kim and Greg’s sessions are D.I. at it’s best, something for every learning style. The joy on the faces of the students when they accomplish tasks large and small is wonderful to see. As teachers, we need to be reminded to meet the students where they are, not where we expect them to be”
Tasha Inootik (Student – Pond Inlet)
“My favorite part of fiddle class is when we all play together and it sounds so nice. And at the end of the class, when Kim and Greg play something fast and fun while we start packing up🤗.
There aren’t a lot of jobs up here and people like Kim and Greg give us good examples of other opportunities. You guys do an amazing job.
You guys are our fresh air🤗”
