W.C. Miller, Parkside, and Gretna Elementary
Program Philosophy
Here is what we believe about band education in a nutshell:
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Music is for all students, and we all work together to create something greater than ourselves
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Music allows us to connect emotionally with each other and our audience (going beyond the notes and rhythms)
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Music has many parallels with life, and we promote the values of respect, kindness, hard work, and joy within the program
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We learn music by doing it, and therefore our program is performance-based, with music-learning connected directly to creating and experiencing a high level of musical expression
Music and the Brain
There is more and more emerging research that links music training with enhanced brain function and other physical and mental benefits. Check out these resources to find out more:
Derek Klassen
Meet the Director
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Mr. Derek Klassen is the band director at W.C. Miller Collegiate, Ecole Parkside School, and Gretna Elementary School. He was born and raised in the Altona area and received his Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education degrees from the University of Manitoba. The 2020-2021 school year will be his sixth year in Border Land School Division.
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Derek previously served for five years on the Manitoba Band Association Board of Directors as the Central Region Representative and was a member of the National Youth Band 2019 Planning Committee. In 2017 he was the recipient of the MBA's inaugural Ken Epp Professional Development Award. He also continues to teach and perform as a drummer/percussionist in various musical settings outside of school, and has been a guest clinician at many music camps/events including Prairie Percussion Workshop and Cadenza Summer Music Week.
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Email: klassender@blsd.ca