Beautiful Music - Virtually

Story appeared in the 2021 issue of QMS Connections Magazine.

BY HAYLEY PICARD, Director of Communications & Marketing

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Following the disruptive end to the 2019–2020 academic year due to COVID, the September re-start was a time of joy for Music Teacher, Alison Hounsome.

“I felt so overwhelmingly happy to see the kids. I missed them,” she shares. “It was a huge loss emotionally. Singing online [during COVID] was different, so it was a huge relief to be back in-person.”

However, being together again looked very different. Smaller class sizes based on learning cohorts, teaching from behind plexiglass, instrument bags and covers, and student’s singing with masks all took their toll. “It was physically more tiring,” Hounsome admits. “Glasses fog up, masks get sucked in and not being able to read lips was hard.”

Yet, there was an upside to these changes. With smaller classes, students received more individualized instrument and choral instruction and the situation allowed for alumna, India Hounsome (‘17), to contribute to the music program as an assistant. “It was a wonderful opportunity for her. She learned to conduct and helped the students sort out rhythms.”

As health restrictions continued, Alison realized she would need to shift to a virtual format to be able to share her students’ musical progress. “I learned how to do the tech side of things better than ever before,” she smiles. Long recording sessions for traditional School events such as the Candlelight Service, the Spring Performance, cultural explorations, and seasonal performances created bonding experiences through fun trial and error.

By the end of the 2020–2021 school year, Hounsome and her students, with the help of the QMS IT Department, created several beautiful virtual musical performances. To experience them, visit our QMS YouTube channel!

  • Spring Marvel Concert

  • First Nations Themed Music Concert

  • Spring Recital Concert

  • Choir’s Gold Medal Entry for West Coast Music Festival

  • QMS Pianist Performs Chopin’s Fantaisie Impromptu

  • Virtual Candlelight Service

  • Christmas Concert

  • Musical Tribute to Remembrance Day

  • Grade 6–7 Band Spooktacular

  • Senior Choir & Band Halloween Spooktacular

100 StoriesPatricia MacGregor Graphic DesignerConnections Magazine, 2021