The Sweet Sights and Sounds of Art
Story appeared in the 2019 issue of QMS Connections Magazine.
BY HAYLEY PICARD, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
The 2018-2019 school year was highlighted with several fine arts accomplishments, yet two particular events stood apart for our Cowichan Valley and QMS communities. The tremendously successful Spring Rhapsody Concert and the unveiling of a stunning mural to celebrate the history of Chinese culture in Duncan.
“Our students worked so hard on this project and have pride in the final piece. It’s amazing to watch these students rise to each and every challenge presented to them…and shine!”
Unveiling the Past
Almost two years in the making, Fine Arts Department Head, Angela Andersen, was ecstatic to finally be welcoming a supportive artistic community of friends, family and QMS students. Gathered in the Whippletree Junction Courtyard under the hot sun, surrounded by facades relocated from Duncan’s historical Chinatown, all shared in the excitement as the draped mural, a labour of love and reconciliation, was unveiled.
This mural project was designed to emphasize balance and harmony while revealing, reconciling and redressing the significant contributions of Chinese immigrants in the Cowichan Valley from 1885–1947, when the bulk of exclusionary and discriminatory legislation was directed at Chinese immigrants and Chinese Canadians. International students studying at QMS selected the symbols of the dragon and the phoenix to represent reunion, balance and happiness. Male (the dragon) and female (the phoenix) powers are shown in balance and harmony. The vignettes bring together individual voices and experiences to be viewed as a single vision of how we learn from each other and from the past.
This cross-grade and cross-cultural mural project aimed to highlight the significant contributions and examine racial discrimination of Chinese immigrants in the development of the Cowichan Valley. Over 50 Queen Margaret’s School students participated in an inquiry model of learning that included conducting research, participating in field trips, and consulting with experts and members of our community who are of non-European origin. Following a design leader competition, winning Grade 11 students Riva Zhou and Kiana Chang selected the symbols of the dragon and the phoenix based on their culturally significant meaning of unity.
“The bodies of the dragon and the phoenix include original student researched and painted images based on the stories, artifacts, events and people specific to the Chinese community in the Cowichan Valley,” explains Andersen. “The materials were provided by Kathryn Gagnon (Cowichan Valley Museum) and Dr. Imogene Lim (VIU), while funding came from ArtStarts, QMS and the Government of British Columbia’s Creative Futures Program. Local artists Simon Warne and Tony DeLange were instrumental in the final creation. This community beautification project is a visual representation of students’ learning and displays our willingness to learn about and from each other.”
“We’re family, we’re inclusive and it’s so wonderful. QMS is a school where you can be you, and because music is so much a part of who I am, I’m thrilled that I can share my passion through my work.”
A Spring Rhapsody
Opening with This is My Home, the beautiful voices of the QMS Concert Choir and Senior Band spilled across the audience as an image of the Canadian flag appeared on a screen behind them. The spine tingling opening notes of the Spring Rhapsody caused many to take a deep breath. This was going to be a memorable event.
Throughout QMS’ history, students’ choral and instrumental performances have been legendary. QMS founder Dorothy Geoghegan is famous for her love of music. Whether it was her singing, or teaching the violin, recorder and piano, she infused a deep foundational love of music for future teachers and students to take up and run with. This school year our music program had grown to such a large size that Music Teacher, Alison Hounsome, was troubled about how she was going to showcase her students’ efforts to the best advantage. Parents and supporters came to her rescue.
Following the stunning performance of QMS students at the Cowichan Music Festival, several community members approached the school to suggest moving the spring musical performance to a larger facility, one designed to enhance the playing and voices of students, the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. Administration agreed and plans were quickly created to ensure the Spring Rhapsody Concert would come to fruition.
“I was pleased the request came from parents and happy for the kids. How could I say no?” reflects Alison. “There was definitely a sense of pressure and wondering whether we could pull it off in such a short time frame. Yet, through collaboration and hard work, we did it. I couldn’t be more proud of our students.”
On the night of the performance, the Cowichan Performing Arts theatre stage overflowed with performers from Grades 5 through 12. For songs such as Above and Beyond, Bohemian Rhapsody, Mallet Maniacs and Seven Nation Army, it was the first time the Intermediate and Senior Bands had performed in tandem. “I wanted to ensure all of the kids were included as much as possible but they didn’t get much time to rehearse together,” laughs Hounsome. “They trusted each other, and the older players set a strong example, pulling the younger players up to their level.”
As the final notes of music faded, the audience jumped to their feet in applause, and on stage, nervous but relieved smiles appeared on the performer’s faces. “It was an honour and a privilege to be part of the evening,” acknowledges Alison. “The whole event was a confidence booster for our students. I said afterward, ‘Look at what you accomplished! Look at what you can achieve through teamwork!’”