w w w . o a kv ill eb ea ve r.c o m O A KV IL LE B EA V ER W e dn es da y, Se pt em be r 1 5, 2 01 0 2 2 Do your kids like to rock? Do your kids need to have latest Rockband or Guitar Hero video game? If so, why not let them try the real thing. For the past five years, professional musician and bandleader Phil Kane has been running Rocksessions, where kids come together to learn and play in their own rock band. In Rocksessions, kids are put into level specific bands, each playing their own role guitar, bass, drums, key- board and vocals. Kids will not be expected to learn famous songs from past generations; instead they will be writing and recording their own songs. If you make your own songs you can really rock them, Phil says. You have a certain ownership over them that you dont have with prere- corded music. The new fall session will run throughout the school year, with appropriately timed performances in December and June where family and friends can experience their music at Oakvilles Moonshine CafDuring the summer months, Phil teaches interested students about the techni- cal aspects of digital recording. After each year, all of the bands original music is recorded and put onto iTunes. Currently we have three albums available on iTunes that family and friends can purchase, he says. Once they hear recordings of their own ideas, their enthusiasm goes way up. The students really start to blossom after having one or two songs under their belt. In addition to the rock band classes, Rocksessions also offers guitar lessons for all styles and levels. Lessons are tailored to the learning style and goals of the individual stu- dent, with an emphasis on fun and fundamen- tals. My lessons are for everyone from begin- ner to professional. No matter what the level, I love them all, he says. Many of my students start out in the lessons and then move on to Rocksessions because you have know how to play before joining. Unlike in the music business today, Phil continues to place a strong emphasis on actual skill rather than relying on computers to enhance the sound and quality of the music. I also help prepare my students for how the industry is going. Recording and distribution has changed so much over the years. Phil is extremely passionate about music and it shows through his very active personal music career, which he has been doing since 1974. During his years as a professional musi- cian, Phil has had the opportunity to play along side the likes of Jackie Washington, Jeff Healey and Michael Buble. His experience working with different musicians has also helped him with running Rocksessions. Its important to pass on what you know to others in person, and for me it is by playing music together. For more information on Rocksessions and the upcoming session contact Phil Kane via email at rocksessions@cogeco.ca, phone 905- 484-7331 or visit www.rocksessions.ca. Students Who Reach for the Stars are All Winners The beginning of a new school year is the ideal time to review with our chil- dren how to perform as a winner at school. Todays children are being raised in a society that recognizes two approaches to winning. An example of the traditional approach of winning is the distribution of awards such as the Oscars, Pulitzer, and Nobel Peace Prizes, etc., which are widely recognized as symbols of success and achievement. This concept of winning runs throughout society and is also prevalent in our schools, with trophies and medals awarded to stu- dents each year for academics, sports, music, good citizenship, and more. The second approach to winning is a more progressive approach which emphasizes the achievement of intrinsic rewards for students. The development of these rewards begins with stars and stickers and, as the child matures, the rewards evolve into the use of powerful words of praise and recognition. Students learn to celebrate their own unique achievements and personal best efforts, and to rec- ognize excellence based on individual talents. They are encouraged to widen their creative range and interests instead of narrowing their sights to conform to specific prize criteria. This approach strengthens a students confidence, and fosters increased self-esteem which serves as a foundation to stretch well beyond traditional boundaries and societal expectations. A genuine test of excellence is apparent when an individuals creativity and innovation in their particular field of work is combined with their per- sonal core values. At most schools, individual students are still recognized and presented with a variety of achieve- ment awards. This practice serves several objec- tives, including: a) helping children understand this aspect of a traditional society; however, it does perpetuate the concept of winning and losing; b) satisfying those who expect this type of recognition, although the selection criteria is often subjective and provides for only one winner; c) helping children understand that, in reality, everyone who has achieved at their very best level is indeed a winner! The winner takes all concept of achievement has a powerful effect on children, especially when a child is not recognized for an award, even though they have achieved and excelled at their own per- sonal best. How a family values winning will influence a childs attitude about winning. What is it to win? Is it seen only as a competition against others, or is it to achieve your own personal best? The most fulfilling award of excellence involves the intrinsic pride one develops when hav- ing excelled. It is this inner pride that sets the foundation for these confident young individuals to go out into the world and reach for their own stars. Provided by Glenburnie School Convenient weekday and weekend classes available at St. Aidans in Kerr Villageida in VillagAida err Call now to register. 905-319-8025 or visit www.psmusic.ca Music & Movement Classes Newborn to 7 Years Core Shots Fitness Everything in moderation, including moderation Get back to your CORE with Personal Trainer, Shanon McMillan Private or group training available Private hands on stretch sessions FREE fitness consultation Certified Pre & Post Natal Specialist, Personal Trainer Core Kids Fitness Sessions Contact Shanon coreshots@gmail.com 647.290.8685 www.coreshots.com Piano Voice Violin Flute Casa Music Theatre Theory Call 1ow to Register for Fall Classes! 647-521-8818 Study music with passionate, professional teachers. Offering beginner to advanced levels. Be a part of an energetic music community, call today! www.osmpa.ca 1184 Speers Rd. Oakville, ON L6L 2X4 info@osmpa.ca QEW Speers Rd. Thi rd Lin e 4th Lin e Oak v i l l e S c h o o l of Musi c & P e r f o r m i n g A r t s CenterCente Stage SchoolSchoo of Danceof EST. 1995 Beginner and advanced classes, exams and exciting year end showcase! Call : (905) 785-2260 NORegistrationFee! JAZZ - BALLET MODERN - HIP HOP TAP - ACRO - LYRICAL MUSICAL THEATRE QE W Du nd as St. W. Bu rnh am tho rpe Rd . W. Du nw in Dr ive Glen Erin Drive Woodchester Dr. Erin Mills Pkwy . Winston Churchhill Blvd. Trafalgar Rd . Hwy . 403 REGISTER NOW! 2576 Dunwin Drive, Unit 1 (East of winston Churchill) www.cssod.com