Uko Akpanuko
Daily Herald
The Margo Fournier Arts Centre hosted its first Community Arts Sign Up on Saturday, and art organizations that attended were happy with the results.
Jam Street Music was among the more than a dozen organizations that took part. Representative Mike Mogg said they were glad to take part.
“I think this is great. It gives a chance for people to come in and see what’s actually offered here in Prince Albert,” Mogg said. “Sometimes it feels like not enough people know what’s going on.”
Mogg described Jam Street as a “school of rock style program” where students learn what it’s like to get up on stage and put on a rock show. He said the sign-up day gave parents and their children an opportunity to sample what was out there. At least one parent, he said, liked what they saw enough to request a look at the Jam Street Space.
The event was graced with participating artists and groups that included Ballet ‘n’ All That Jazz Dance Studios, Barveenok Ukrainian Dancers, Christina’s Arts & Soul Studio, Jam Street Music sessions, Lemon Yellow Art Studio, Margo Fournier Arts Centre and Creative Kids, Off the Cuff, PA Children’s Choir, PA Music Festival, PA Youth Jazz Band, Performing Arts Warehouse, Eric Bews Piano Lessons, Pizazz Music Studio, Prince Albert Arts Board, Prince Albert Concert Choir and the Watsonairs.
“I think it’s a really fun thing,” said Billie-Jean Thompson of Pizazz Music Studio. “I think it’s good to have the centred solely on arts, so people who might be interested in any form of art—dance, music, anything—can come see what’s available … locally for them, and if they’re interested, look for more information or meet with the teacher or sign up.”
A piano was part of the set-up for Eric Bews Piano Lessons display during the first ever Community Arts Sign Up on Saturday at the Margo Fournier Arts Centre.
Thompson has taught music through Pizazz Music Studio for about 17 years. The organization offers parent-accompanied group piano classes. Thompson said it provides ways for parents to assist their children in learning piano when they are away from class.
She said Community Arts Sign Up help promote it disciplines like music, which have plenty of benefits for youth who take part.
“Music is kind of a universal thing,” she said. “People hear music and they immediately perk up. Their body reacts to it. They’re mind reacts to it, and they just vocally or just with their body, express what music is.
“It’s fun, it’s interactive, it’s great for the brain, and it’s great for development. It’s really good.”
–with files from Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald
editorial@paherald.sk.ca
