Music and Wellness Month: January 2022

Nov. 30, 2021

Update as of December 17, 2021:

Due to the increasing COVID-19 numbers in the region and province, the Beckett School at Laurier has moved all programming to virtual formats. Dates and times will remain the same. All events that were previously to be offered in-person will be offered remotely via Zoom. We thank you for your continued support. 

Previously Released:

In partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University and the Faculty of Music, as well as the Kitchener Public Library, The Beckett School at Laurier is so excited to announce our Music and Wellness Month happening the entire month of January.

During the pandemic, many instructors, students, and families at the Beckett School at Laurier (BSL) and within the Faculty of Music (FoM) have experienced significant disruptions in their professional and personal spheres.

There has been an outpouring of support among faculty, staff, and students within the BSL, FOM and Community Engagement managers at the Kitchener Public Library (KPL) for programming that cultivates wellness and examines music’s role in sustaining that wellness as we continue to process the ongoing effects of the pandemic. 

List of Events/Workshops:

Music at Noon - POSTPONED

Our Sounds & Stories: An eclectic musical gathering of friends old and new

• Date: TBD
• Time: TBD
• Location: TBD

This diverse musical program will be performed by instructors from the Beckett School at Laurier. Each musical selection will connect with the theme of Music and Wellness. There will be something on the program for everyone. Performances include but are not limited to fiddle, comedic piano ensembles, chamber music for voice, piano and strings, rap, and much more. Free admission. Proof of vaccination required. Head to the Faculty of Music website to claim your free ticket. 

Physical wellness for Musicians

Virtual Yoga sessions with Anna Ronai

Refresh mind and body with 60-minute yoga sessions with professional musician and yoga instructor, Anna Ronai. Children, parents, grandparents, roommates, partners, cats and dogs are all welcome. Coffee as well. Take this practice at your own pace; with or without camera on.

• Dates and times: 
  • Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022 from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022 from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022 from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
• Location: Virtual
• Ages: All

Register

A Community Consort with Dan Cabena

Thinking in Activity

Join Dan Cabena for two, one-hour group classes that introduce the Alexander Technique through movement and music-making. These classes will involve guided movement and group practice of singing and playing, with hands-on Alexander Technique direction from Dan. Our classes will culminate in some group chanting. Intended for BSL and WLU instructors and WLU students. Attend one or both dates. 

• Dates: Friday, Jan. 14 and/or Friday, Jan. 28 
• Time: Noon - 1 p.m.
• Location: Virtual
• Ages: Adults; WLU students, WLU faculty, BSL faculty

Register 

Thinking in Repose

Join Dan Cabena for two, one-hour classes that introduce the principles of the Alexander Technique. These classes will involve discussion and guided movement, and each class will culminate in 20 minutes of Active Rest, a practice of thoughtful, guided repose. Intended for BSL and WLU instructors and WLU students. Attend one or both dates. 

• Dates: Monday, Jan. 10 and/or Monday, Jan. 17
• Time: 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Location: Virtual
• Ages: Adults; WLU students, WLU faculty, BSL faculty

Register

Telling Your Story Through Rap

The Rap Camp Experience

Founded by Karim Rushdy, The Rap Camp is an empowering, engaging, and educational music workshop focused on the power medium of rap. This workshop is designed to allow participants to explore self-expression in a safe, positive and respect-driven environment. The ultimate goal of The Rap Camp is to help participants discover their authentic selves, tell their own personal stories and, beat by beat, build confidence in themselves.

• Dates: Jan. 15, 2022 
• Time: 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Location: Virtual
• Ages: 15-20

Register

Telling Your Story Through Art - POSTPONED

Mixed Media Art Workshop with Rene Meshake: Collage integrating Art and Story.

This is a mixed media art workshop with Anishinaabe media artist Rene Meshake. The students will use images, text, and design to form a collage that tells both intentional and subconscious stories. Each student will orally share the story that is behind their artwork at the workshop and contribute to a communal experience. This workshop is postponed and will be offered in-person at a later date. 

• Date: TBD
• Time: TBD
• Location: Virtual
• Ages: All

Register

Relaxation and Renewal through Music and Art

Guided Imagery and Music with Stephen Tok

Experience what Guided Imagery and Music can offer for your soul. An opportunity for slowing down, finding some time for yourself, and engaging in self-care. This session will involve guided relaxation, music listening, guided visualization, drawing, and a group discussion of the experience. You will need: 

1. A quiet, comfortable, and preferably private place to join the Zoom meeting
2. Headphones/earphones with attached microphone
3. Simple art materials: paper, pastels or pencil crayons

• Date: Jan. 23, 2022
• Time: 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
• Location: Virtual
• Ages: 18+

Register

Livestream of Hymn to Freedom Compilation Video

Canadian pianist and composer, Oscar Peterson, wrote this Hymn to Freedom in 1962, as an anthem to support the fight for civil rights in the USA, Canada, and around the world. The words of the song talk about coming together, joining our voices and hearts to sing as one unified community. A virtual video performance of this piece is the concluding event for our Music and Wellness month and will air on January 31st - a day before Canada’s Black History Month begins. No registration necessary. 

• Date: Jan. 31, 2022
• Times: 7 p.m. 
• Location: Watch live on our Facebook Page