École Robert H. Smith School rock at their 2nd annual Street Fest

Over 40 student bands at École Robert H. Smith School (RHS) showcased their musical talents on June 14^th at their second annual music festival.

Street Fest is a celebration of the learning goals in the Modern Band Music program at École Robert H. Smith School. Jerry Ossachuk, affectionately known as Mr. Awesomechuk, is the music teacher at RHS. He implemented the Modern Band Music program seven years ago and the music festival celebration showcases the exceptional learning and progression students make in music in the program.

“The Modern Band approach focuses on the concept of approximation and scaffolding to help students learn music in an engaging and meaningful way,” explains Ossachuk. “Students choose popular music that they love and through a variety of entry points, children at all skill levels are motivated to take risks in learning and performing.”  

The program uses a backwards design plan, with the ultimate goal being able to perform on stage. Learning and performing is scaffolded all along the way.  

Instruments in the RHS version of Modern Band include percussion instruments such as electric and acoustic drums, bucket drums, rhythm sticks and xylophones, guitars, ukuleles and bass guitars, keyboards, singing and body percussion. Students choose their instruments and, in each lesson, they have a wide variety of choices in their learning, whether it’s instrument or song choice, or challenging themselves in the complexity of their song work.  

“A main goal of our music program is to develop performance skills and confidence so that students are able to challenge themselves to perform at just right levels for their comfort zone. The Street Fest musical format gives all students an opportunity to perform in front of the school community and the confidence students gain carries forward into other aspects of their lives,” said Ossachuk.

Ossachuk explains that approximation in the Modern Band philosophy, is an approach that focuses on adjusting end-goal performance expectations to ensure outcomes are developmentally appropriate and achievable. Students are able to play versions of songs that are appropriate for their skill level. For example, instead of playing an entire chord on the guitar, a student may begin by playing the root note and as they progress, they would add other notes into the chords. This approach allows beginners to play with more advanced students, allowing the creation of full bands.

During the RHS Street Fest, some students performed multiple songs, using a variety of instruments, with several different bands. Students begin learning to play instruments as early as kindergarten at RHS and by Grades 4–6, are able to perform modern music independently on stage.

The RHS Street Fest has become a highlight of the year and a wonderful community celebration for the school community.