EDMONTON JOURNAL / edmontonjournal.com
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education / greater / edmonton
be inspired post-secondary • personal development • dance & music
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EDMONTON JOURNAL edmontonjournal.com
FRESHMAN
essentials
It’s August and school is starting soon. Are you ready? Have you thought about the little details and items that will make your busy days a little smoother, easier and maybe even tastier? We’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite freshman essentials, those products that should be in every dorm room and new apartment.
DAVIDsTEA Fall Harvest Tins
MEC Deluxe Book Bag Daypack Old school meets new school. This easy-carrying backpack has storage for books, a laptop, and other academic supplies. The internal laptop holster stops a couple of inches short of the pack bottom, to keep your computer from slamming on the ground when you set down the pack.
House of Marley Positive Vibration on-ear headphones Lightweight padded headband from natural canvas and ultra-soft ear cushions provide comfort and isolation from outside sounds. And .50mm moving coiled drivers deliver detailed sound with great bass. Designed and built with recyclable aluminum, steel, and canvas that adds to durability and keeps materials out of the waste stream. Be inspired by Bob Marley and remember, “One good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain.” $69.99 at Future Shop or houseofmarley.com.
Mid-layer compartment with a key clip, sternum strap whistle, mini pockets, slots for pens, side pocket bottle holster and large reflective patch on the back for night-time visibility. Available in red, green, blue and black, $42 at Mountain Equipment Co-op.
Clear Skin VitaSkin™ Solution by Eminence
TOMS
The Clear Skin Solution skin care regime detoxifies and revitalizes acne prone skin with gentle, effective organic ingredients that transport essential nutrients and soothe inflammation without any damaging effects to the skin. Cucumber, tea tree oil and stone crop purify the skin and reduce the formation of sebum and bacteria, while yogurt gently exfoliates and imparts healthy probiotics to improve the skin’s balance. The line includes a probiotic light milk cleanser, masque and moisturizer, as well as Clear Skin Vitamins that contain acidophilus to reintroduce healthy bacteria into the body. Visit eminence.com.
Can we express how much we love TOMS? Stylish, cute, comfortable shoes with a conscience. One of the adorable flats new this fall is the Pink Wool Silk. Easy to wear and perfect with fun socks and jeans or tights and a skirt. And you’ll also have the comfort of knowing you are helping others with TOMS’ One for One philosophy: for every pair of shoes you buy, the company gives a pair to a child in need. TOMS are available at a number of stores in the city, and you can also check out toms.ca.
EDGE: BE INSPIRED A U G U ST 2 0 1 2
Three words: Red. Velvet. Cake. But in tea form! It’s like our favourite dessert without the calories! This flavour is part of the Fall Harvest Tins trio: banana bread, pumpkin pie and red velvet cake. The tea comes in easy-to-store and stackable containers. Sells for $15.50, launching the end of August. Visit www.davidstea.com
Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect SPF 30 As autumn approaches, the summer may be fading but the sun certainly hasn’t gone away. It’s important to stay protected, even if you’re walking around campus and sitting on a bench having lunch. This Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, and mica minerals within the sunscreen highlight skin tone, allowing you to look your best while staying safe from the sun.
President’s Choice® Partly Skimmed 1% Milk
3 x 200 mL tetra packs These cute little milks are completely shelf stable, which means you can safely pack them in lunch bags or store them in the cupboard until you need them. Each one offers 20 per cent of the recommended daily intake of calcium. Available in the dairy grocery aisle in plain, vanilla and chocolate, $2.99 where President’s Choice brand products are sold.
advertising information • 780-429-5105
Arlene Lauer-Krueger
editorial
Sarah Pratt • Shari Narine
design
Kelle Cloutier
EDMONTON JOURNAL / edmontonjournal.com
Love OF
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biking competition, career leads to
for Canadian freerider
hen you first teach your child to ride a bike and the small seat slides from your fingers for the first time, are you thinking about this moment leading to a career? Probably not. Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage for many kids, but for Canadian freerider Kurt Sorge, it was the start of a life-long passion that would evolve into a lifestyle and successful career. The 24-year-old Nelson, B.C. native competes in freeride, slopestyle and dirt jumping. He rides for Giant bikes and competes around the world, and his next gig is a big one: Crankworx. And just what is Crankworx? The website likely says it best: “Home to hundreds of game-changing moments in freeride
mountain biking’s history, Crankworx is a 10-day festival to epic endurance, supreme flow, monster air and verticaldropping riding. A monument to gravity, a testament to passion. The phenoms, the veterans, the aeronauts, the tricksters, the speed-freaks, the enduro-maestros - all the best mountain bike athletes answer gravity’s call. It is time to pay homage, at the place legends are formed.” Surge’s preparations for a competition like Crankworx involve a lot of hard work and discipline and support of sponsor Teva. “I’m working in a small class, with a maximum of about four people, doing core endurance workouts,” said Sorge from his home province. “It’s with Sasquatch Performance Training, and it’s intense. They push us past where we normally are.”
Sorge says you need to be strong and flexible, and your body needs to be able to withstand a crash. “You do learn how to crash to avoid injury,” he said. “You learn how to slide on your knees and how to land.” Before a jump, Sorge assesses the terrain and weighs his options. “There’s a lot to think about, like which side to come down on, which way to jump off if you need to, the angles,” he said. Success is also about confidence and commitment. You have to believe in yourself and your skills and not think about fear, said Sorge. And he practices year-round, spending winter in California training with his American friends and fellow competitors. They spend hours and hours riding and practising tricks. “The best thing is to just ride and do the tricks over and over,” he said. “It’s all about repetition so that you have the moves down so it becomes muscle memory. During competition, it all happens so fast that your body has to remember how to do everything.” While the mind and body are crucial to success, the bike is a huge part of the equation. Sorge works with Giant’s developers to create high-performance bikes, using science and engineering to make his bikes better.
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“Our bikes need to be able to do it all, steep hills, technical courses, tricks,” said Sorge. “Working with Giant, we find unique ways to make the bikes better. We ride at such a high level, we need the bikes to perform a certain way.” When the bike is complete, Sorge spends a lot time making it perfect for his body and his needs. “It’s cool to have a new bike, a new design,” he said. “I spend a lot of time adjusting everything so it ends up being tailor-made.” Sorge will likely have many years of developing bikes and competitions ahead of him, but this wise young man is already laying the groundwork for postcompetition life. “I plan to keep working with the development team at Giant bikes, they’re great,” he said. “I definitely want to coach and I’ve already started doing that. And I also plan to do guiding at CAT ski resorts. We’ve already started building the trails.” So what began as childhood fun has turned into a lifestyle for Sorge, and his love of the sport and competition ensures he spends his days fulfilled and challenged.
Canadian freerider Kurt Sorge, sponsored by Teva, is prepping for this month’s Crankworx competition in Whistler, B.C. He spends his time training and competing, while also preparing for a future in coaching and guiding.
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EDMONTON JOURNAL edmontonjournal.com
Fast track to a career with a
NorQuest College education Professional training for serious
transport drivers
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ounded in 1992, Capilano Truck Driver Training Institute provides exceptional training to those who wish to become professional transport drivers. The school is committed to quality education to produce quality graduates who will be first in demand for the jobs of the future. Our staff of certified instructors are professional truck drivers who have chosen to teach so they can make a difference to the industry by training others to be serious, conscientious, skilled drivers. Our instructors’ wide range of experience is invaluable in the tips they are able to provide to learners. Fully licensed and bonded by Alberta Transportation and Alberta Employment & Immigration, we offer exceptional driver training services and have become the ‘Trainer of Choice’ for many carriers and industry employers. We provide a wide range of transportation and safetyrelated training to a variety of federal, provincial and municipal government agencies, as well as numerous corporate clients and individuals from all provinces and territories. We maintain modern training vehicles equipped with automatic (I-Shift), 13- and 18-speed transmissions, diesel engines, tandem axles and air brakes. There are several different trailer configurations from 28-foot to 53-foot vans, decks and pup trailers. At our facility, we offer a well-lit, comfortable atmosphere. The classroom is equipped with display, live demonstration and audio-visual aids. The student lounge has vending machines for beverages or snacks. We can arrange for work experience which is intended to provide you with a chance to practice your skills in a supervised, safe environment in an “on-the-job” situation. This experience base can significantly improve your opportunities for job placement. That’s why we consider ourselves The Career Builders in the transport, oilfield, construction industries, and any industry involving public road transport.
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et working…fast! A quick path to a career is just one of the many benefits a NorQuest College education offers. NorQuest’s wide range of postsecondary diploma and certificate programs lead to in-demand careers. NorQuest’s academic upgrading, English language and career prep programs help you prepare for further studies or employment. “Whether you’re graduating from high school and looking at postsecondary career options, pursuing academic upgrading or looking to change careers, NorQuest offers learning opportunities for everyone,” says Dr. Jodi Abbott, NorQuest College president and CEO. Our track record proves the value
“When you know better you do better” – Maya Angelou
of a NorQuest education: 95 per cent of graduates find employment or continue their education. Some NorQuest College programs that lead to in-demand careers include: Health careers. NorQuest is a Canadian leader in health care education with among the country’s largest Practical Nurse diploma and Health Care Aide certificate programs. NorQuest also offers Pharmacy Technician, Mental Health Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Assistant and Therapeutic Recreation programs. Print Media Production. The printing industry in North America is the fourth largest employer in the manufacturing sector. With the four-month NorQuest Print Media Production certificate
program, you can be part of this growing industry. Business and Community Studies. NorQuest’s business administration, administrative professional, hospital unit clerk, community support worker and social work programs can get you working in rewarding careers. Many courses are available individually. As a NorQuest College student, you benefit from the college’s small, student-focused classes. The amazing support provided by our expert team of faculty and staff contributes to the success of your academic journey at NorQuest. For more information about NorQuest College programs, visit www.norquest.ca. For registration information, call 780-644-6000.
EDMONTON JOURNAL / edmontonjournal.com
Ethan Maertens-Poole, 16, and brother Jonathan, 15, learned about Alaska and ship operations this summer when they went on a cruise.
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Did you know...
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...that a nautical mile is one minute of latitude and equivalent to approximately 6,076 feet? Or that the measure of speed for a boat is a “knot?” And bow means front, stern means back, starboard is right and port is left? All minor trivia the boys and I picked up this summer when we took our first cruise.
Keep young minds engaged while travelling Story and photo by Shari Narine
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ummer time can be about learning and there is no better way to learn than to travel. For teenagers, travelling and learning is done informally, more through interaction with other travellers or tour guides. Tour guides play a vital role in piquing the interest of their captive audience. The enthusiasm for conservation and marine life that came out clearly in the voice of our young interpreter during our whale-watching trip is only one example of the impact travelling can have both in a career or the beginning of a cause. While informal learning sits well for teenagers, elementary-aged kids have more luck with structured learning while travelling. Travel logs or journals are great ways to keep track of your vacation adventures. But why not
personalize them for your young traveller? That involves a bit of research and planning ahead for mom and dad, but when little Johnny is recording his favourite food or little Suzy is drawing a picture of the strangest thing she saw all day, the extra attention to detail that keeps your youngster interested is worth it. Leave a page or two for photographs and when you return home, download your digital photos and have your child choose which ones to print and paste into their journal. Keeping kids’ minds engaged during that two-month break is important. So if travelling isn’t in the plans for the summer, consider one of the many learning camps offered throughout the city. From science camps to music camps to drama camps to summer reading programs, there are many ways to engage your child and even help them develop a new love or decide upon a career path. Just as important as keeping kids’ minds sharp is keeping kids’ bodies on the go. It is easy for most kids – whether
elementary-aged or teenagers – to spend their summer lolling around, stuck on computer games, PS3, or texting. While relaxation is also a must during the summer months, it needs to be balanced with activity. Street hockey, shooting hoops and rollerblading are all great activities if your kids live in a neighbourhood that includes youngsters of their own age or if your kids are selfmotivated. But if that isn’t your situation, turn to something formal. Summer leagues offer no end of organized fun. From fresh air in the outdoor with baseball, softball and soccer action to indoor activities away from the mosquitoes and rain such as ball hockey and swim clubs. If league commitment is difficult because of work and vacation plans, one-week summer camps or drop-ins are always a viable option. The City of Edmonton runs any number of playground camps or check out the local post-secondary institutions for basketball or hockey camps. Keeping young minds and young bodies engaged during the summer helps kids make a successful transition back to school.
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Something for everyone
at Central Sewing Machines
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here is a jam-packed year coming up here at Central Sewing Machines. Whether you are a hobby sewer, a quilter or a crafter, we have something for you. We carry the best sewing and craft organizers you can find! Multiple drawer sizes make it a breeze to find any tool you’re looking for.
Hobby sewer
We offer lots of great Learn to Sew and Sewing for Kids classes that are a great way to start becoming a super sewer! Have a serger and not quite sure what to do with it? Check out our great serger classes.
Quilter
Central Sewing Machines has a brand new quilt studio! Come try out the long arm machines. Whether you are thinking about buying or
already have and want to learn more, these lessons, taught by Connie Anderson, will be exactly what you need! Debby Brown is coming from upstate New York to teach YOU! All the latest techniques to take your quilting to the next level.
Crafter
Did you know that we carry the Silhouette Cameo? This electronic cutting tool connects to your computer to easily cut intricate designs on a variety of crafting materials. Look for classes on the use of these great machines! BrandyLynn Maslowski from B.C. (fibre artist, author and teacher) will be here to teach the art of silk-screening. Make sure to check out our new class list to find the perfect fit for you!
Opportunities for growth and management
in the bartending industry
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pportunities for growth and management in the bartending industry In the new school year 201213, Ultimate Bartending School is starting Molecular Mixology along with NAIT students with extra-curricular mixology classes, the newest trend in cocktail making. We are also adding to our great list of instructors the top bottle service trainer from Las Vegas, who is coming to Edmonton every trimester to train the hospitality industry and new bartenders. All of these exciting opportunities are sponsored by Absolut Canada. In addition, Ultimate Bartending School is opening its third training location in downtown Edmonton on 109 Street and Jasper Avenue, with the sole purpose of providing a great depth in hands-on training and finesse bartending. All students will receive work experience behind the bar to prepare them to be the best in industry. The full course includes the Flair program, as well as fine dining training. Classes are available during the week and weekends to fit everyone’s busy life schedules. This program is available for private and commercial
bartending, and with the assistance of Absolut, all students have the benefit of managerial field training as well as the benefit of free lifetime refreshment courses. Absolut and Ultimate Bartending School managerial training is completely free to the top students, and is training that will place them in an area of the hospitality industry that is in high demand: finding great managers. Ultimate Bartending School has been staffing great establishments and now is providing top bartenders to the Caribbean, including Cayman Islands and Cancun. Some of the great establishments we have staffed are the Empire Ballroom, Oil City, Shaw conference Centre, The Pint,
Edmonton Event Centre, all the festivals in Edmonton Union Hall and Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, to mention a few. The school now is also now assisting the Ranch roadhouse, Fluid lounge and also staffing Canadian Brew house with outstanding graduates. New Beer and Brewery training is provided at the local Yellowhead brewery, providing a one-of-akind, hands-on beer knowledge and experience while supporting local brewing. Our head instructors Erick (Chico) Rosende, Shadow, Shilo Mackay, and all our great teaching staff, are always striving and looking for the next great bartender who will improve the customer service in the city. Our Bartending Certificate Program was created by our instructors who have over 35 years of combined bar and restaurant experience. They continue today to work in the industry and to improve both our programs and their general bartending and serving knowledge so it can be passed on to you. Our complete course outline can be found at www.ultimatebartending.ca. Welcome to the Ultimate Bartending School of Edmonton.
EDMONTON JOURNAL edmontonjournal.com
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EDMONTON JOURNAL / edmontonjournal.com
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U of A Extension:
100 Years of touching lives
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A.E. Ottewell, director of Extension, 1912-1928.
pril 4, 2012 was declared by Mayor Stephen Mandel to be “University Extension and Lifelong Learning Day.” Celebrating its 100th birthday this year, U of A Faculty of Extension is also looking forward to its next century with a renewed vision of learning, discovery and citizenship that engages communities near and far. Extension’s first director Albert Ottewell wrote his master’s thesis on how the university could best serve the people through extension. Ottewell set the pace for actively engaging communities in his day: travelling across Alberta to deliver lectures in rural and remote locations, he wore out no fewer than seven Model T Fords from 1913 to
1926 during his time as director. Research that informs active and practical community engagement is equally a passion of today’s Extension as it was for Ottewell. Gordon Gow, director of Extension’s Communications and Technology graduate program, is an expert in the use of mobile technology and early warning public alerting systems. Gow helped to develop both a communitybased tsunami warning system and later an improved system of disease monitoring, detection and reporting using mobile technology in Sri Lanka. Cindy Blackstock, an Extension faculty member and director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, focuses her research
on active citizenship and the rights of children in Aboriginal communities. In 2012, Blackstock led a community research project on the rights of children that saw her accompany six Aboriginal children to Geneva to share their experiences and grievances with the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child. Within the University of Alberta, the Faculty of Extension’s academic domain is the “scholarship of engagement.” With 100 years of experience in connecting research and the practical needs of people and their communities, Extension looks forward to another century of touching lives. To learn more, visit Extension’s website at www.extension.ualberta.ca.
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” – B.B. King
Attack! Parry! Post! F
encing is a fun, safe sport for males and females of all ages. This exciting and challenging sport provides a great way to get in shape and have fun. Try one of the Edmonton Fencing Club’s classes to see why fencing has become so popular! The Edmonton Fencing Club’s goal is to provide the sport of fencing to everyone in Edmonton. Through our classes we want to provide the opportunity for young and old to fence at any desired level, whether that be recreational, competitive or high performance. This exciting and challenging sport provides a great way to get in shape and have fun. In fact, the club has a mandate to provide fencing as a lifelong sport – integrating fun and fitness for all ages.
The Edmonton Fencing Club is home to head coach Jujie Luan, an Olympic gold medallist and a four-time Olympian including in 2008. We are also proud to have Zac Morris as assistant coach. Zac enjoys conditioning, and his weapon specialty is sabre. The Edmonton Fencing Club, located at 9937 – 60 Avenue, is hosting an open house on Sept. 8 from 12-4 p.m. We are the only fencing club in Alberta to have 10 electric fencing pistes and the largest club in Canada. This is an excellent opportunity to see what fencing is all about! For more information please call 780-434-3000 or visit the Edmonton Fencing Club website at www. edmontonfencing.com or email to edmontonfencingclub@yahoo.ca.
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Director shares experiences with dance students
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ancin provides dancers with the essential training/environment required to develop their passion for dance and desire to excel. We offer a variety of classes in our creative dance, pre-school, competitive and adult programs. As the director, Lisa Van Mechelen uses her BFA in Technical Theatre to share her experiences in dance and theatre with her dancers. Dancers perform in dance competitions and our annual year-end recital at the Citadel’s Shoctor Theatre. As a result, dancers get the thrill of wearing professional costumes and performing in a professional show with sound and lighting. Dance registrations will be accepted Aug. 28-30 from 6-8 p.m. at 2429104th Street. Visit us at www.dancin-company.com or call 780-233-6756.
“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.” – Anthony J. D’Angelo
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hen Scott Leithead created Kokopelli in 1996, he had the goal of creating a youth choir that would make a mark on the Edmonton scene. In the 16 seasons since then, Kokopelli has left its mark across Canada and beyond and Leithead has inspired a generation of young singers. “Kokopelli has not only changed my life, it has changed me,” said Leah Vanderzyde, who recently finished her third season with the choir. “Even now, after three years, I listen to recordings or look at Scott and think, I can’t believe how lucky I am to be part of this beautiful thing.” The choir’s sense of unity carries over to its performances, which are invariably infused with dynamic energy and joy. Kokopelli has thrilled audiences in virtually every province, and has made groundbreaking tours to the U.S., Europe and Africa. “The connection between the singers is unbreakable,” said Robin Sutherland, a Kokopelli member for the past two years. “That’s what makes singing with Kokopelli such a privilege.” Leithead’s success with Kokopelli has placed him in great demand. The energetic conductor spends many weekends each season travelling across Canada to deliver workshops or attend festivals. In recent years, the Kokopelli Choir Association has welcomed three younger choirs into its family to develop new choristers from the ground up. Along with Shumayela (ages 12–16) and Kikimasu (ages eight–12), the association recently launched a new primary choir— Tamariki—for children as young as five. The association also has a choir for young adults called Oràn. For membership details, or to arrange a fall audition (for the older choirs), visit kokopellichoirs.com.
Kokopelli is more than just music
EDMONTON JOURNAL edmontonjournal.com
Teaching Spanish language & culture
to children and adults
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he Gabriela Mistral Latin American School is an accredited Heritage Language School which was founded in 1987 with the objective of preserving and promoting Spanish and the Latin American culture. The school is celebrating 25 years of teaching Spanish to hundreds of Albertans. We believe that you cannot teach a new language if you do not teach the culture behind that language. That is why our Spanish classes are different from other schools: our students, while learning Spanish, are exposed to our rich culture through music and several cultural events during the school year. We have an excellent, dynamic and enthusiastic group of dedicated teachers that are university graduates and have vast teaching experiences. We offer five levels of Spanish for adults with 25 hours of instruction per term. Classes are offered Saturdays (11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) or Tuesdays (6:30-9 p.m.). We also offer nine levels of Spanish for children and youth from pre-kinder to Grade 9 and Spanish 10, 20, 30 for high school students. Our school is conveniently located in the Ottewell area at 935967 A St. (Braemar School) and is no more than 15 minutes from downtown. We offer free parking, a comfortable cafeteria and a safe learning environment. For more information visit our Web site at gabrielamistralschool. ca or phone us at 780-914-6574.
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EDMONTON JOURNAL / edmontonjournal.com
Marr-Mac Dance
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arr-Mac is entering its 45th year of teaching the love of dance and music and encouraging dancers of all abilities. This philosophy still holds strong as girls and boys ages three and up to preprofessional fill the hallways and studios, eager to learn and explore movement through the variety of disciplines offered. Marr-Mac carefully seeks out
instructors who can provide current technical training and who specialize in a specific style of dance and age group. Competitions and festivals are offered and recreational classes are available for the once-a-week dancer. Stretch and Acro classes are offered for the more serious dancers who are taking numerous classes and disciplines each week. Ballet is encouraged at all levels of dance and is especially important
Preparing you and your child for dance classes
and
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the same time in the next studio. New programs include Bollywood Fusion and Broadway Jazz. Marr-Mac stays current with the latest in dance trends by inviting guest choreographers to work with dancers in a workshop. Registration begins Aug. 20. Classes begin Sept. 10. The class schedule and fees can be found at www.marrmac.com, email 1968@ marrmac.com or 780-434-9281.
train and examine students and teachers, ensuring teachers registered with them are qualified. In jazz and modern, it is important to look at the instructors training and professional experience. For example, a jazz teacher may also have completed ballet exams and then danced with a contemporary company or maybe on cruise lines. Ballet is the basis for most movement training so consider a good ballet program first. Jazz, modern, and hip-hop should be introduced once training has been established and the child is at an appropriate age and maturity for the work.
Making back to school safety stylish Calling future fashionistas & designers!
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Theatre Arts
for the competitive jazz and lyrical dancers. The Russian Vaganova technique is taught, and creative movement is offered for pre-schoolers. Tap, Irish, Highland, hip-hop, modern and song & dance are offered, as well as a new daytime fine arts program: Marr-Mac Mini’s for ages three to five to explore movement, art, drama and music. A parent fitness class will be offered at
o your child wants to dance? What do you need to know? Most important, find out if the school’s instructors are qualified and accredited. This is more important when it comes to ballet, but important in any style because these people are working with bodies. They need to be very knowledgeable in how to properly train your child and what is age appropriate without causing injuring or long-term damage. There are two organizations that are most common: Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and Cecchetti Society of Dancing (Cecc.). These organizations
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Arrange for a trial class and observe the interaction between the teacher and your child. Instilling a joy of dancing is most important in the beginning, but knowing you are entrusting your most precious gift to someone who is highly trained will give you confidence in your choice. Here at Edmonton School of Ballet, we pride ourselves in staffing instructors with experience and accreditation. We know how precious your child is and strive to give the best training possible. For information call 780-440-2100 or email admin@esbdance.com. We are here to assist you!
he Canadian MedicAlert Foundation is asking students to help make back-to-school health safety stylish by entering a contest to design a MedicAlert sports band. The winning design will be featured for sale at MedicAlert.ca. Parents and teachers can visit MedicAlert.ca to download the Make School Safety Stylish kids’ pack, which includes safety tips to share with kids and the design contest template. Entries are being accepted until Sept. 28. The contest is free to enter and open to students aged five to 14.
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EDMONTON JOURNAL edmontonjournal.com
D a n c e from the inside and out
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ance continues to be a popular extra-curricular activity for people of all ages, whether it be for artistic reasons or for fitness. Flexpointe Studios Inc. is one Edmonton dance school that is putting the focus on both! “I truly believe that mental and physical health are important
and I try to model that each and every day for all my students,” says Melissa Kastelic, director at Flexpointe Studios Inc. To help promote health from the inside and out, Flexpointe Studios Inc has integrated a focus on self-expression and positive body image. “We work with our students
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Do you and your children like to
sing?
o your children like to sing? Do they like to sing songs from GLEE, as well as ones they learn at school? What about you, do you like to sing? Did you sing in high school but are worried you can’t do it now? The Edmonton Columbian Choirs began in Edmonton in 1966 and is looking for new members. These choirs have sung on Parliament Hill for Canada Day, with the Edmonton Symphony, on CTV, Global and CBC and have toured Canada, the United States and Europe. We have four choirs in our Columbian family. For the children, boys and girls ages six to 11, there is the Young Columbian Singers under the
to understand how the music makes them feel and in turn how they want the audience to feel when they are performing,” Melissa explains. But that is not where the school stops! They are also committed to providing their students with correct technical training. All five of the school’s direction of Elaine Dunbar. Elaine, a well-known Edmonton voice and piano teacher, has degrees in music and theatre and has been with the choir for a number of years. Also conducted by Ms. Dunbar is the Vocal Motion Ensemble for young people ages 12-17. For the women, there is the Chanteuses ladies’ choir. It is conducted by Heather Bedford-Clooney, voice teacher and past president of the Association of Canadian Choral Conductors. Chanteuses sings throughout the Edmonton area, and were twice finalists in the CBC Competition for Amateur Choirs. New to our choirs this year is the Columbian Youth Singers,
instructors are certified in dance education and undergo regular peer review. Director Melissa Kastelic will also be completing a graduate degree in nursing this year. “I have seen the positive impact that dance has had on a child’s life and I believe in creating the appropriate environment for a choir for young men and women ages 13-21. This choir of young people will be conducted by Meredith McEwen, and assisted by Heather Bedford-Clooney. Ms. McEwen has university degrees in music and drama as well as a strong dance background. For more information call Brenda at 780-940-2832 or email brenada@shaw.ca or hbedford@shaw.ca.
that to happen,” says Melissa. Flexpointe Studios Inc. offers classes for students ages two years to adult, with both recreational and competitive programs. Dance disciplines taught at the school include ballet, jazz, tap, acro, creative dance, lyrical, modern, hip hop and musical theatre.
Please come and join our choirs. Registration is:
Columbian Youth Singers: Saturday, Sept. 8, 10:30 Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples Young Columbian Singers: Tuesday, Sept. 11, 6:15 St. Kevin’s School Vocal Motion: Tuesday, Sept. 11, 6:15 St. Kevin’s School Chanteuses: Thursday, Sept. 13, 6:30 St. Joseph’s High School
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EDMONTON JOURNAL / edmontonjournal.com
Sing along with
Cantilon “ O u t s t a n d i n g … e x e m p l a r y… uplifting…” Parents, children and audiences in Canada and abroad are unanimous in their praise of Cantilon Choirs. Founded by Heather Johnson in 1999, Cantilon Choirs has earned a tremendous reputation for guiding young singers in developing their musical and social skills. Right from the start, the program was intended to foster – and has indeed consistently brought about – co-operation, respect, confidence and a significant degree of musical understanding at all levels. In addition to weekly rehearsals, the participants perform in public, tour, record and socialize. Cantilon Choirs welcomes singers of all ages, regardless of experience, ability or financial constraints. The program is built around five main choirs: Kindersingers, Primary Choir; Children’s Choir; Chamber Choir, and Belle Canto. These choirs have invariably been led by Alberta’s most outstanding choral specialists,
including Heather Johnson herself. Cantilon Choirs’ trademark method combines the highest standards of rehearsing and performing with a positive and encouraging attitude toward the choristers. This has resulted in a string of provincial, national and international awards. Major honours include consecutive first places won at the Alberta and National Music Festivals (2000-2012); two first prizes last summer (2011) at the Llangollen International Music Festival in Wales; two first prizes at the Béla Bartók International Choral Competition in Debrecen, Hungary (2006); second prize at the prestigious Cork International Choral Competition in Cork, Ireland (2007); as well as first and second prizes at the CBC National Radio Choral Competition (2000, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2010, 2011), to mention just a few. Please check us out at cantilonchoirs. ca. For more information call 780732-1262, email cantilon@telusplanet. net, or just drop by for a chat at #205, 10209 123 Street.
Dance Alberta creates a
balance of skills and inspiration for all students
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ance Alberta, developed in 1971 by the late Dr. Ruth Carse, is Edmonton’s leading non-profit dance school. We began as the original Alberta Ballet School, and after this school re-located to their current Calgary facility, our organization became Dance Alberta. We have since developed into a multi-disciplinary dance school, with high-quality teaching staff guiding our students into a well-rounded dance vocabulary. For 40 years, our school has been offering training from universally recognized dance syllabi combined with performance experiences around the community of Edmonton. Through these elements, we strive to create a balance in skills, and inspire every student to become the best dancer they can possibly be. We are a non-competitive school who chooses to focus on development, performance knowledge and technical repertoire. Through collaborations with other non-profit organizations, we continue to shape our city’s dance community and create a love of dance in everyone. Along with our own programs, we fully support other community dance groups by offering our studios for rent. Dance Alberta offers programs for all ages with levels that range from recreational to advanced classes. Join us in continuing Dr. Carse’s mission of bringing dance into the lives of all individuals!
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Concert bands and choir for everyone!
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or almost 50 years the Cosmopolitan Music Society has been changing music lovers into music makers. We provide a program of excellence for community music education and performance for adults. If you love music, we have a place for you. Our chorus welcomes all voices and abilities and soon Conductor Jamie Burns has everyone singing in harmony – and laughing often during the weekly rehearsals. Call us at 780-432-9333 or check out the website at www.cosmopolitanmusic.org.
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From to
beautiful
EDMONTON JOURNAL edmontonjournal.com
he Edmonton Dance Centre has genuine proof of the caliber of students they produce. Since its opening 21 years ago, the school has continually achieved superior examination results. Students are accepted by the Alberta Ballet Company to perform with them in the Nutcracker every year, and many students have successfully auditioned for professional training schools such as The National Ballet School, Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and the Juilliard School. Alumni are dancing in professional companies and former students have gone on to become successful teachers. Deborah Morgan, director of the school, says, “The yearend performance is always an emotional time. These students came to the school as shy children of three to seven years old. For many of the students this is their graduation performance, and the last time they will dance together before moving into different phases of their lives—some to continue their dance training at post-
Marr-Mac Mini’s Fine Arts Program
his unparented 10-week program is designed to provide children ages three to five years with a rich foundation in fine arts! Through a playful and creative environment, your child will have the opportunity to explore a variety of dance genres including: creative movement, ballet, jazz, hip-hop and acrobatics. The other component of class will be thematic-based art lessons, drama, musical theatre and musical explorations using a variety of instruments! Your little one will always have a hand-made “special something” to take home as well as a solid rhythmic understanding to use for the rest of their musical dance journey! Fall, winter and spring sessions are available. Further Information can be found at www.marrmac.com or email 1968@marrmac.com or phone 780-434-9281. Registration begins Aug. 20.
secondary institutions in other provinces, others to attend university here at home. They came to study dance for different reasons—for fun, for the love of dance, for its many social and artistic benefits, for its physical benefits, and for a career. They have learned that success takes time and comes from hard work and commitment, but they all had one goal in common: to be the best they could be, to fulfill their potential. What an amazing journey we have all had! They are all so beautiful! I am so grateful to them and their parents for allowing me to be part of their lives - one truly does observe the duckling become a swan!” If you want instructors that provide a dynamic, caring, nurturing atmosphere, where work is fun and the health and welfare of every student is a matter of concern, the Edmonton Dance Centre is for you! The school ensures superior quality, well-balanced training for every level, from beginners to advanced students in their final year. For information phone 780-482-1294 or email edmontondanceentre@shaw.ca.
“Education is learning what you didn’t even know you didn’t know.” – Daniel J. Boorstin
EDMONTON JOURNAL / edmontonjournal.com
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Does your child like to sing and make friends?
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he Edmonton Youth & Children’s Choirs (EYCC) are a family of five choirs that offer excellence in performance, professional instruction, and opportunities to tour Canada and the world. Originally founded in 1993, our members, ranging in age from six to 24, come together from across Edmonton and surrounding regions to participate. We are one of Edmonton’s oldest and most reputable choir institutions, with multiple CD releases, awards, and both national and international tours in our experience. What better way to see the world than by being in a choir? EYCC tours offer choristers the opportunity to travel around Canada and the world, and are one of the highlights of the season. There is something special about traveling with a choir – choristers experience new countries and cultures and serve as ambassadors of Edmonton, Alberta, and Canada. This next year alone our choirs will travel to Winnipeg, Nova Scotia, Hungary and Romania. With excellence as a guiding principle, EYCC makes singing much more than an intellectual exercise – choir becomes part of a balanced education and preparation for life. For more information contact Dr. John Wiebe: 780-994-6539., info@EdmontonYouthChoir.ca, www.EdmontonYouthChoir.ca.
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Singing is a sound opportunity
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et yourself sing! Come experience quality instruction in a friendly forum with conductor and voice coach Cheryl Balay. Singing is good for your soul and anyone can do it. If you can speak, you can sing. Solo singing lessons not only improve your voice, but also positively influence your life as you release stress, become more self-aware and explore aesthetic possibilities. Singing even boosts your immune system. The regular deep breathing used in singing can trigger an almost euphoric sense of well-being that can certainly be both calming and empowering. Although there are very few openings in this instructor’s solo studio this season, Cheryl Balay is happy to be your guide on your singing journey. In Edmonton, Sound Opportunity is a non-auditioned medium-sized choir of
adult voices, where every voice counts. Anyone can start on any Wednesday beginning in September, so come out and enjoy a fulfilling singing experience In Gibbons, it’s the Sturgeon Unity Singers every Tuesday night that get together with Cheryl, preparing repertoire for many different local events. And all this happens while having fun discovering your full expressive vocal potential and releasing your natural voice. Whether you’re just beginning your singing journey or you’d like to get your voice back into shape, there are plenty of opportunities. Call 780-667-4607 to book your lessons or to register for either one of these choirs, or to get a recommendation for other teachers and other singing groups. Check www.sing4me. ca for more information.
“If everyone started off the day singing, just think how happy they’d be.” – Lauren Myracle
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EDMONTON JOURNAL edmontonjournal.com
Northern Lights College –
training you for today’s jobs
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orthern Lights College (NLC), with major campus centres in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, B.C., is B.C.’s Energy College, providing the training students need to step directly into the workforce.
NLC is the Centre of Excellence for Oil and Gas. NLC offers extensive trades and apprenticeship training, as well as required safety courses, for work in the oil and gas industry. Curriculum is developed in consultation with industry experts. New in 2012-13, a full-sized drilling rig training facility at the Fort St. John Campus will provide hands-on learning opportunities, ensuring you are taught exactly what you need to know to enter the workforce.
NLC is the Centre of Excellence for Clean Energy Technology. Energy House, on the Dawson Creek Campus, is a unique example of modern architecture that
houses the latest in clean energy technology theory and hands-on training. Acquire the skills necessary to work as a Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician or Solar Thermal installer. Starting in 2012-13, NLC will offer an Applied Certificate in Clean Energy, featuring training in several clean energy systems, building design, and energy planning.
NLC is the Centre of Excellence for Aerospace. NLC has achieved national and international renown for its training in fixed-wing and helicopter airframe and engine maintenance. NLC offers a Basic Training program, as well as Type Training courses. For more information on programming at Northern Lights College, check out nlc.bc.ca, call the Student Services department toll free at 1-866-463-6652, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
We love learning, and we want to know how you kept your mind active while on summer vacation! Prizes may not be exactly as shown.
Send us a photo to show how you kept learning while the summer sun was shining and you could win a prize pack! Send your photo, along with a brief explanation, your name, current email address and phone number to win@edmontonjournal.com. Make sure you type EDGE PHOTO CONTEST in the subject line! The winning photo will be chosen and featured in our next EDGE feature. The contest closes Aug. 31, 2012 and the winner will be notified via email. The prize pack is courtesy of Staples and the AIR MILES Reward Program. This summer Staples shoppers who are Alberta residents can earn AIR MILES reward miles on their Staples purchases in store and online. So send us your inspirational photo and good luck!