"Flowers Need Rain" - Oak Creek Public School (Owl Chorus)

Our Junior/Intermediate choir at Oak Creek, a school community that just opened its doors last
year, has been thriving with enthusiasm and creativity. The choir, uniquely connected to the
school's name and mascot (an owl), embraced this identity to form their band name. Being the
first to choose their CBC Music Challenge song, this decision was a pivotal part of fostering
student buy-in and engagement within the school community.
In a democratic process, students voted overwhelmingly in favor of Preston Pablo's "Flowers
Need Rain." This democratic approach not only ensured that students had a say in their musical
journey but also reflected the inclusive and collaborative spirit of Oak Creek. The song choice
resonates with the theme of growth and development, mirroring our school community's journey
in its second year.
The choir's dedication extended beyond vocal rehearsals. Students actively participated in
creating the backdrop for their video, featuring raindrops and flowers to visually enhance the
thematic elements of "Flowers Need Rain." These visuals will also grace our CBC Music
Challenge Showcase in December, showcasing the students' artistic contributions.
This year marks a milestone for Oak Creek as we build upon our successes from the inaugural
year. The music program and extracurriculars have steadily grown, reflecting the diverse
musical experiences brought by students from different schools. A source of pride for the music
teacher and choir helpers is that the Junior/Intermediate choir accomplished the feat of learning
and singing a song in two-part harmony for the first time. This achievement speaks volumes
about their dedication and the growth of the music program.
As we look to the future, exciting endeavours await the Junior/Intermediate choir. They plan to
challenge themselves with new repertoire and will focus on integrating social justice themes
through music in the coming year. This commitment to growth, both musically and socially,
exemplifies the spirit of Oak Creek and the continuous pursuit of excellence within our dynamic
school community. The Junior/Intermediate students are brimming with excitement, recognizing
the impactful experience this challenge offers young musicians. We extend our heartfelt thanks
to the organizers at CBC for making this opportunity possible, fostering musical connections and
growth among our talented students.
For more information about the Canadian Music Class Challenge please visit: cbcmusic.ca/mus...