Calgary Academy’s Music Room sits just outside the school’s main building. Nestled between the Junior and Senior Schools, the classroom is a place for creativity, exploration, and risk-taking.
One of the staff members orchestrating the music program is Jory Kinjo, a music specialist who brings years of experience to the classroom.
Balancing Fun and Theory
Music is something almost everyone experiences when they’re young. Even without playing themselves, children can gain an appreciation for a particular genre or instrument.
When you nurture a love of music as learners grow, you see them excited to try anything. Mr. Kinjo noticed these differences between Junior and Senior School students. They all love music, but interact with it for different reasons in class.
“As students get older, they gain a deeper knowledge of music because they listen to it more in their everyday lives. They become more educated in genre and artists, and desire to go deeper… Meanwhile, the younger students aren’t quite as specific. They like what they like, but they’re open-minded to the other stuff, and they want to have fun in the classes, which is wonderful.” – Mr. Kinjo
Mr. Kinjo strives for a classroom of creativity and respect, where students can try new things and see what inspires them. Whether it’s YouTube karaoke, percussion through Boomwhackers (long plastic tubes—a class favourite), or trying a new instrument, he always focuses on fun and exploration.
There are obvious foundations to learn in music class, but Mr. Kinjo doesn’t worry about all the rules. He finds a balance of theory and practice to encourage students to find their passion for music.
“My mom always said, in art, you learn all the rules so that you can break them. You need to be educated on the art form, and then at the same time, not let that box in your creativity.”
A School Year of Music
Mr. Kinjo has appreciated the chance to work at Calgary Academy this school year. As a professional musician, he’s typically on tour around this time of year. However, he jumped at the chance to support students in the classroom.
He has been impressed by his students throughout all grades, from seeing the confidence build in his Junior School students to recording songs professionally at OCL Studios with the Senior School students.
“I say that this is a safe space to create. Nobody here is perfect at music… It’s a testament to the students and how comfortable they are here that they’re willing to be creative and be themselves.”
As the end of June approaches, Mr. Kinjo has been proud to see the students’ hard work, and they have shown it off all year, performing at several events, including a Concert Band showcase in January and CA’s Fun Day on June 6.
Support and encouragement can mean the world to learners in the classroom, especially in the arts. When a love for music is fostered early, it can lead to a lifelong passion, something Mr. Kinjo knows from experience.
“The arts are something you can take with you, no matter what age. And just like sports, when there’s an imprint on you when you’re younger, it gets deeper.”