UNews - Carnival

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ ready for a day of play

trevor.kenney — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 22:41:04 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, together with 1st Choice Savings and Credit Union, is once again taking the opportunity to help the community engage in play.

After an enormously successful inaugural event, which drew thousands of children and parents, the U of L is readying to host its second annual – and free – Play Day event on Family Day (Monday, February 18). The circus-themed event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, the Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre and the Ascent Climbing Centre.

"Play Day is designed to reach out to the community, but on another level it's trying to communicate about the value of play for families," says ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President, Dr. Mike Mahon, who introduced Play Day at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in 2012 to promote the positive aspects of play and its influence on creating healthy individuals and healthy communities. "The concept is really focused on families, not just on children – we are encouraging families to come and play together."

Katie Mahon, daughter of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ President Dr. Mike Mahon, assists in the construction zone at last year's inaugural Play Day event. This year's circus-themed party should be even bigger and better.

The circus theme of this year's event includes a number of new activities added to the popular play zones from the inaugural Play Day. Among the added activities is a Music Zone where drop-in Kindermusik classes and sound bingo will entertain children aged zero to 18 months, as well as a drop-in world drumming area. Carnival games have been added, as well as a Toonie Barbecue area and a Fitastic Play zone for toddler fitness. For those daring enough to scale the heights, the Ascent Climbing Centre's climbing wall will also be open to the public.

"We're excited to be a part of Play Day again this year, and I think it will be even bigger and better than last year's event," says Brian Kinahan (BMgt '79), president and CEO of major sponsor 1stChoice Savings. "As a community-minded organization, we're thrilled to partner with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and present this opportunity for southern Alberta families to come together and enjoy the amenities here at the U of L 1st Choice Savings Centre for a day of play."

Last year, a massive cardboard construction zone was a hit with participants of all ages, and will be back this year, with even more space (and cardboard) to play with.

"It was so much fun to see parents and young kids playing together," says Mahon. "They were cutting shapes and playing make believe and the parents were playing as much as the kids were, and that was really cool to watch. That's the real sprit of Play Day and if we as a university can contribute to families by encouraging play, then we're doing a good thing."

Following is a list of free activities available at Play Day 2013

Science – Airzookas; Air Pressure Funnel; Science Toy Circus

Technology – Tri-flexa Hexagons; Scratch Programming; Mobius Strip

Art & Creative – Carnival Hats; Bubble Painting

Free Build – Cardboard Fort Building

Physical Activity – Basketball; Futsal; Open Gymnastics; Bouncy Castles; Fitastic Play; Climbing Wall

Aquatic – Open Swimming

Music – Drop-in Kindermusik; Sound Bingo; World Drumming

Carnival Games

Face Painting

Photo Booth

Feel the Beat features Musaeus String Quartet

trevor.kenney — Fri, 07 May 2010 22:15:50 +0000

A musical stampede thunders its way through Southminster United Church, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, May 18-19, with the final concert of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music's Feel The Beat series.

A show for all ages, the program offers a menu of animal-themed musical selections, including Carnival of the Animals, composed by Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns, and How the Loon Got Its Necklace, by Keith Bissel.

"Feel the Beat is a four-part series for children that introduces classical music," explains Breeanne Fuller, conservatory co-ordinator. "Our programs are age appropriate, relatively short and as always, free."

Supported by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Feel the Beat has enjoyed its second successful season this year.

"Carnival of the Animals aligns with the school music curriculum," Fuller adds. "It's a piece that appeals to young audiences while at the same time providing a valuable educational experience."

Composed for full orchestra and featuring two pianos, Carnival of the Animals includes 14 movements with delightful titles including Tortoises, Aquarium, The Elephant and Hens and Roosters.

Musaeus String Quartet, along with percussionist Adam Mason, will perform How The Loon Got Its Necklace, a Canadian composition based on an aboriginal folk legend.

"Everyone's invited to attend and the admission is free. However, you must reserve your seats before the show," Fuller says.

With shows at 10 a.m. and noon on both May 18 and 19, seats can be reserved over the phone by calling 403-329-2304.

"Although the 10 a.m. shows are sold out, there are still plenty of seats available for the noon shows," she adds.

Fun for the whole family, this Feel the Beat concert is both educational and entertaining. Be sure to book your reservation early.

Global Drums! promises both sight and sound

trevor.kenney — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:55:18 +0000

A feast for both the ears and eyes greets those who attend Global Drums!, Feb. 27-28, 8 p.m. in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre.

High energy, interesting instruments and world music will fill the theatre as the U of L Percussion Ensemble takes over. Also on the program are special guests St. Patrick's School African Dance Ensemble, performing a traditional dance from Ghana.

"Our multi-faceted concert is visually exciting with dance, choreography and props combined with lush, beautiful and powerful music from around the world. And all of it is upbeat," says Adam Mason, director.

He also promises an interesting finale to the evening.

"Our eclectic mix of music has something for everyone, including Debussy thrown in with classic rock by Edgar Winter and Santana."

The program features several percussion ensembles, including a classical ensemble, African drum and dance group, steel drum band, and Taiko Drums.

"We'll play the Taiko drums but it will be Taiko with a twist and that's all I'm willing to say right now."

The 13 members of the Steel Drum Band provide the local audience with a sneak preview of the music they are taking to Japan in August. On the classical front, Brianne Cruickshank will play the new 5-octive marimba.

"This instrument is the Rolls-Royce of marimba. It is beautiful to look at and amazing to hear," says Mason.

A grant from Canbra Foods enabled the group to purchase the instrument. New to the event this year is a Brazilian Samba Ensemble.

"The Samba group does extremely infectious drumming, the kind you'd hear at Carnival in Rio," says Mason. "We've got parade drums, which makes the performers very mobile, so I'm inviting the audience to be prepared to participate."

Tickets for Global Drums! Are priced at $15 regular and $10 student/senior at the
U of L Box Office (403-329-2616).

UNews - Carnival

��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ ready for a day of play

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Feel the Beat features Musaeus String Quartet

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Global Drums! promises both sight and sound

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��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ ready for a day of play