Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra – PhilKids

The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra is a pillar of Calgary’s vibrant arts community and since 1955, has grown to be one of Canada’s most celebrated live music ensembles. The CPO serves as an active leader in the community providing educational performances and outreach opportunities for students, seniors, and other charitable organizations.

One of these opportunities, PhilKids, is inspired by Venezuela's El Sistema program, where students benefit from a social program taught through music. Students from grades 1 to 5 participate in music lessons led by musicians from the CPO. Teachers quickly develop a rapport of trust and respect with their students through close work twice a week over the school months. Pre-service teachers are invited to join PhilKids for this semester for Thursday lessons, working alongside CPO musicians to support and empower children through the exploration of music.

Who?

Best fit for students in their EDUC 400s or their non-education years

Working with students in Grades 1 - 5

What?

Classroom-based after-school program

Focus on music, the arts, and educating the whole child

When?

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and/or Thursdays

Where?

In-person at Falconridge School and Keeler Elementary

What's Involved

Participating pre-service teachers will work with CPO musicians to support PhilKids online one afternoon a week.
PhilKids' emphasis is on developing students' social skills through music. Pre-service teachers are especially encouraged to work with the instructors to support social learning in the classroom.

Requirements

Pre-service teachers need a current Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (issued after May 1 of the current academic year). Students who do not already have a police check should begin this process online with their local Police station as soon as possible as police checks often take 4-6 weeks to process. Please see the Field Experience Police Information Requirement webpage for more information on how to request a PIC-VS..
Pre-service teachers will be asked to participate in a phone interview before attending the first session.
A musical background, while helpful, is not necessary. Participating pre-service teachers will instead serve in a supporting role in the classroom, drawing on their education background and experiences working with children and youth.

Examine a variety of approaches to teaching and learning in non-traditional educational settings
Examine how educators apply teaching concepts in their daily work
Examine how teaching and learning take place in other contexts
Gain experience working with youth in a classroom setting
Gain experience working with youth in a small group setting

Program Dates:
- Fall: late September to mid- December
- Winter: early January to mid-March
Phone Interview with CPO Staff: Time TBD based on student availability
Orientation and Training: Will happen throughout the sessions
PhilKids Sessions: 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
- Mondays/Wednesdays at Falconridge School
- Tuesdays/Thursdays at Keeler Elementary
Group Reflection Sessions: TBD (1-hour session, based on your schedule)
Students are invited to participate for the Fall and/or Winter semester, and are welcome to continue into the Spring semester based on individual interest/availability.

Fall Semester Timeline

Fall 2024 Applications Open: August 28, 2024
Werklund Information Sessions:
- Cancelled; please email wse.experiential@ucalgary.ca with any questions about the Service-Learning program or to arrange for a meeting.
Fall 2024 Applications Close: September 17, 2024 for smaller programs, larger placement applications are ongoing.
Fall 2024 Placements Start: early October (program dependent)
Fall 2024 Placements End: mid-December (program dependent)

Winter Semester Timeline

Winter 2025 Applications Open: November 15, 2024
Winter 2025 Information Session: November 26, 5:00 pm (Zoom)
Winter 2025 Applications Close: Ongoing, program-dependent
Winter 2025 Placements Start: early January (program dependent)
Winter 2025 Placements End: mid-March (program dependent)

Experiential Learning Check-In & Reflection Opportunities

All participants in Experiential Learning programs are welcome and encouraged to attend at least two of the check-in & reflection sessions below as part of their program. Reflection is an incredibly important part of experiential learning. It encourages students to consider their experience so far and to adjusted as needed as they go forward through the rest of their program, or into the next step of their career.