The recent Toronto Estonian Independence Day Assembly performance of the local Estonian Schools Chorus was well received by the audience, but by no means are choir and conductor Reet Lindau-Voksepp resting on their deserved laurels. March break in the Canadian school system is soon upon us, and the lion's share of Estonian language schooling has been completed. Yet there is still plenty on the horizon - this update is to provide parents and grandparents with information about planned events.

Preparations for the trip to the West Coast Estonian Days are well under way. The choir has experienced an infusion of fresh blood, to be expected after last year's graduates that took part in the Estonian Song Festival tour left a number of shoes to fill. Most notable among the newcomers are students from Grade 6 of the primary school - five girls and two boys have signed up for the chorus. At present the chorus numbers 35 singers - with chaperones and parents a total of 52 people will be making the trip to British Columbia.

The Toronto Estonian Male Chorus (TEM) will join the school chorus at certain events. Quite a few students have a father in the ranks of TEM - a natural fit. TEM's travel and performances are not, however, in tandem with the school chorus'.

There have been some informal discussions about participating in the folk dance festival, as well as seeing the formation of instrumental music groups from the ranks of the student singers who could perform at the West Coast Days.

Here are some important dates: The trip will take place from July 1st to the 10th. Non-stop flight from Toronto to Vancouver, returning from Victoria. The first four days and nights will have the group staying at the Days Inn owned by the Estonian Kemp family. This time will be spent sightseeing Vancouver and environs.

On July 5th travel by bus to Harrison Hot Springs, the locale of the WCED festivities. The chorus will remain there until the 8th; the organizers have not yet finalized an exact programme of events. On the evening of Friday, July 8 travel by ferry to Victoria, two days have been set aside to experience the beauty of Vancouver Island. Return to Toronto on the evening of July 10th.

Spring performances

Saturday rehearsals for the chorus commence right after March break, start time will allow Guides and Scouts time for lunch after their koondused. These rehearsals enable primary students to attend.

A concert will be held for our esteemed seniors at Ehatare and Eesti Kodu on April 2nd at 1 PM. The very next Saturday, April 9th, the Chorus will be performing at the Spring concert/party, where young pianists and violinists will complement choral fare. Look for advertising in the paper and on public bulletin boards.

The last weekend of June sees the Seedrioru Suvihari, where the Chorus will be performing. Bussing will be organized from the Estonian House on June 25th. The school administration hopes that the community supports these events with open hearts and wallets - the students are, after all, singing beloved Estonian songs in their mother tongue.

Reading contests

It was decided at last fall's pedagogical conference to organize reading contests in April. On the school evenings of April 4,5, 11 and 12 students will be encouraged to demonstrate their reading skills. Last year's participation was almost 100% - perhaps due to the fact that every student receives a diploma and an award is given to the best reader in every class.

May 3rd is the annual Mother's Day assembly.

The fundraiser/walkathon idea so popular last year is being repeated, this year's stroll through the ravines and streets linking Vana-Andrese and Estonian House will take place on May 7th. Parents, siblings and friends are also encouraged to participate.
And on a final note - final exams are in May, year-end assemblies on the 16th of May for high school and gümnaasium students, on the 17th for the primary schoolers.

Wishing all in the TES school family a restful March break and a happy Easter!

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