The Uplifting Power of the Arts

On Saturday, the thunder of the UTS Bakudan Taiko group resounded on the world-class stage of Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall, first of a stellar repertoire at the Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival (CISMF). It was fitting they played the piece, ZOKU, which translates to family or group, composed by Leonard Eto, because they are very much like a family, playing in synchronicity to create a truly moving performance.

Along with our Taiko drummers, UTS Music Teacher Dr. Jeff McLeod, also conducted the Festival Jazz Band, made up of top student jazz musicians from CIS schools, in an exceedingly cool rendition of O.W., a composition by Mary Lou Williams.

As enthralling music filled the expansive hall, I had the sense that this is what education is all about. The CiSMF lifted me up, experiencing the power of music and the arts that brought together 1,400 young, talented musicians and their teachers from 39 independent schools. Instead of a competition, it is a celebration of the possibilities of music and what happens when students and staff collaborate together, doing what they love.

This year was the first time UTS took part in this festival, which has run for nearly four decades, and it won’t be the last. Our student musicians thrived with opportunities to collaborate with those from other schools, forming connections and learning from each other, vital skills no matter where the future takes them.

Creative experiences like these are vital to overall education. This week, a group of UTS Expressive Arts students are in New York City, learning firsthand from the city’s incredible cultural scene, exploring museums and galleries, opera and cultural performances. I’m there as well, along with Martha Drake, executive director, advancement, to attend our annual New York Branch Event of the UTS Alumni Association. Tonight, after the event, some of the alumni will meet up with our students to take in the Broadway debut of two UTS alumni. Brothers Rick Kuperman ’07 and Jeff Kuperman ’08 are the choreographers of the musical, The Outsiders, which opened last week at the Jacobs Theatre – full of innovative choreography courtesy of the Kupermans! Like many alumni, they still keep in touch from their UTS days, and after the show are doing a talk for our alumni and students. Amidst all this success, it is important to remember that not long ago the Kuperman brothers were in the same place our students are now, exploring their possibilities, trying out new ideas and getting ready to take on the world.

They are a testament to the power and intrinsic value of the Expressive Arts. The creativity, collaboration and joy students experience in music, drama and art can take on a life of its own, and add to a person’s overall sense of well-being. For example, the precision displayed by our Taiko drummers helps them become finely attuned to each other, developing an empathy and teamwork that can carry forward into other aspects of life. Creative outlets like these provide a catharsis, creating positive emotions and giving voice to our deeper thoughts. Music and the arts are a way of speaking without words. For these reasons, and many more, the Expressive Arts are a vital part of the UTS academic program.

Read more of Dr. Foster's Blog

#fosteringbrilliance