Virtual Festival of Lights was a Triumph!

If you missed the event, you can watch it here (video available for a limited time via Linden Parent's Portal —please use login information shared earlier in the year).

In a year of unusual firsts, Linden experienced its first ever virtual Festival of Lights. Thanks to the abundance of talent in the Linden community and the creative leadership of music teacher Yeganeh Sotudehnia, it was an on-mission triumph. 

“We loved the diversity, the acknowledgement of light, and seeing Linden’s own ‘lights’ in music, art and drama!” said founders Diane Goudie and Eleanor Moore.  

The evening kicked off with an exploration of seasonal celebrations across many faiths and traditions, by the grade 11s. Our Early Learners and Grade 1-2s delighted with their enthusiastic rendition of Rainbow Connection -- and their beautifully crafted rainbows.  Grade 1-2 students also sang Neige Neige en Francais.

All students in our strings program showcased their achievements. Some have been playing for a number of years; others picked up their instruments for the first time in September. This year, Yeganeh faced some unique challenges, as we were unable to group students according to their experience level due to cohorting. “A lot of it came down to the students' own initiatives in their learning,” said Yeganeh. “I made myself available for many extra help sessions, and many classes incorporated guidance and leadership opportunities from the more experienced members.” 

Before playing Les Contes des Fées, the Grade 6s paid tribute to composer Ignatius Sancho, the first black person in history to have his music published and to vote in a British election. 

Some talented solo artists performed! Grade 4 student Kai gave an evocative performance of Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide, and Zoey (Grade 6) played Harmony of the Angels on the piano. Grade 7 students did a singing, dancing Mean Girls parody of Jingle Bell Rock, and Izzy in grade 6 sang Happier by Marshmello a capella!  Sam in Grade 11 played Bach’s Prelude from Suite No. 1 on her cello, and Maho in grade 5 played a lively Witches’ Dance on the violin.

Grade 5s shared the story of Juwon Ogungbe before performing his piece, Feeling the Pulse. Grade 6 switched things up by performing skits based on Coyote Tales, showcasing their dramatic and comedic talents. 

This year’s virtual festival incorporated an art interlude, featuring breathtaking graphite drawings by our high school students. 

Thanks to Grade 3-4, we were treated to sweet harmonies as they sang and played Twinkle Twinkle.

Our high school musicians offered a beautiful rendition of Gavotte from the Holberg Suite, and the event concluded on a celebratory note with a joyous video of the grade 3-4s singing and dancing to Jingle Bell Rock. 

Throughout, the concert was skillfully woven together by MCs Maya (grade 11) and Juliana (grade 12). As students performed, the chat brimmed with enthusiasm, positivity and loving support for our performers.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Virtual Festival of Lights. If you missed it, you can watch it here (video available for a limited time via Linden Parent's Portal —please use login information shared earlier in the year).

We wish you and your families the happiest holiday season, and a safe New Year.