A place for every voice

May 27, 2022 Lindsay Yakimyshyn, Staff Writer, ATA Magazine

​​

Teacher–leader weaves lessons about diversity and representation into music education

 

Jorgianne Talbot knew she was onto something after her first Christmas concert as a music teacher.

She called the production A Celebration of Carols. It was a series of songs of joy from around the world and the grand finale was “Silent Night,” which all the students learned in English and sign language. After preparing for their own concert, the students ­attended a community musical performance in which the performers also sang “Silent Night.”

“The whole school of students in the audience began signing with the performers as they sang on stage. It was a magical event,” Talbot recalls.

Although it was only her first year of teaching, Talbot could already see how music could move her students while simultaneously opening their eyes to diversity and representation.

Shining a light

Being the daughter of a dedicated high school math teacher, Talbot found that her passion for music was interwoven with a love of teaching. Her journey to teaching music began with her own education.

“To be the best music teacher I could be, I first needed to be the best musician I could be,” she says.

With this in mind, after completing a bachelor’s degree in music and beginning an after-degree in education, Talbot travelled to Hungary to study the Kodály method of music education. She continued her professional learning by completing her education degree and a master of music degree and joining the Alberta Kodály Association (she later served as vice-president and then president).

“Jorgianne is passionate about music and is able to bring her extensive knowledge of Kodály methodology to instill students with a strong foundation of musical skills,” says Bruce Cable, a colleague of ­Talbot’s during her time at Victoria School of the Arts.

An elementary and choral music specialist, Talbot feels fortunate to have found assignments that allowed her to teach music full time and promote students’ connection to music. She was later able to share her expertise and passion for music education with colleagues as an arts ­education consultant with Edmonton Public Schools, as a sessional instructor in the University of Alberta’s elementary education music department, as a ­mentor teacher and as an interchange (secondment) participant.

In each role she occupies, Talbot both advances literacy in music and builds learning communities in which different cultures are appreciated and represented.

“What’s special about the role of music educator and consultant is that I can bring different cultures into the classroom through the music,” Talbot says.

“I can build community within those music classes and see the impact that has on students.”

Taking space

Talbot consciously creates space for diversity through music. As she did with her first Christmas concert, she brings music and celebrations from different cultures into the classroom. She also recognizes that she makes a difference just by being in the classroom.

Talbot, a Black woman, is used to being one of a few — if not the only one — in a room who look like her. She recalls being giddy when she first had a Black teacher. She was so excited to see a teacher who looked like her that she immediately called her friend to tell him. Talbot was 26 years old at the time.

Talbot has also had a similar impact on kids and families when they see that she’s the teacher. One moment that has stayed with Talbot occurred at her first meet-the-teacher event when a student’s grandmother approached her.

“Are you the teacher?” the woman asked.

“Yes,” Talbot replied, surprised but steady.

The grandmother hugged Talbot.

“Finally there is someone here who looks like my granddaughter, who she can look up to.”

Talbot carries this moment with her and, knowing how much representation has meant to her and her students, she also advocates for increased diversity within the profession, including its professional Association. She asks questions about representation at all levels of the profession and comments that more data is needed. Moreover, she and her personal narrative were instrumental in the creation of the Status of Racialized Teachers Working Group of the ATA’s provincial Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Committee.

Sharing hope

Hopeful for increased representation within education, and encouraged by what she’s seen, Talbot wields music with joy, making room for students and colleagues to share their diverse voices as part of a community.

“Jorgianne always made sure every student felt comfortable to express themselves, and encouraged her students to bring their own experiences, cultures, beliefs and passions to the classroom to assist in creating a unified ensemble,” Cable says.

Talbot says music is a way for her to shine light, to begin conversations.

“It is important that, as a diverse society and within my diverse classrooms, I can share a message of hope for the world through music.”

Got an idea? In Profile features an interesting teacher in each issue of the ATA Magazine. If you know of a teacher who would be a good profile subject, please contact managing editor Cory Hare at cory.hare@ata.ab.ca.

 

Hitting the right notes with

Jorgianne Talbot

What is the best piece of advice your mom gave you about teaching?

“I don’t know how you teach the little ones.” and “Stay true to your passion.”

What is your go-to song to sing?

Canon: Dona Nobis Pacem (Grant Us Peace). This is also my favourite song to teach. I usually teach this Latin song (that can be sung in canon) to most of my students, as the message is one of peace, especially with all that is happening in the world.

Where has been your favourite place to perform?

Right here in Edmonton at the Winspear Centre, both as a performer and music educator. I remember my first experience as a teenager performing at the Winspear and thinking that the acoustics were amazing — what a wonderful performance space!

If you could perform in any venue, what would it be?

I hope to one day perform (or at least see a ­performance) at Carnegie Hall.

 

Also In This Issue