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IGLULIK
They're still learning songs and musical pieces on their guitars and violins, but a handful of Iglulik high school students are preparing to play in upcoming Christmas concerts, a stepping stone to more public performances.

Ataguttaaluk High School student Charly Airut, left, music teacher David Jeffrey and student Billy-Jay Amaaq display the guitars they play during an after-school program as they prepare to set up a band. - photo courtesy of David Jeffrey

The eight to 10 students at Ataguttaaluk High School play acoustic guitar or violin after school as they plan to play future community performances and eventually music festivals, said their music teacher, David Jeffrey.

"There's a lot of talent here, but for now, we're just going to have concerts in town. We're working on songs and trying to get more people to come out, just trying to get the attendance up through the group," Jeffrey said.

The students cover other people's music for now as they have not reached the point of writing their own. They are learning classic rock songs, classical music and other music genres, said Jeffrey, adding he follows students' musical interests.

"I know teaching in the North can be challenging. But, the great thing about the music program is the kids that are usually a challenge in classes like English and math and science, they come to music class and it's something they're really interested in," Jeffrey said. "I'm finding the kids that have really poor marks in other classes come to music and they do really well."

Grade 10 students Billy-Jay Amaaq and Charly Airut play guitar in the band.

Amaaq, 15, said playing with other people is what he likes most.

"I like playing guitar," he said, explaining why he joined.

Fellow classmate Airut, 18, said he joined because playing music interests him, adding he finds it easy to learn new songs.

"I don't find it difficult," said Airut, who also plays drums outside of school.

Jeffrey said the response has been fantastic and the program has gone really well so far.

"Sometimes it's tough to get the same kids to come out every time, but it's been pretty good," he said.

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