Richmond schools turned to the virtual world on Nov. 10 to remember the fallen soldiers and those who have sacrificed themselves for the freedom and safety of Canada.
Scott Robinson, superintendent of the Richmond school district, said Remembrance Day will “look and feel a little different” for the year 2020.
“This year, students and staff at our schools have been busy planning virtual ceremonies to honour this important day,” said Robinson.
“On Nov. 11, we encourage all members of our community to pause in remembrance for the people who have served, and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace.”
And while many elementary and high schools will be broadcasting their own renditions of virtual ceremonies, R.C. Palmer secondary, definitely felt a significant change to their Remembrance Day plans.
The high school choir has sung for the City of Richmond’s Remembrance Day ceremonies the past six years. Music teacher Iris Chan said the shift from playing live music to recording is “different” and making everyone more “self-conscious.”
“Instead of singing and playing music for the school audience and for the city’s event in front of thousands of people, we’re now singing to a microphone and a camera,” said Chan, adding that having to record several times can be exhausting.
“We had to think of a creative way to still allow the choir and band to perform and to contribute to the school community even though we can’t gather in-person anymore.
“School still has to happen, learning still has to happen and music still has to be created.”
Asked if the meaning of the poem “In Flanders Field” would be undermined in a recorded performance, Chan said the piece is the “spirit of past and present soldiers” and that as long as it is performed the meaning is still strong.
“We still look at the meaning, the text and what each phrase represents. Physically the soldiers may not exist anymore, but their spirit is still carried through this poem and as long as we still sing and recite it, their sacrifice is remembered,” said Chan.
The students at Palmer, added Chan, take pride in their Remembrance Day performance ever since performing at the city’s annual ceremony five years ago.
“They take it seriously every year and look forward to putting on the best performance for the community.
“Even though we aren’t performing for the whole city this time, the students are still performing their best because they always feel so honoured to be singing and playing for this special day.”
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