At Kamloops School of the Arts (KSA), music is something every student shares—voices coming together to create connection, confidence, and community.  

In KSA’s Grade 5–7 classes, everyone sings, and this year’s journey was especially meaningful as students explored the song mitêh (Heart) by Sherryl Sewepagaham. The piece invited students to reflect on the idea of the heart—not just as something physical, but as a place of feeling, identity, and connection to others.  

Through learning and performing this song, students deepened their musical skills while also engaging thoughtfully with its message. They listened closely, sang with intention, and developed a strong sense of ensemble, supporting one another as their voices blended together.  

Inspired by the song’s theme, students also took part in a hands-on artistic project: each student hand-sewed their own fabric heart. These hearts became personal symbols, representing their individuality, emotions, and the shared experience of making music together. The process encouraged patience, creativity, and pride in their work—values that mirror the care and collaboration needed in music-making.

KSA Pod 3 students were recently selected as one of this year’s finalists in the CBC Music Class Challenge 2026, making the top 10 in theory category. Read more here. Congratulations to the talented students and dedicated staff whose creativity, commitment, and passion made this outstanding achievement possible. 

This project reflects what staff and students strive for at Kamloops School of the Arts: meaningful artistic experiences where every student has a voice, feels connected, and can express who they are through the arts. 

Watch "Mitêh" performance by Kamloops School of the Arts Pod 3 Students.

Story provided by Jennica Alpaugh, Kamloops School of the Arts Elementary Music Teacher