This month, we are profiling our talented and passionate, K-4 Music Teacher, Ms. Winterburn.
Tell us about yourself and your history at Southridge.
I grew up in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island and completed my Bachelor of Education Degree at UVIC. My parents instilled a love of traveling in me and I knew I wanted to work overseas. So after completing my degree, I moved to Japan and taught English in elementary and middle schools for three years. It was an amazing experience! I then returned to Canada and spent four years teaching music on Vancouver Island. During this time, my husband and I decided we wanted to relocate to the Lower Mainland, so in 2001 we did just that and I started my job in the Junior School teaching music.
What are some of the things you enjoy most about working at Southridge? What are some of the challenges?
For me, what I enjoy the most about working at Southridge are my students and my colleagues. I feel so lucky to work in an environment with collaborative, creative, funny, and kind people. My colleagues are so dedicated, and I continually learn and grow from them.
Sharing my love of music with young people has always been my passion and being able to sing, dance, move, and play instruments with my students every day is truly a dream job for me.
I think my biggest challenge is trying to fit everything that I want to do/teach into one day!
What kind of music do you like?
I enjoy listening to a variety of different kinds of music such as big band, classical, and different decades like the 40's, 70’s, and 80’s. It really depends on the mood I am in! I love to play classical piano and have recently started taking classical guitar lessons.
What’s the best (your favourite) concert you’ve been to?
More than concerts, going to see a musical is one of my favourite things to do. My family and I enjoy seeing as many “Broadway Across Canada” musicals as we can. Last year we saw “Hamilton” which was a dream come true! It was so unique and so powerful, I am not sure that I can even compare it to anything else that I have seen.
I have been to a lot of concerts over the years too. I think my favourite has to be Billy Joel. I love his music and the way he tells stories through song. He is such an amazing piano player and performer - it was an amazing experience!
What’s your idea of a perfect day?
A perfect day would include spending time with my family and friends, going for a walk in the forest or at the beach, a great cup of coffee, lively conversations, reading, making music, and of course eating some good food.