CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?:
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2017-2018
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BLOG: Nobleford students bare souls in raw poetry slam
By Matt Battochio Videographer Global News
As a journalist for Global Lethbridge, I travel to many communities throughout southern Alberta to tell the stories of people in our region. On Friday, I found myself in the small town of Nobleford, at Noble Central School’s poetry slam.
When I was driving out to the school, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I admit, poetry is pretty foreign to me and I wondered if it was that exciting. Well, to even question it, I was dead wrong.
The Noble Central Poetry slam was one of the most authentic shows of self expression I’ve ever seen. One after another, students recited their poems to a large group of peers, parents and even judges. This wasn’t something that students were forced to do; they were emotionally invested in every word they spoke.
The poems shared stories of depression, bullying, body image, expectations, teenage friendships and views of the world. They were sad, funny, entertaining, sometimes vulgar, but most of all — honest. The students bared their souls in front of the audience, throwing away all notions of self-consciousness. Most spoke for about three minutes, though it seemed much quicker.
Some students shook while speaking, a fire burning inside, others teared up as they shared emotional stories. It was quite a scene. Teachers coming up to comfort teary eyed students, educators beaming with pride after seeing a pupil show tremendous courage in sharing their story. It was a unique moment seeing a teenage judgement-free zone. Scratch that. It was amazing seeing a judgement-free zone, period. No one laughed if a mistake was made, or a phrase was forgotten; the audience simply cheered — or snapped — encouragement. For three hours, everyone was on the same team.
While some students were first timers, Noble Central School does have some history with poetry slams. It has competed in the Calgary-based provincial competition before and plans to compete in the event again this year. It is the only area school going to the event.
The teachers say the Noble Central Poetry Slam is a way for students to express their creativity, find their voice and gain confidence. From what I saw, it did just that.
And I can now say I am a fan of poetry. It’s not because a Nobel Laureates recited words to me; it’s because I went to the Noble Central Poetry Slam.
By Matt Battochio Videographer Global News
As a journalist for Global Lethbridge, I travel to many communities throughout southern Alberta to tell the stories of people in our region. On Friday, I found myself in the small town of Nobleford, at Noble Central School’s poetry slam.
When I was driving out to the school, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I admit, poetry is pretty foreign to me and I wondered if it was that exciting. Well, to even question it, I was dead wrong.
The Noble Central Poetry slam was one of the most authentic shows of self expression I’ve ever seen. One after another, students recited their poems to a large group of peers, parents and even judges. This wasn’t something that students were forced to do; they were emotionally invested in every word they spoke.
The poems shared stories of depression, bullying, body image, expectations, teenage friendships and views of the world. They were sad, funny, entertaining, sometimes vulgar, but most of all — honest. The students bared their souls in front of the audience, throwing away all notions of self-consciousness. Most spoke for about three minutes, though it seemed much quicker.
Some students shook while speaking, a fire burning inside, others teared up as they shared emotional stories. It was quite a scene. Teachers coming up to comfort teary eyed students, educators beaming with pride after seeing a pupil show tremendous courage in sharing their story. It was a unique moment seeing a teenage judgement-free zone. Scratch that. It was amazing seeing a judgement-free zone, period. No one laughed if a mistake was made, or a phrase was forgotten; the audience simply cheered — or snapped — encouragement. For three hours, everyone was on the same team.
While some students were first timers, Noble Central School does have some history with poetry slams. It has competed in the Calgary-based provincial competition before and plans to compete in the event again this year. It is the only area school going to the event.
The teachers say the Noble Central Poetry Slam is a way for students to express their creativity, find their voice and gain confidence. From what I saw, it did just that.
And I can now say I am a fan of poetry. It’s not because a Nobel Laureates recited words to me; it’s because I went to the Noble Central Poetry Slam.
Students Kennedi O’Brien, left, and Abbey Dorchak delivered their poem with passion to win the group category at Noble Central School’s Poetry Slam.
Dec 8, 2017- Poetry takes flight at Noble Central
NOBLEFORD – It’s not often that poetry heard around school functions this time of year doesn’t include the likes of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” or “Five Little Reindeer.”
Family and friends gathered in the Noble Central School gym on this occasion, however, were treated to poetry of a decidedly different nature.
The school hosted its second Poetry Slam, with students performing their original poems in front of a panel of judges. The subject matter was often of a very personal nature, and ranged from expectations, to stuttering and mental health.
Under the direction of slam master/teacher Desiree Lamb, student-poets were encouraged by schoolmates with applause and the snapping of fingers. Judges deemed stingy with their marks, meanwhile, were subject to good-natured jeering.
The brave judges included Lethbridge MP Rachel Harder and published poets Blaine Greenwood and Richard Stevenson.
Stevenson, a college English instructor, spoke to the students about the importance of poetry, and provided some advice. He cautioned them of being too critical of their work in progress.
“Sometimes this thing grabs a hold of you and takes you where it wants to go, not necessarily the other way around,” said Stevenson.
If the topics and delivery of poems are wide open, the rules of slam poetry are well defined. Poems can be no longer than three minutes in length, and no props or costumes are allowed. Half the judges’ marks are based on content and the remainder on performance.
The Poetry Slam featured five groups and 19 individuals. Abbey Dorchak and Kennedi O'Brien won the group competition, while Molly Baumann was tops in the individual category.
Students at Palliser’s early learning through Grade 12 school in Nobleford are the only ones south of Calgary competing in slam poetry. Noble Central is registered once again to compete in the provincial high school Slam, to be held in Calgary this April.
NOBLEFORD – It’s not often that poetry heard around school functions this time of year doesn’t include the likes of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” or “Five Little Reindeer.”
Family and friends gathered in the Noble Central School gym on this occasion, however, were treated to poetry of a decidedly different nature.
The school hosted its second Poetry Slam, with students performing their original poems in front of a panel of judges. The subject matter was often of a very personal nature, and ranged from expectations, to stuttering and mental health.
Under the direction of slam master/teacher Desiree Lamb, student-poets were encouraged by schoolmates with applause and the snapping of fingers. Judges deemed stingy with their marks, meanwhile, were subject to good-natured jeering.
The brave judges included Lethbridge MP Rachel Harder and published poets Blaine Greenwood and Richard Stevenson.
Stevenson, a college English instructor, spoke to the students about the importance of poetry, and provided some advice. He cautioned them of being too critical of their work in progress.
“Sometimes this thing grabs a hold of you and takes you where it wants to go, not necessarily the other way around,” said Stevenson.
If the topics and delivery of poems are wide open, the rules of slam poetry are well defined. Poems can be no longer than three minutes in length, and no props or costumes are allowed. Half the judges’ marks are based on content and the remainder on performance.
The Poetry Slam featured five groups and 19 individuals. Abbey Dorchak and Kennedi O'Brien won the group competition, while Molly Baumann was tops in the individual category.
Students at Palliser’s early learning through Grade 12 school in Nobleford are the only ones south of Calgary competing in slam poetry. Noble Central is registered once again to compete in the provincial high school Slam, to be held in Calgary this April.
2016-2017
2017 Can You Hear Me Now? Provincial Youth Poetry Slam
Can You Hear Me Now? Video Promotion by
Reality Is Optional Creative Kids' Programming
The winners of the Dec 2016 Can You Hear Me Now? Poetry Slam at Alexandra Writers' Centre Society.
Go Go Poetry Rangers! Mighty Morphin Poetry Rangers!
Go Go Poetry Rangers! Mighty Morphin Poetry Rangers!
Had our first Poetry is the Point High School SLAM down in Nobleford on November 25. Had 28 poets compete. Hope to be bigger and better next year.
Can You Hear Me Now? November 2016 Poetry Slam! We had a good time . . .
Here are some photos from our Amplify Festival in St Albert. It was a wonderful event featuring the Bellerose Slam Team (and alumni) and had a special guest Colin Matty! I voted Kiara Roberts as our Poet of the Week and sent the note to our staff in response to the "Athlete of the Week" post from our Athletics Director. A bit cheeky perhaps but...
- Karen May Healey
Bellerose Slam Team
- Karen May Healey
Bellerose Slam Team
2015-2016
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