TRIBUTE to the 215 Tk’emlups te Secwépemc First Nation children from the Kamloops residential school whose lives ended too soon; “215” performed by CPO2 Cindy Cui, National Music Sea Cadet of the Year, composed by Scott McInnes. This piece was transposed and performed with permission from Scott McInnes at Fleetwood Park Secondary School in conjunction with the powerful visual installation. Recording by Colleen Sheridan Franciosi.

Quote from CPO2 Cindy Cui, the violinist:

“In times like this where it's difficult to process the trauma, anger and confusion I'm grateful to the musicians who try to make sense of it for us all. What I can't understand in words and numbers I can express through music.”

Quote from Scott McInnes, the composer:

“I, like many of you, was totally shocked and saddened by the discovery of the 215 small remains found in Kamloops. Here is my attempt to portray my feelings. 215 is a piece for solo instrument and takes 2 minutes and 15 seconds to perform. The main theme is based on 2-1-5 (scale degrees) in a minor key (Bb minor for trombone). The intent is to portray the roller coaster of emotions (anger, sadness, disappointment, shock, etc.) through dynamics, range and articulations. There are some obvious quotes and some less obvious. The piece ends abruptly and too soon, like the lives of the children who died in the Kamloops Residential School.”

Thank you for listening and reflecting.
#everychildmatters #215children #residentialschoolawareness #NIHM2021

A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former Residential School students. You can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling 24-Hour National Crisis Line:  1-866-925-4419

The KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides a First Nations and Indigenous specific crisis line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, toll-free from anywhere in British Columbia.  KUU-US Crisis Line can be reached toll-free at 1-800-588-8717. Alternatively, individuals can call direct into the Youth Line at 250-723-2040 or the Adult Line at 250-723-4050.