The musical education in the city of Valenciennes, and more broadly in the Valenciennois region, reveals some gems such as the famous CHAM class (Music/Orchestral/Instrumental Amended Hours Class) at Carpeaux College, as well as Watteau High School where the specialization in “Musical Education” mandatory in First and Final years has reinforced a historical pedagogy in the subject. These two educational institutions have chosen to unite their talents for a unique evening, tonight at the Phoenix Studio.
Virginie Belin: “We are the only establishment to offer the Musical Education specialization in the Valenciennois region”
Leading up to this public information, the teacher is keen to affirm this artistic competence at Watteau High School: “The musical discipline has been taught here for over 30 years. Since the reform and the introduction of specializations, we are the only establishment to offer the Musical Education specialization in the Valenciennois region,” comments Virginie Belin, music education teacher for 3 years at this school.
However, not everything flows smoothly in the recruitment of students from Carpeaux College! “Many learners from Carpeaux College cannot directly integrate into Watteau High School because it is not in their sector. The future choice of the specialization “Musical Education” at Watteau High School does not happen automatically. It’s simply not derogatory, some schools give the impression that it’s possible with them, but once there, it’s no longer possible and the students don’t move!” she adds. This raises questions about the consideration of musical education by the Academy of the North!
Currently, within the three classes (Second, First, Final), Watteau High School has 45 students, but the potential could be much higher given the reputation of this historical school in this discipline. It is worth noting that art and theater (not exclusively at Watteau) are also taught at Watteau High School. When you add music, the teaching of the arts, it’s Watteau!
Accessible on Parcoursup, the professional openings are much wider than our collective unconscious might think; sound engineer, journalist in musical art, teacher or in events, in the production of musical instruments, or even professional musician in orchestras.
Two performances this Tuesday, May 5th at the Phoenix
That’s why this musical partnership seems absolutely natural. “The music choice has been focused on film music. For the CHAM class, the teacher supervises the musical choices, but for the Second, First, Final years, the students have made their own arrangements,” explains Virginie Belin.
Two performances are scheduled this Tuesday, May 5th in the evening. From 7 pm in the Studio at the Phoenix and the second at 8:30 pm (two one-hour shows).
Daniel Carlier
