Grade 6 Student’s Song & Video Produced with Support From School
Image from video for Grade 6 student Tianna Legacy’s Who We Are. Click to enlarge.
SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – When it comes to taking a stand against bullying, Tianna Legacy is using her voice. Literally.
Legacy, a Grade 6 student at Holy Family Catholic Elementary School, has composed the music and lyrics to her recently recorded professional track, “Who We Are.” The song, which features the 12-year-old student singing and playing guitar, centers on the issues of bullying, self-esteem and self-worth.
“I started writing the song last summer after being inspired by the Family Channel’s ‘Stand Up to Bullying’ campaign,” said Legacy. “I wanted to create something that kids my age could relate to, and to let them know that every person has the right to stand up and be confident in their own skin.”
Each year, students and staff from the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (HSCDSB) take part in ‘Pink Shirt Day,’ a nation-wide effort to raise awareness on the issue of bullying. Holy Family is one of several schools that dons pink every Wednesday of the school year to keep the issue of bullying at the forefront and to promote their belief in standing up, speaking out, being a friend, telling an adult and putting an end to bullying.
This year, the HSCDSB has also released a music video of Legacy’s original song to commemorate ‘Pink Shirt Day’ and to celebrate the Board’s ongoing commitment to safe and healthy learning environments. The video, created by Holy Family staff and students, features students from the school.
“When I first heard Tianna’s song, I thought the message was powerful, poignant and worth sharing,” said Beth West, teacher at Holy Family. “It’s always amazing to get perspective right from the students.”
West decided that a music video would further illustrate the realness of Tianna’s song. It wasn’t long before production began.
“The whole class was excited to help out,” commented West. “I think we ended up with a finished product that does justice to Tianna’s talent as a musician and songwriter.”
Legacy recorded “Who We Are” in January at Case’s Music with the help of Craig West, Jay Case and Jenny Gauvreau. It is likely the first of many upcoming songs that will be professionally recorded by the youngster.
“I’ve written a lot of music so far and I’m planning to do more,” shared an excited Legacy. “A lot of my upcoming songs deal with events that directly relate to young people’s lives. I can’t wait for everyone to hear them.”
