Don Waite and EarthSongs
This Saskatchewan environmental scientist sings about ecological issues and has been invited to do workshops on "Singing about Science" at educational and scientific conferences across North America.
His songs cover many serious topics including water, air pollution, the five R's, the greenhouse effect, and much more, but in a humorous fashion that encourages group participation and laughter. "Dr. Don" has also performed for children's audiences at festivals, schools and picnics as well as for adult gatherings in formal and informal settings. His songs have been featured on CBC radio "Quirks and Quarks" and "Out Front" programs.
Waite also frequently guest lectures at the University of Regina, Faculty of Education, where he demonstrates the use of music as a tool for teaching science and environmental awareness.
Waite has been involved for many years with the development of alternative methods of communicating science to children and adults through the use of music, drama and art. He believes that if children sing and perform about issues, adults will listen. For children, singing about the world opens their eyes to its wonders. In early societies, all knowledge was passed on orally, through stories, songs and rituals. Waite is tapping into this heritage. Learning this way can also be fun and stimulating. He has made up songs with children using words and concepts such as bioaccumulation, toxicity, herbicides and vertebrates.
Waite received his Ph. D. in biology from the University of Waterloo, Ontario in 1973. He has worked for provincial and federal departments of environment, publishing scientific papers on his research on water and toxic chemicals as well as air pollutants. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Universities of Regina and Saskatchewan. On the musical side, Don has taught at the Regina Conservatory of Music since 1976 and has participated in many stage musicals and choirs.
Waite's 1998 CD EarthSongs was nominated for Outstanding Children's Recording of 1999 at the Prairie Music Awards. The CD was recorded in Regina with the enthusiastic help of children from Don's neighbourhood. He has also recorded Blue Water Blues, a cassette of ten songs, and EarthSongs, a video with six songs.
For more information or contact information see http://www.saskrecording.ca/artists/bio/Earthsong.htm