The ‘halls are alive with the sound of music’ at Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) secondary schools as various choirs, bands, and ensembles have been practicing for, and performing and competing at, local and provincial music festivals.
In February, student-musicians from the SCDSB joined 10,000 of their peers at the Ontario Band Association’s Provincial Band Festival. Ensembles from Bradford District HS, Collingwood CI, Georgian Bay District SS, and Nantyr Shores SS participated in this event, which includes adjudicated performances and educational clinics.
SCDSB schools received the following awards and recognition:
- Concert Band, Bradford District HS - Silver Plus, Woodwind Excellence Award, Spirit of the Festival Award
- Grade 9 Concert Band, Collingwood CI – Silver, Spirit of the Festival Award
- Symphonic Band, Collingwood CI - Silver
- Concert Band, Georgian Bay District SS - Silver, Rising Star Award
- Symphonic Band, Georgian Bay District SS - Silver Plus
- Wind Ensemble, Georgian Bay District SS - Percussion Excellence Award
- Triton Music Junior Band, Nantyr Shores SS - Silver Plus
- Triton Music Senior Band, Nantyr Shores SS - Silver Plus
Teachers Keri Forrester, Matthew Rodnick, and Danny Vaz each received Excellence in Band Development awards. Seven SCDSB bands also qualified to advance to the MusicFest Canada national festival, which takes place from May 11 to 16.
In March, SCDSB choirs, bands, and ensembles also participated in the Barrie Kiwanis Music Festival (BKMF), an annual event celebrating music education throughout Simcoe County. This event includes adjudicated performances, clinics, and educational experiences at Banting Memorial HS and Georgian Bay District SS. Students from Banting Memorial HS, Barrie North CI, Bear Creek SS, Bradford District HS, Collingwood CI, Georgian Bay District SS, Elmvale District HS, Innisdale SS, Nantyr Shores SS, Orillia SS, and Twin Lakes SS participated in the festival.
SCDSB schools received seven Gold, six Silver+, six Silver, and one Bronze at the BKMF.
This initiative links directly to the SCDSB Strategic Priorities in the areas of Community and Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
Information:
Sarah Kekewich, Manager of Communications
[email protected]