March 8: Evolutionary kick off concert in support of Joan Mantle Music Trust

Confederation Secondary School Evolutionary Band members include Tasha Winters Lepage, left, Sabrina Fudge and Cassie Young. The band is now in the final rehearsal stage, putting the finishing touches on their choreography and performance for their first concert of the year in support of the Joan Mantle Music Trust.

Confederation Secondary School’s Evolutionary Band will kick off its 32nd anniversary tour with a concert in support of the Joan Mantle Music Trust. The concert, for Rainbow elementary schools, will take place on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at noon at Confederation Secondary School, 1918 Main Street West in Val Caron. Confederation Secondary School is one of this year’s recipients of new instruments from the Joan Mantle Music Trust.

"This concert is an opportunity for our school to give back so that other schools will reap the benefits of the Joan Mantle Music Trust in future years,” said Music Director Norm McIntosh. “Music education is a significant aspect of personal development and it is important that all students have an opportunity to experience this. The Trust ensures that students in Rainbow Schools have the instruments and equipment to achieve more in their music studies."

Evolutionary’s kick off concert will feature an all-Canadian set including Rush, Bryan Adams, Danko Jones, Theory of a Deadman, Three Days Grace and Hedley. Students from Churchill Public School, Queen Elizabeth Public School, Princess Anne Public School, Wanup Public School, Lansdowne Public School and Algonquin Road Public School will attend the performance on March 8th. It will be the first of 16 concerts that the Evolutionary Band is scheduled to perform this year.

Evolutionary is a 26-piece rock band which includes four vocalists, an eight piece rhythm section, four trumpets, four trombones, two alto saxes and four tenor saxes and is supported by a 12 member stage crew. As Action Sudbury’s “No Drinking and Driving” Band, Evolutionary has earned a solid reputation for its dynamic performances.

The band tours from March until June, performing in front of more than 8,000 students per year. Their shows include a high energy, choreographed presentation with an exciting light display including lasers, strobes, smoke machines and intelligent lighting.

Evolutionary performed their Playathon fundraiser on February 18, 2012. The band is now in the final rehearsal stage, putting the finishing touches on their choreography and performance for their first concert of the year.

“To date, the Joan Mantle Music Trust has raised over $96,000 for the purchase of new instruments in Rainbow Schools, ranging from clarinets and saxophones to trombones, tubas, flutes and more,” said Rainbow District School Board Chair Doreen Dewar. “We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported and continues to support the Joan Mantle Music Trust, enabling us to revitalize music programs in our schools.”

The Joan Mantle Music Trust was established in 2008 to help refresh, modernize and revitalize school music programs in the Rainbow District School Board. The Trust allocates funds to Rainbow Schools to provide a tangible improvement in the condition of musical instruments and equipment, allowing students to achieve more in their musical studies.

Joan Mantle dedicated many years to music education in Rainbow Schools. She passed away on June 9, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer.

The Rainbow District School Board provides students with opportunities to increase their musical literacy and develop their creative and critical thinking skills by engaging in activities that lead them to learn in, about and through music. Musical literacy is the ability to read, write, create and perform music, as well as analyze, interpret and appreciate music from a variety of cultures and historical periods.

Making connections between music, lyrics, rhythm and movement develops literacy skills and encourages creative and critical thinking. Engaging in musical activities improves self-esteem and confidence, promotes teamwork and fosters an overall appreciation of the arts. Learning in, about and through music is part of a well-rounded education that reinforces academic skills and nurtures life skills.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7217.