Spring Concert at Lo-Ellen Park Supports Diabetes Canada

When Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School hosted its Spring Concert on May 21, 2025, the musicians performed a powerful piece with a deep connection on a national level.

The piece was commissioned by the band director at Olds High School in Alberta in memory of Grade 11 student, Madison Fleming, who passed away due to Type 1 Diabetes. Some of the proceeds from the local concert are being donated to Diabetes Canada in her memory.

The concert, entitled “Energy!”, featured performances by the Lo-Ellen Junior Band, Lo-Ellen Grade 9 Band, Lo-Ellen Jazz Band, Lo-Ellen Senior Band, and soloists, as well as the Algonquin Road Public School Concert Band, who were special guests for the evening celebration.

“We welcomed the opportunity to showcase our talented students while raising funds for Diabetes Canada,” said Lo-Ellen Park music teacher and band director, Mitch McIntyre.

Mitch McIntyre said the Senior Band worked hard throughout the school year to master the piece – “Matters of Kindness” by Canadian composer, Kenley Kristofferson.

“The Director wanted a piece that would be reflective of who Madison was and that could help her friends and family heal during this time of deep sorrow,” he said. “It was an honour for our students to perform the piece as a tribute to Madison.”

For his part, the composer expressed deep gratitude for being part of something so special. “This music means something deeper than anything I can write or express,” said Kenley Kristofferson.

He shared that Madison’s mother “described her memories of watching Madison and her brother play in the backyard, running through sprinklers, playing softball, and helping her in the garden.”

Mitch McIntyre said “Matters of Kindness” is a lyrical piece of music with flowing and intricate eighth note lines that overlap and intersect with the melody.

“It starts in the key of Ab Major, modulates into Db Major, and modulates again into Eb Major, which pushes the musicians to play at the top of their registers,” he said.

The composition also features a piano interlude which was performed by Annie Sarvas, a Grade 11 student at Lo-Ellen Park. “Annie plays flute in the Senior Band, but learned the piano part with precision,” said Mitch McIntyre. “It was absolutely beautiful.”

Given the importance and weight of this piece, the Senior Band decided that a portion of the proceeds from this year’s Spring Concert would be donated to Diabetes Canada on Madison’s behalf.

“We are grateful to have had the opportunity to perform this piece of music and pay tribute to Madison Fleming and all those who have been affected by diabetes,” said Mitch McIntyre. “We thank Mr. Kristofferson for composing this poignant piece in honour of a young person who left this world far too soon.”

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