Young musicians earn high marks at MusicFest Canada

Young musicians in Rainbow Schools earned high marks at MusicFest Canada held in Niagara Falls from May 15 to 20, 2023. The Nationals featured the best musical ensembles from across the country with over 8000 students coming together to compete following a three-year hiatus.

The Lo-Ellen Park Jazz Band and Concert Band, directed by Mitch McIntyre, both earned Silver.

The Jazz Sudbury Youth Band, an auditioned ensemble directed by Mitch McIntyre, Marc Taillefer, Brittany Goldsborough and Meghan Sanderson, earned Silver.

The Sudbury Secondary Senior Jazz Band, directed by Rachel Whitehead, earned Silver.

Lockerby Composite School’s Senior Concert Band, directed by Mike Jensen, earned Bronze.

“For many students in Rainbow Schools, this was their first time performing at a competitive event, making these standings that much more impressive,” said Board Chair Bob Clement, who praised Rainbow District School Board’s talented students and music teachers.

“Despite the limits imposed by the pandemic, music education persevered,” said Chair Clement. “Teachers demonstrated tremendous creativity to maintain high standards in music and students rose to the occasion. These results are a testament to their resilience.”

“Having high achieving ensembles means more than students being able to play their respective instruments,” said Director of Education Bruce Bourget. “Students must be masters of collaboration, organization, independence and critical thinking.”

He added: “All of these skills are needed for success beyond secondary school. Playing in a band, therefore, builds life skills. Students become confident, caring members of society.”

Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School, Lasalle Secondary School, Sudbury Secondary School, and Lockerby Composite School earned an invitation to MusicFest Canada by achieving High Silver or Gold at the Northern Ontario Music Festival (NOMF).

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Media Contact:

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