On February 12, St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School's Concert Band competed in the Ontario Band Association Provincial Band Festival in Markham, Ontario.
"The band registered for the festival just a week before competition," said teacher Constance Couture, who noted that the band was originally registered to compete in the Golden Horseshoe Music Festival, held at Redeemer College from February 18 to 21 which was cancelled due to ongoing labour discussions.
"When we received news of the cancellation, we knew we had to find a new festival to compete in."
They ended up at the OBA Provincials in Markham, Ontario.
The band performed 3 songs: Nessun Dorma (No One Sleeps) from Turandot written by Giacomo Puccini and arranged by Johnny Vinson, Donkey Riding by Donald Coakley and Mars written by Gustav Holst and arranged by Jay Bocook.
Competing against much larger bands consisting of 50 to 100 members, STM's 21-person band received much praise from both adjudicators, being hailed "the little band that could," said Couture.
"The band made an impression on both adjudicators and they were very impressed by the overall musicianship and the students' abilities to play independently on their respective parts."
As a result, the band was recognized with a Silver Plus award with the recommendation to compete at the MusicFest Canada Nationals competition in Calgary, Alberta.
Grade 12 student and upright bass player Christian Filice also received an award from the Ontario Band Association for his musicianship and leadership. Filice hopes to pursue music at McMaster next year, after his audition in April.
The band hopes to continue its musical journey and compete in Nationals from May 18-22.
For more information
90 Mulberry Street
Hamilton Ontario
Canada L8N 3R9
www.hwcdsb.ca
