The Regiopolis-Notre Dame (RND) Catholic High School Senior Concert Band travelled to New Orleans, Louisiana to compete in the WorldStrides Heritage Music Festival from April 16-22, where the band won Gold - And were selected as recipients of the Award for Outstanding Band, presented to the band with the highest score in their division.
Members of the Regiopolis-Nore Dame Catholic High School Senior Concert Band at the WorldStrides Heritage Music Festival in New Orleans in April 2024.
During the festival students had the opportunity to work with top-level conductors and adjudicators and observed outstanding performances from professional musicians. "As a music teacher, it's always been my goal to give our students access to authentic experiences that will inspire them to be the best musicians they can be. My hope is that they will remember this experience for their whole lives" said Justine Lord, music teacher and department head of the arts at RND.
In addition to performance opportunities, students participated in a band clinic with Brent Echols, Interim Director of Bands at Loyola University, watched the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, attended competitor's performances, and were recognized for their successes at the Awards ceremony.
"Students were able to see quite a lot of the city and learn about it's unique culture and history, and of course, the music", said Lord.
In addition to all of the exciting experiences the Festival offers, Concert Band students had the opportunity to attend cultural centres and historical museums. Students visited the Audubon Aquarium, did a walking tour and shopping in the French Quarter, dinner cruises and a Latin Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral. The Cajun Pride Swamp Tour of the Manchac Swamp in Frenier, Louisiana was the highlight where students saw 8-footlong alligators and the opportunity to hold a 2-year-old alligator named Louis.
"The most remarkable part about this journey has been watching these students progress as musicians", said Lord. "Most members of the Senior Concert Band entered high school at a time where COVID-19 restrictions did not allow students to play wind instruments indoors. Now, just three years later, these same students are performing in a world-class competition and bringing home the win! This is the power of music. It can bring us together and help us r to achieve wonderful things," she said.
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