The Lasalle Concert Band and Jazz Band competed at MusicFest Nationals on May 17, 2024 in Toronto and returned home with top honours.
Lasalle Secondary School's award-winning musicians include, from left, Alicia Serre, Mackenzy Soulliere, Dylan Watts-Laframboise and River Dunton.
The Jazz Band earned a Gold rating. The Concert Band captured Bronze.
"This festival attracts bands from all across Canada," said music teacher and band director Meghan Sanderson. Competing at MusicFest Nationals is "by invitation only" based on performances at the local and regional festivals.
Sanderson said the "judging is tough" on the national stage, making the awards that much more meaningful. "Lasalle Secondary School received the top score for school jazz ensembles in Northern Ontario," she said.
She added: "The Concert Band also had an award-winning performance. I am so proud of our students. They worked hard to achieve success and have demonstrated that anything is possible with practice, discipline, dedication and teamwork."
Not only did the band students wow the judges with their stellar performances, they also garnered compliments for character.
"They represented Lasalle with pride and were polite, courteous and respectful," said Sanderson. "Our concert band adjudicator commented on how wonderful a group of students we have. For me, that's a win all on its own."
