Striking the Right Notes: Middle Years Students Unite for "Band Celebration"

On Thursday, May 9, the sounds of music filled the halls of Gordon Bell High School as middle-year students from across the Winnipeg School Division came together for the annual "Band Celebration" event. 

The highly anticipated yearly event, which took place at Gordon Bell, brought together Grade 7-9 students from 14 Winnipeg School Division schools to play exciting and challenging band repertoire together.

The ensemble was made up of from the following schools:

• Andrew Mynarski School 
• Isaac Newton School 
• Elmwood High School 
• Keewatin Prairie Community School 
• General Wolfe School
• École Lansdowne
• George V School
• École River Heights School 
• Gordon Bell High School 
• Sargent Park School 
• Grant Park School
• Shaughnessy Park School 
• Isaac Brock School 
• St. John's High School

Under the direction of Elmwood High School band director Mark Sawatzky, students spent the day learning 3 different song selections and participating in sectional rehearsals led by band directors from throughout the division. 

By the end of the day, the band was able to play a dynamic and exciting concert for family, friends and community members.

Nic, a Grade 8 student from Gordon Bell High School, said, “It was so great to be able to play my French horn with other French horn players from across the division. I loved how positive everyone was and all the work we did making music together.”  

The event was a huge success, bringing music educators and students together to connect and create musical magic.