Striking the Right Notes: Middle Years Students Unite for "Band Celebration"
May 21, 2024
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.