A Symphony of Support: Aldershot Students Perform Alongside Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
Feb. 13, 2026
The auditorium at Aldershot School was filled with the sounds of community and collaboration as students from the Aldershot School and nearby elementary schools shared the stage with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (HPO).
The special performance, held on Feb. 12, featured choirs from King’s Road PS, Maplehurst PS and Glenview PS, as well as the Aldershot Elementary band. The event served as a major fundraiser, with all proceeds supporting the Halton Learning Foundation (HLF) and the STEAM initiative at King’s Road PS.
A Big Opportunity for local students
For many of the young musicians, the evening was the culmination of weeks of dedicated practice and excitement.
“The most exciting part for me was being able to practice with everybody in the King's Road choir," said student Sydney. "I loved picking out the song with everyone as well. Practicing has been really FUN!”
Grade 4 student Evy noted the significance of the event for the local community, stating, “It's such a big opportunity for such a small school community and we're very grateful that we got this chance.”
Building confidence and belonging
Kristy Henders, Principal at King’s Road PS, observed that the experience extended far beyond the music itself. She noted that sharing a stage with professional orchestra members "ignited a genuine excitement for the arts" while fostering a deep sense of pride and belonging among the students.
“As students prepare for this experience, they are discovering music as a form of personal expression and a real-world pathway, while also strengthening the bonds that connect our schools and the wider Aldershot community,” Henders said.
Investing in student success
The impact of the evening will continue to be felt through the work of the Halton Learning Foundation. Currently, one in eight students in the Halton Region lives at or below the poverty line, and during the 2024–2025 school year, HLF saw a 20% increase in requests for emergency support.
Marc Clare, CEO of HLF, explained that the funds raised will help eliminate financial barriers to education by providing students in need with access to basic necessities. These include:
- Groceries and hygiene items
- Clothing, footwear and winter wear
- School supplies and extracurricular opportunities
“By removing financial barriers to education, students are empowered to thrive in school, building confidence, a sense of belonging, better health and enhanced opportunities for success in life,” Clare added.
The evening concluded with a silent auction and a community reception, marking a successful celebration of local talent and a collective investment in the future of Halton students.
