Approximately 900 Halton District School Board Grade 7 and 8 students, representing 24 elementary schools and two high schools, are convening next week for two special days of music collaboration, called Band Extravaganza. It will be held Tuesday, March 28 and Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at the Burlington Music Centre (2311 New Street) and Burlington Seniors' Centre (2285 New Street).
Students will start each day with a concert by Abbey Park High School (March 28) and Aldershot High School (March 29) concert bands, as well as the Board's Halton Junior Jazz Ensemble. Afterward, students will travel to breakout clinics specifically for their instrument and will later convene for a massed band rehearsal with guest conductors each day.
This year, the Board has commissioned two original concert band compositions specifically for this event: A Hero's Quest, by David Marlatt, and For the Glory by Ryan Meeboer, a teacher at Alexander's Public School in Burlington. The composers will also conduct and rehearse their own pieces with the massed bands in the afternoon portion of the day.
“These composers are well-known and respected Canadian composers of concert band music," said Kevin McConvey, the Board's Instructional Program Leader-The Arts, K-12.
Long and McQuade of Burlington generously supplemented some of the clinicians needed for the two days. These clinicians are renowned musicians who teach privately, perform as professional musicians in orchestras, musicals, jazz groups, and as freelance musicians.
For additional information, contact:
Kevin McConvey, Instructional Program Leader-The Arts, K-12
Halton District School Board
905-631-6120, ext. 452