After a three-year gap due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the St. Anne’s Concert Band returned to competition last week, securing gold standing at MusicFest regionals in Orillia on Thursday.
As a result of their performance, they have earned an invitation to compete on the national level alongside 175 schools in Niagara Falls in May.
Prior to the pandemic, the band enjoyed an active membership, boasting a large roster of over 50 experienced players. However, during the pandemic, restrictions on instrumental music instruction caused a decline in band membership – this marks the official return of the St. Anne’s Concert Band to professional competition.
“When the year started, we had 16 students in the band, that number has grown to 27 now. What makes this band particularly interesting is that five of the band members are in grade nine and have only been playing their instrument for six months! Our senior students had an extremely shaky two and a half years of limited playing due to covid. When you hear this group, they play like a band with twice the experience and sound like a group twice their size. I am incredibly proud of these young musicians for bringing band back to St. Anne’s. Going from 16 to 27 members and a GOLD standing in less than a year is a very fast turn-around.” says Mr. Josh Geddis who teaches music and directs the Concert Band.
To see the band and other music groups in action, locals can attend the upcoming “May Melodies” concert on Thursday, May 4th, at the St. Anne’s Gym at 6:30 pm – admission is a suggested donation of $5, and kids under 12 are free. Donations help to support the music program.
Written By: B. Shakyaver
