May 30th, 2023
Congratulations to Eastwood Collegiate Institute (ECI), Jacob Hespeler Secondary School (JHSS) and Waterloo Collegiate Institute (WCI), for their award-winning performances at the 2023 Musicfest Canada Nationals in Niagara Falls.
In total, the three Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) secondary schools took home one Gold Award and seven Silver Awards. Three students also received Honour Awards for their performances.
- Waterloo Collegiate Institute Senior Strings – Gold
- Honour Award: Claire Chen (Violoncello)
- Waterloo Collegiate Institute Choir – Silver
- Honour Award: Noah Snow (Baritone – choral)
- Eastwood Collegiate Institute Chamber Strings – Silver
- Eastwood Collegiate Institute Singers (Chambers Choir) – Silver
- Eastwood Collegiate Institute Concert Winds – Silver
- Eastwood Collegiate Institute “Contraband” Jazz Band – Silver
- Jacob Hespeler Secondary School Jazz Trio – Silver
- Honour Award: Valerie Mahy (Vocals and Alto Saxophone)
- Jacob Hespeler Secondary School Percussion Ensemble – Silver
ECI music teacher Matthew Drysdale was also honoured at the festival, as he was selected to receive the Tommy Banks/NAC Orchestra Outstanding Jazz Director Award. This award recognizes his lifetime achievement as a jazz music educator and director, and honours him as the best in Canada this year.
Participating in Musicfest Canada not only allowed the students to showcase their talents, but it also provided them with the opportunity to work with professionals in a clinic setting immediately after their competition performances, in order to further hone their skills.
Musicfest Canada is an annual event that brings together more than 7,000 of Canada’s best young musicians to perform for recognition as the country’s top musical ensembles.
Categories: Home Page
