Great Participation of Students at Shuswap Music Festival
Over 600 SD83 students participated in the Shuswap Music Festival, which was held April 8 to May 3, 2024, wrapping up with a gala concert on May 3, 2024, at Nexus – First Community Church in Salmon Arm.
The majority of these students participated in the concert and jazz band segment of the festival, which was held at Pleasant Valley Secondary School. Michelle Reed, Vice Principal of Music, collaborated with the Shuswap Music Festival to coordinate the band portion of the festival.
This portion of the festival was adjudicated by Dr. Wendy Zender, a well respected professor in the Brandon University School of Music. At Brandon University, she conducts the Symphonic Band and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in music education and conducting. Committed to excellence in music education, Zander taught band and general elementary music before pursuing graduate studies. Her work as a solo and ensemble adjudicator and clinician for concert and jazz ensembles has taken her across Canada and the United States. She serves as guest conductor of university, community, and military ensembles, as well as a conductor at the International and Rushmore Music Camps, and a facilitator of conducting symposia. She has conducted junior high and high school regional, provincial, and state honour bands and was the conductor of the 2018 National Youth Band of Canada.
“It was amazing to have someone of her calibre to adjudicate,” commented Reed.
The band segment of the festival took place at Pleasant Valley Secondary School in Armstrong, where music teacher Brenden Majerech had organized a team of students to serve as a school ambassador for each participating band. These students, assigned to the band, answered questions and guided them to the locations for storing their instruments, practicing, and performing. Each band taking part in the festival played in front of a student audience. “They were amazing hosts,” commented Reed.
Top bands in each category are as follows:
- B100 – A.L. Fortune Band 7
- B200 – A.L. Fortune Band 8 tied with Shuswap Middle School Band 8 for top bands
- B300 – Jackson Band 9/10
- B400 – Salmon Arm Secondary Band 11/12
- J100 – Shuswap Middle School Jazz 8
- J300 – Pleasant Valley Secondary School Jazz 9-12
The choir portion of the festival was held at Nexus with adjudicator Winston Noren.
Noren has over 40 years of experience as a voice teacher. In 1992, he joined the voice faculty at the distinguished Mount Royal University Conservatory. Many of his former students have achieved highly successful careers, particularly on Broadway and in opera houses throughout North America and Europe. Noren is also renowed for his masterclasses and workshops, and he is well-known across Canada as an adjudicator for provincial and regional festivals. From 2000 to 2020, he was a member of the College of Examiners for the Royal Conservatory of Music.
“Again, our students are fortunate to be able to be adjudicated by such a knowledgeable professional,” shared Reed.
Results are as follows:
- Top Elementary Choir – Hillcrest
- Top Secondary Choir – Salmon Arm Secondary
Reed expressed thanks to all of the volunteers who make the local music festival possible. “It is so wonderful to have this opportunity close to home.” She also expressed thanks to the SD83 music teachers for preparing students to take part in this type of event!