Music trip to Victoria
Playing music on the harbourfront, concerts at schools, a music class with a master, and jammin’ on a ferry were all part of the experience for a group of 38 music students from Pleasant Valley Secondary (PVSS) who had the opportunity to go to Victoria on a band trip May 11-14.
The trip started with a performance at Falkland Elementary School, where PVSS music teacher Brenden Majerech said they played to a great audience! The PVSS group then headed to Westwold, where they stopped to take a group photo!
Then it was on the bus until the ferry. “Getting on the ferry was a blast. It was the first time on the ferry for a lot of students. We had a ukulele jam and sing-a-long en route to Swartz Bay and many people came to check us out.”
The next day, May 12, the group gave two performances at Wishart Elementary in Victoria. “The three ensembles played so well and both audiences loved us. We felt like rock stars and some of the students were even asked for autographs,” added Majerech. Then it was off for a sightseeing tour of the Victoria harbourfront, which was really emjoyed by the students. “The students were very respectful and kind.”
It wouldn’t be a music trip without a stop at Long and McQuaid, where the whole store is dedicated to all types of musical instruments and equipment.
On May 13 the students toured the University of Victoria where a former student showed the group around the Maclarin Music Building. Then Dr. Steven Capaldo adjudicated our group and gave us a masterclass on the Mass Ensemble. “We learned a lot in terms of group/sectional/individual accountability. He was also able to work on our group articulation, dynamics, and forte-pianos.” The PVSS students then rushed to the Parliament Building to perform for the tourists and foot traffic. They played for two hours on the waterfront.
“It was an amazing experience and the bands ALL played really well.”
On Sunday, May 14 the group headed home tired but happy. “What an amazing trip.” Majerech thanked bus driver Lewis Hartman and the group’s chaperones for their time, efforts, and energy!