CISMF 2025 Program

Conference of Independent Schools

Music Festival

Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 3PM

Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto

A Message from Sarah Craig

CIS Ontario, Executive Director

The 38th annual CISMF Music Festival is our association’s largest celebration of music to date. It demonstrates the artistry and passion of student musicians realized through collaboration among our member schools. Today, Roy Thomson Hall comes alive with the voices and instruments of over 1,500 student musicians from 39 CIS Ontario member schools, all united by a shared love for music in a concert like no other.

Music has the extraordinary ability to connect us— to bridge differences, spark emotions, and create lasting memories. Today’s performances are a testament to the hard work of our students and the unwavering support of the educators who inspire them. To the music teachers who have guided, rehearsed, and encouraged these young artists, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your leadership shapes not only their musical talents but also their confidence and creativity.

A special thank you to the lead organizers, conductors, and our CISMF Coordinator, Sandi Chasson, whose vision and dedication bring this festival to life. Your efforts as a team ensure that CISMF continues to be a highlight of the year for our schools, providing students with an unforgettable opportunity to perform on this iconic stage.

And to the student musicians and vocalists—your commitment to excellence, your willingness to collaborate, and your passion for music shine through every note you play and sing. You remind us all why the arts matter and why music, in particular, holds such a powerful place in our communities. I hope the CISMF experience not only allowed you to celebrate your passion for music but also to make new friendships with fellow student musicians.

On behalf of CIS Ontario, thank you for being part of this celebration. May today’s music inspire, uplift, and stay with you long after the final note.

Sandi's Welcome to the 38th Annual Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival

Welcome to the 38th annual CISMF – Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival – a collaborative celebration of music presented by students and music educators representing 39 of our 44 CIS Ontario member schools. We are thrilled to perform together again in the beautiful Roy Thomson Hall. The repertoire you experience this afternoon was considered and prepared well in advance, and today’s performance results from three intensive rehearsal days. CISMF is a challenging and rewarding experience for all participants. Bravo to every music faculty member involved with CISMF. Our musicians could not perform at this high level without your instruction, talent, expertise, patience, sense of humour, and enthusiastic support!

A special thank you to our school heads for their continued support and commitment to the performing arts in our CIS Ontario schools. A heartfelt thank you to Sarah Craig, CIS Ontario Executive Director. Her continued support has propelled this music festival to be the envy of all! I know you will be impressed by the energy and dedication of these talented young musicians.

Congratulations to the just over 1,500 students who are participating in CISMF 2025! Your hard work, dedication, enthusiasm, and love of music are truly inspirational.

Let the Concert begin!

Sandi Chasson

CISMF Coordinator 2025

CISMF 2025

Administration

Festival Coordinator

Sandi Chasson – CIS Ontario

CISMF 2025 Emcees

Ethan Meretsky – St. Andrew’s College

Sayde Shah – Trafalgar Castle School

Ava Isotta-Riches – Branksome Hall

Instrumental Coordinators

Anthony Mariano – Crestwood School & Prep. College

Natalie DiNardo – De La Salle College

String Coordinators

Esteban Cambre – Appleby College

Adam Despinic – Branksome Hall

Ashly Mastromonaco – The Bishop Strachan School

Choral Coordinators

Ellen Wells – Pickering College

Lisa Yorke – Montcrest School

Caroline Heo – Upper Canada College

Jazz Coordinators

Garry Page – St. Andrew's College

Jeffrey McLeod – UTS University of Toronto Schools

Stage Manager

Roger Marles – Lauremont School

Amy McLennan – St. Michael's College School

Rehearsal Sites

St. Andrew’s College, Aurora – sac.on.ca

Holy Trinity School, Richmond Hill – hts.on.ca

The Country Day School, King City – cds.on.ca

Pickering College, Newmarket –pickeringcollege.on.ca

Aurora Town Square, Aurora –aurora.ca/en/town-square

Audition Committee

Agnes Ng – Branksome Hall

Angie Tang – Branksome Hall

Anthony Mariano – Crestwood School & Prep. College

Alex Redman – Royal St. George's College

Ashly Mastromonaco – The Bishop Strachan School

Chris Hunsburger – Bayview Glen

Edmee Nataprawira – St. Clement’s School

Emily Johnson – Royal St. George’s College

Emma Crawford – Trinity College School

Esteban Cambre – Appleby College

Garry Page – St. Andrew’s College

Jaekwan Chong – Lauremont School

Jeff McLeod – UTS University of Toronto Schools

Jessica Puskar – Pickering College

John Richardson – St. Andrew’s College

Julian Smerdon – Trafalgar Castle School

Michael Bellissimo – Bayview Glen

Natalie DiNardo – De La Salle College

Nora Hammond – Hillfield Strathallan College

Roger Marles – Lauremont School

Sandi Chasson – CIS Ontario

Program Cover Artwork Contest Winner

Sophie Wang, Grade 9 – The Bishop Strachan School

Participating

Schools

Albert College

Appleby College

Ashbury College

Bayview Glen

Branksome Hall

Crescent School

Crestwood School & Preparatory College

De La Salle College

Greenwood College School

Hawthorn School for Girls

Hillfield Strathallan College

Holy Name of Mary College School

Holy Trinity School

Kempenfelt Bay School

Kingsway College School

Lakefield College School

Lauremont School

Matthews Hall

Montcrest School

Pickering College

Ridley College

Rosseau Lake College

Royal St. George's College

St. Andrew's College

St. Anne's School

St. Clement's School

St. John’s-Kilmarnock School

St. Michael's College School

St. Mildred's Lightbourn School

TFS – Canada's International School

The Bishop Strachan School

The Country Day School

The Sterling Hall School

The York School

Trafalgar Castle School

Trinity College School

Upper Canada College

UTS University of Toronto Schools

Villanova College

Learn more about Cosmo Music at: www.cosmomusic.ca

A very special thank you to Cosmo Music for providing the percussion for today's concert. Thank you!

Repertoire 2025

Wind Ensemble LUCID DREAMS by Adrian B. Sims

Conducted by Rebecca MacDonald (Pickering College)

Junior Choir

FIREFLY by Andy Beck

I HAVE A VOICE by Frank Wildhorn & Robin Lerner, arr. Mac Huff (Broadway Kids Against Bullying)

Conducted by Erica Astles (St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School)

Accompanied by Danette Dickinson (The Bishop Strachan School)

Wind Ensemble ROSS ROY ............................................................................................................................... by Jacob de Haan

Conducted by Eric McMillan (St. Andrew's College)

Junior Choir

GIVE US HOPE .......................................................................................................................... by Jim Papoulis

CAN YOU HEAR ME?............................................................................................................ by Bob Chilcott

Conducted by Bronwen Low-Scott (Crescent School)

Accompanied by Danette Dickinson (The Bishop Strachan School)

Concert Band

STARLIGHT ADVENTURES by Adrian B. Sims

Conducted by Denise Simpson (The Sterling Hall School)

Intermediate Choir

HERE COMES THE SUN ............................ by George Harrison, arr. Matt & Adam Podd

THE BEAT OF A DIFFERENT DRUM by Sarah Quartel

Conducted by Kaeleigh Campbell (Matthews Hall)

Accompanied by Caroline Pai (TFS – Canada’s International School)

Concert Band

Intermediate Choir

LORD OF THE RINGS – ......................................................... by Howard Shore, arr. Ralph Ford FELLOWSHIP OF THE RINGS

Conducted by Stefan Sikorski (Ashbury College)

WHAT IS THIS FEELING ................................ by Stephen Schwartz, arr. Roger Emerson (from Wicked)

FARE THEE WELL, LOVE ............................................. by Jimmy Rankin, arr. Stuart Calvert

Conducted by Lisa Yorke (Montcrest School)

Accompanied by Caroline Pai (TFS – Canada's International School)

Concert Orchestra

CONCERT (SINFONIA) – ALLA RUSTICA – 1. Prelude ..................... by Antonio Vivaldi

Conducted by Esteban Cambre (Appleby College)

HOLBERG SUITE IN C MAJOR OP. 48 – MVT 1 ............................................ by Edvard Grieg

Conducted by Ashly Mastromonaco (The Bishop Strachan School)

RED RHYTHMICO by Kirt Mosier

Conducted by Esteban Cambre (Appleby College)

Jazz Band

RAIN CHILD by Emelle Hale

Conducted by Borys Boytchuk (Appleby College)

MY SHINING HOUR by Johnny Mercer & Harold Arlen

Conducted by Blair Yarranton (Albert College)

Intermission

Repertoire 2025

Symphonic Band BREATH OF THE MOUNTAINS by Cait Nishimura

Conducted by Julian Smerdon (Trafalgar Castle School)

Senior Choir TRUE COLORS by Cyndi Lauper, arr. Tim Brent TIME IS by Mark Burrows, text by Henry van Dyke Jr.

Conducted by Sarah Dickie (The Bishop Strachan School)

Accompanied by Ken Hutton (Ridley College)

Symphonic Band CHOOSE JOY ............................................................................................................ by Randall Standridge

Conducted by Jaekwan Jung (Lauremont School)

Senior Choir FIRE FROM ELEMENTS – MVT 3 by Katerina Gimon & Ryan O’Neal, arr. George Chung

NORTH (From SLEEPING AT LAST) ....................... by Ryan O’Neal, arr. George Chung

Conducted by Sara Joy (Appleby College)

Accompanied by Ken Hutton (Ridley College)

Chamber Orchestra I CRISANTEMI .......................................................................... by Giacomo Puccini, arr. Yoav Talmi

Conducted by Chris Cigolea (Upper Canada College)

TCHAIKOVSKY SERENADE FOR .................................................. by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

STRINGS IN C MAJOR, OP 48 – MVT 4

Conducted by Adam Despinic (Branksome Hall)

Finale O SIEM .............................................. by Susan Aglukark & Chad Irschick, arr. Larry Nichols

GUEST FINALE CONDUCTOR – Kathleen Allan

Accompanied by Piano – Ellen Wells

Percussion Maj. Brian McCue (St. Andrew’s College)

Guest Finale Conductor

Kathleen Allan

Kathleen Allan is the Artistic and Executive Director of the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto and a member of the music faculty at the University of Toronto. In high demand as a guest conductor, commissioned composer, and clinician, she is equally comfortable working in early, contemporary, and symphonic repertoire. From 2016-2023, she served as the Artistic Director of Canzona, Winnipeg’s professional Baroque choir, with whom she conducted many of the masterworks of the Baroque era. Originally from St. John’s, NL, she has conducted orchestras and choirs across Canada, the US, and Japan, and recently made her conducting debuts with the Victoria Symphony (2022), Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (2019) and Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra (2020). She was the 2016 winner of the Sir Ernest MacMillan Prize in Choral Conducting.

Her compositions have been commissioned, performed and recorded by ensembles throughout the Americas and Europe and have been featured at two World Symposiums on Choral Music. Her music is published by Boosey and Hawkes, Oxford University Press, and Cypress Choral Music, and she is a MusicSpoke composer. Also an accomplished soprano, she has appeared as a soloist and professional choral singer with

orchestras and choirs across Canada and the US, and with the Arnold Schoenberg Chor in Vienna. She holds a degree in composition from the University of British Columbia and a master’s degree in conducting from Yale University.

 kathleenallan.com

Programme Notes 2025

Wind Ensemble

LUCID DREAMS

by Adrian B. Sims

Adrian B. Sims, a young composer from Seattle, Washington, presents an exciting work built around a five-note melody struggling to find its harmonic footing. This journey into the unknown leads listeners through a series of haunting and breathtaking musical hallucinations, culminating in an explosion of glorious chords that may leave them questioning reality. Sims, a graduate of Catonsville High School in Maryland, has already garnered recognition with his music featured at The Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic and selected for the Bandworld Top 100 List. He has also been a successful participant in numerous composition competitions, including the Maryland Music Educators Association Young Composers Project.

Junior Choir

FIREFLY ....................................................................................................................................................

by Andy Beck

“Firefly” is a delightful tone painting that includes an accented vocal theme, creating the image of flickering fireflies on a dark summer night. Carefully selected ranges and intervals, youthfully inquisitive lyrics, a delicate accompaniment, and a whispered ending all add to a very special concert feature for young choirs!

I HAVE A VOICE

(Broadway Kids Against Bullying)

by Frank Wildhorn & Robin Lerner, arr. Mac Huff

Originally recorded by Broadway Kids Against Bullying, this poignant song carries a message of inclusion and empowerment. Young singers will resonate with the music and lyrics, which strive to make the choir a safe space for all. This pop-style inspirational concert selection features a few soloists.

Programme Notes 2025

Wind Ensemble

ROSS ROY

by Jacob de Haan

Jacob de Haan's "Ross Roy" was commissioned by the St. Peters Wind Symphony in Brisbane, Australia, to commemorate the school founded at the historic Ross Roy villa. The piece reflects on the school experience, with the opening "Ross Roy" theme embodying the monumental nature of formative years. A marching rhythm symbolizes the structured school life, leading to a playful variation of the main theme, suggesting the importance of joy. The middle section, introduced by a slower, major-key rendition of the theme, represents love and friendship. East Asian motifs reflect the school's cultural diversity, culminating in a festive apotheosis, mirroring the overture-like role of school years in one's life.

Junior Choir

GIVE US HOPE ..................................................................................................................................

by

Jim Papoulis

This dynamic piece strikes a universal chord, expressing a powerful message of hope for a better world. The quiet and subdued opening gradually builds to a dramatic musical statement, using hand claps and short solos for a climactic ending: "Give us hope, and we'll show you the way."

New York City-based Jim Papoulis composes, orchestrates, and conducts music for dance, film, ensembles, and choirs. His Artistic Statement: "As a composer, I want to explore what makes us human; what makes us considerate, what makes us accepting of others. Through my work, I travel to many parts of the world and work with young people from all different backgrounds. The focus of my work is primarily to write music that captures the voices of youth, the thoughts of youth, the hopes of youth—their inner strength woven into the lyrics and rhythms."

CAN YOU HEAR ME?

by Bob Chilcott

The simple message "Can you see, feel, hear me, the sun too?" describes the wonder of a world seen through the eyes of a deaf child, expressed through singing and sign language.

Programme Notes

2025

Bob Chilcott has enjoyed a lifelong association with choral music as a chorister and choral scholar in the choir of King’s College, Cambridge, and as a member of the King’s Singers. He became a full-time composer and conductor in 1997 and has composed an extensive catalogue of choral music, which is published by Oxford University Press. His most often performed pieces include “Can you hear me?” “A Little Jazz Mass,” “Requiem,” and “St. John Passion.”

Bob has directed choirs in more than 30 countries worldwide and conducted many thousands of amateur singers in a continuing series of Singing Days. Since 2002, he has been the Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC Singers and, since 2019, the Principal Conductor of the Birmingham University Singers.

Concert Band

STARLIGHT ADVENTURES ....................................................................................................

by Adrian B. Sims

This engaging and harmonically rich new work invites young musicians on a captivating journey through the cosmos. Beginning with the gentle glimmer of a solitary star, the music unfolds into a vibrant and colourful adventure, ultimately culminating in a breathtaking display of celestial patterns. Designed with developing ensembles in mind, "Starlight Adventures" is an accessible and rewarding experience for all involved. Adrian B. Sims, a renowned composer, conductor, educator, and trombonist from Seattle, Washington, has achieved significant recognition with his music performed at prestigious events like The Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic and featured on the esteemed Bandworld Top 100 List.

Intermediate Choir

HERE COMES THE SUN ...................................................

by George Harrison, arr. Matt & Adam Podd

A fresh, artistic take to this Beatles hit is now written as an accessible arrangement for younger choirs. A reimagined harmonic structure makes way for text painting and a cinematic feeling that never loses the 'sunny' and 'hopeful' appeal of this iconic tune.

Adam and Matt Podd are Vermont-bred, Brooklyn-based music directors, pianists, composers, and arrangers. Making their mark on the music industry’s top institutions, they work in prominent performance spaces and concert halls throughout New York City with choirs, orchestras, and popular artists across all genres.

Programme Notes

2025

Intermediate Choir

THE BEAT OF A DIFFERENT DRUM

.....................................................................................

by Sarah Quartel

This original composition sets the composer's own text, celebrating freedom of expression and the music within each of us. Accompanied by a hand drum and piano, it is exciting and engaging—different and fun!

Canadian composer and educator Sarah Quartel is known for her fresh and exciting approach to choral music. Deeply inspired by the life-changing relationships that can occur while making choral music, Sarah writes in a way that connects singer to singer, ensemble to conductor, and performer to audience. Her works are performed by choirs across the world.

Concert Band

LORD OF THE RINGS – FELLOWSHIP OF THE RINGS ............ by Howard Shore, arr. Ralph Ford

In this piece, we experience the epic grandeur of "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," specially arranged for young bands to perform with a mature and sophisticated sound. This thrilling work masterfully captures the sweeping landscapes and dramatic battles that bring the film to life, providing a truly unforgettable musical experience. Howard Shore, a renowned Canadian composer celebrated for his iconic scores for films like "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies, has crafted music that will inspire and captivate audiences of all ages.

Programme Notes

2025

Intermediate Choir

WHAT IS THIS FEELING (from Wicked) ...................... by Stephen Schwartz, arr. Roger Emerson

“What Is This Feeling” is the first song in the musical that Elphaba and Galinda sing together. Each of them writes letters to their respective parent(s) and confesses just how despicable they find each other to be. They try to find the words to describe this intense feeling of dislike, and ultimately, they decide it is “loathing.”

FARE THEE WELL, LOVE ..................................................................

by Jimmy Rankin, arr. Stuart Calvert

This beautiful Cape Breton Chorale is about two people who are in love and have to be separated by distance. “Fare Thee Well, Love,” composed by Jimmy Rankin and popularized by the Rankin Family, was arranged for choir by Stuart Calvert, originally from Glace Bay. The Cape Breton Chorale recorded it as the first track on the album Songs of Land and Sea.

Concert Orchestra

CONCERT (SINFONIA) – ALLA RUSTICA – 1. PRELUDE .........................................

by Antonio Vivaldi

Vivaldi, an ordained Catholic priest, was working at the Ospedale della Pietà (Hospital of Mercy) when he composed his Concerto “alla rustica” in the mid-1720s. This institution was known for its charitable work, particularly in caring for orphaned and abandoned girls, and for its exceptional musical education program. It is fitting that the CISMF Concert Strings perform the first movement of this piece as Vivaldi had composed it for an orchestra of similar-aged students. The first movement performed today is marked fast Presto in a moto perpetuo (perpetual motion), characterized by its continuous, rapid motion and energetic drive. It is a virtuoso piece for the Baroque orchestra, showcasing Vivaldi's flair for lively and intricate string writing. The movement begins in G major but shifts to G minor towards the end, adding a dramatic contrast.

Programme Notes

2025

Concert Orchestra

HOLBERG SUITE IN C MAJOR OP. 48 – MVT 1 ................................................................

by Edvard Grieg

The Holberg Suite, Op. 40, more properly From Holberg's Time, subtitled "Suite in olden style" (Norwegian: Suite i gammel stil), is a suite of five movements based on eighteen-century dance forms, written by Edvard Grieg in 1884 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Dano-Norwegian humanist playwright Ludvig Holberg (1684–1754).

It exemplifies nineteenth-century music, which uses musical styles and forms from the preceding century. Although not as famous as Grieg's incidental music from Peer Gynt, which is usually performed as arranged in a pair of suites, many critics regard the works as of equal merit.

Edvard Grieg composed the Holberg Suite in 1884 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Ludvig Holberg, a Danish-Norwegian playwright. Originally written for piano and later arranged for string orchestra, the suite is a neo-Baroque work that pays homage to 18th-century dance forms while maintaining Grieg’s signature Romantic expressiveness.

RED RHYTHMICO

by Kirt Mosier

This electrifying piece reimagines the string orchestra as a hard rock ensemble, fusing rhythmic intensity with driving jazz and rock melodies to create an exhilarating concert experience. Every player is challenged with demanding lines, culminating in thrilling solo features for two violins and two celli. Kirt Mosier, a renowned conductor and composer, brings his unique artistic vision to this groundbreaking work. Known for his engaging personality and infectious humour, Mosier has captivated audiences worldwide through his dynamic performances with renowned orchestras across the globe, including Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and many more. He has garnered numerous accolades, including two national composition awards and a commission from the Portland Ballet Company. Mosier's music has been widely celebrated, with frequent appearances at the prestigious Midwest International Clinic in Chicago.

Programme Notes 2025

Jazz Band

RAIN CHILD

........................................................................................................................................

by Emelle Hale

"Rain Child" is a poignant song of hope and resilience born from the Rain Child Project, a program dedicated to supporting youth impacted by bullying. Written by Canadian singer-songwriter and project facilitator Emelle Hale, "Rain Child" offers a powerful message of strength and self-worth. The song serves as an anthem for those who have experienced the pain of bullying, reminding them of their inherent value and encouraging them to embrace their unique identities. Through its evocative lyrics and melodic beauty, "Rain Child" provides a comforting and empowering message for young people facing adversity.

MY SHINING HOUR ..................................................................................

by Johnny Mercer & Harold Arlen

"My Shining Hour," an enduring jazz standard composed by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, climbed to the top of the charts upon its release and has since become a beloved staple in the jazz repertoire. This arrangement, designed specifically for instrumental jazz ensembles, captures the essence of the original song with sophisticated jazz harmonies and a driving rhythmic feel. Featuring exciting improvisational opportunities for soloists and a dynamic interplay between sections, this arrangement provides a thrilling and rewarding experience for both performers and audiences, paying homage to the timeless elegance of this iconic jazz ballad.

Symphonic Band

BREATH OF THE MOUNTAINS

............................................................................................

by Cait Nishimura

Cait Nishimura, a Japanese Canadian composer renowned for her nature-inspired compositions, penned "Breath of the Mountains" at the behest of Sam Yamamoto and the Lethbridge Collegiate Institute Gold Symphonic Band in Alberta, Canada. Inspired by her 2020 visit to Lethbridge, Nishimura was captivated by the region's unique landscape, shaped by the powerful chinook winds that sweep down from the Canadian Rockies and the abundant sunshine. Reflecting on this experience, she envisioned the wind as a life force, a vibrant expression of aliveness emanating from the mountains, influencing the sounds of birdsong, flowing water, and the interplay of light and shadow. This profound connection to the natural world served as the genesis for "Breath of the Mountains," a captivating work that reflects the dynamic energy of the surrounding environment.

Programme Notes 2025

Senior Choir

TRUE COLORS

................................................................................................

by Cyndi Lauper, arr. Tim Brent

This favourite '80s ballad is presented in a tender concert-style arrangement with beautiful choral harmonies and an inventive piano part. These empowering lyrics remain relevant today and have become a real statement.

TIME IS

....................................................................................

by Mark Burrows, text by Henry van Dyke Jr.

Henry van Dyke's text about the nature of time passing is creatively set in this a cappella work with percussion. The rhythms in the percussion represent a clockwork rhythm that gives way to a heartbeat, as the singers remind us that when we are fully present to love, even the idea of time itself can disappear.

Symphonic Band

CHOOSE JOY

......................................................................................................................

by Randall Standridge

"Choose Joy," the second installment in composer Randall Standridge's The UnBroken Project, is an uplifting and inspiring work born from the story of a high school student who found joy amidst the challenges of cancer. This vibrant piece seamlessly blends engaging rhythms, energetic melodies, and bombastic percussion, culminating in a triumphant climax reminiscent of Beethoven's "Ode to Joy." While incorporating moments of lyrical beauty for contrast, "Choose Joy" maintains consistently high energy, delivering a powerful message of hope and resilience. This work, while acknowledging the realities of mental health struggles, serves as a poignant reminder to cherish moments of happiness and to strive for a brighter future, emphasizing that with support and determination, those living with mental health conditions can find pathways toward joy and well-being.

Programme Notes 2025

Senior Choir

FIRE FROM ELEMENTS – MVT 3 ............

by Katerina Gimon & Ryan O’Neal, arr. George Chung

Composed in 2013, "Elements" premiered in March 2014 by the Laurier Singers under Lee Willingham. This set of works abstractly depicts the four classical elements, exploring the human voice's wide range, from overtone singing and vocal percussion to colourful timbres. "Fire," the third piece in the four-part SATB set, is a fun, lively, and energetic work incorporating vocal and body percussion, nasal singing, calls, nonsense syllables, and optional percussion. "Elements" won the 2016 SOCAN Young Composers Competition.

Katerina Gimon is an award-winning Canadian composer whose dynamic, poignant, and eclectic style has earned her a reputation as a distinctive voice in contemporary Canadian choral composition and beyond. Her music has been described as “sheer radiance” (Campbell River Mirror), “imbued…with human emotion” (San Diego Story), and capable of taking listeners on a “fascinating journey of textural discovery” (Ludwig Van). In her compositions, she draws inspiration from myriad sources—from the Ukrainian folk music of her heritage to indie rock, as well as her roots as a songwriter. Her compositions are performed widely across Canada, the United States, and internationally, and she has been featured at prominent events such as the World Symposium on Choral Music, ACDA National and Regional Conferences, and Podium Conference.

NORTH (From SLEEPING AT LAST) ..............................................

by Ryan O’Neal, arr. George Chung

Sleeping at Last is a musical project led by singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ryan O'Neal. In 2016, Ryan began The Sleeping At Last Podcast, where he explains the process and inspiration behind his music, one song at a time. “North” was included in his Atlas 1 Series. It contained 30 songs inspired by the origins of the universe. (exploring the themes of Darkness, Light, Space, Land and Oceans)

Programme Notes 2025

Chamber Orchestra

I CRISANTEMI

.........................................................................................

by Giacomo Puccini, arr. Yoav Talmi

Originally composed for a string quartet in 1890, Crisantemi ("Chrysanthemums") is a poignant elegy written in memory of Puccini's good friend Amadeo di Savoia, the former King of Spain. In Italy, chrysanthemums are the flowers of mourning used for funerals and gravesites. The piece’s rich harmonies and expressive, opera-like melodies convey deep sorrow and tenderness. Later, Puccini incorporated themes from Crisantemi into his opera Manon Lescaut. This orchestral arrangement enhances its emotional depth, highlighting Puccini’s gift for lyrical beauty in a brief yet moving work.

TCHAIKOVSKY SERENADE FOR STRINGS IN C MAJOR, ....................

by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

OP 48 – MVT 4

The String Serenade and the “1812” Overture were composed during the autumn of 1880. Tchaikovsky regarded the Serenade as one of his finest works. Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings (1880) blends classical elegance with Russian folk influences. The Finale opens with a spirited Tema Russo, a lively dance based on a Russian folk melody. The movement’s rhythmic drive, energetic interplay between sections, and soaring lines showcase Tchaikovsky’s gift for orchestration. As the piece builds in excitement, earlier themes from the Serenade briefly return, leading to a thrilling and triumphant conclusion. This vibrant Finale encapsulates the composer’s love for both Western classical tradition and the rich musical heritage of his homeland.

A string Classic!

Programme Notes 2025

Finale

O SIEM .................................................................

by Susan Aglukark & Chad Irschick, arr. Larry Nichols

GUEST FINALE CONDUCTOR: Kathleen Allan

O Siem means “ joyful welcome” in Susan’s Indigenous language, Inuktitut.

"O Siem," a powerful and moving composition by Inuk singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark and musician Chad Irschick, is a poignant tribute to the resilience of Inuit culture and the enduring strength of the human spirit. The song, sung in Inuktitut, explores themes of interconnectedness, ancestral wisdom, and the profound impact of climate change on the Arctic. Aglukark's soulful vocals, interwoven with Irschick's evocative musical arrangements, create a deeply emotional and spiritually resonant experience. "O Siem" serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving Inuit traditions, protecting the environment, and honouring the wisdom of past generations.

Renowned for her unique blend of Inuit folk, country, and pop, Susan Aglukark received the 2022 Humanitarian Award presented by Music Canada. This award recognized her long-standing dedication to improving the lives of children and youth in Northern Indigenous communities. In 2012, she founded the Arctic Rose Project, which achieved charitable status in 2016 and became the Arctic Rose Foundation. The Foundation supports Northern Inuit, First Nations, and Métis youth through Indigenous-led, arts-based after-school programs, as well as other engaging cultural and creative projects.

Participating Schools

Albert College

 albertcollege.ca

Located in Belleville, Ontario, Albert College is Canada's oldest co-educational boarding and day school. A close-knit atmosphere and diverse student body make the school a truly unique learning environment for students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. In addition to classes in instrumental and vocal music, Albert College offers a unique Arts Period timetable that provides access to the arts for every student, complementing their academic and athletic programs. Participation in the arts program is required at Albert, giving students the opportunity to explore their creativity in an encouraging and inclusive environment. The Arts Period allows us to have many students participating in our musical ensembles, including Junior School choirs and bands, a Senior Wind Ensemble, a Jazz Ensemble, a Middle School Band, and a large SATB Choir, all with a school population of just 300 students. At Albert College, we believe that arts education is essential to the development of wellrounded students at every age.

Music Faculty: Erin Paul, Blair Yarranton

Appleby College

 appleby.on.ca

Appleby College offers an exceptional creative outlet for those with an interest in creating music. Our music programme includes courses in vocal, instrumental, jazz and strings. In addition to our academic offerings, our club programme offers choral, orchestral, and guitar ensembles as well as the Studio Live House Band. In this ensemble, students create their own ensembles and learn how to record their music. An extension of this programme is Appleby’s Spotify channel, where EPs of student performances are released annually. The artistic talents of our students are featured in several performances throughout the year, including Arts Week—a celebration of the performing and visual arts at Appleby. Each year, Appleby students also put on a full-feature musical at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, complete with full cast, tech crew, and pit band. In addition to local performances, Appleby students often perform more broadly. This year, Appleby musicians are traveling to Cuba to collaborate with Cuban musicians, attend workshops, and learn about the history of Cuban music.

Music Faculty: Borys Boytchuk, Esteban Cambre, Sara Joy, Sarah Morrison, Naomi Adjei, Yvonne Choi

Ashbury College

 ashbury.ca

Founded in 1891, Ashbury College is an independent day and boarding IB World School for 750 students in Grades 4 to 12 located in Canada’s capital and the traditional, unceded territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation. Ashbury serves a diverse community of over 60 nationalities from around the National Capital Region, the diplomatic community, and international and domestic boarding students.

Ashbury’s Music and Arts activities take place in the Creative Learning Centre, with its first-rate facilities and equipment. The Arts Department stages a large-scale theatre production every year, featuring a studentmajority pit-band. Arts Week and Coffeehouse also occur annually, celebrating and highlighting visual art, drama, music and creative writing. Music is very much alive at Ashbury and permeates and enhances a number of school community events throughout the year such as the annual Carol Service, Fall and Spring Concerts and many other school events. Music instruction is provided at both the Junior and Senior levels, and the performing ensembles include Concert Bands, Jazz Band, Choir, Pit Band, Small Ensembles and String Ensemble. In addition to performing, the rich curriculum promotes diversity and includes music theory, composition and IB Music at the Senior level. Ashbury ensembles are regularly recognized for musical excellence at the Capital Region Music Festival and at MusicFest Canada. Recent and future international tours include Cuba, Italy and Austria and the large ensembles look forward to performing at MusicFest Nationals in Toronto this year.

Music Faculty: Simone Gendron, David Kaye, George Nicholson, Stefan Sikorski

Bayview Glen

 bayviewglen.ca

Situated along the Don River in North York, Bayview Glen is an academically invigorating, internationally connected, co-educational Preschool-throughGrade 12 independent school. Our close-knit and vibrantly diverse community, inspired by caring teachers and fueled by a forward-looking curriculum, shapes independent thinkers and energetic citizens. As a school, we are committed to teaching the whole child, enabling every student to become a confident, creative, and contributing member of our global society.

Our dedication to excellence in teaching and learning compels us to foster relationships, curate experiences, and provide the necessary support to enable our students to think critically about the world. An exemplar of this commitment is our Music programme, led by expert teachers in their respective disciplines.

Throughout the school year, students have the opportunity to showcase their musical talents at several events. All students are encouraged to participate in our choirs and many instrumental ensembles. These performing groups have been, and will continue to be, proud to take part in such events as the Kiwanis Music Festival, MusicFest Canada, the Ontario Band Association Festival, Humber College Next Generation Jazz Festival, Holiday Concerts, Spring Concerts, Coffee Houses, and Music Nights.

We are privileged to share our music within our school community on various occasions. Weekly assemblies allow students to participate and perform in seasonal and cultural celebrations. A highlight of the Lower School programme is the Spring Festivals, where each class presents a musical, offering performance opportunities for all students. In the Prep School, students begin learning instruments in Grade 6. The Upper School programme extends students’ musical experience, allowing students to take on roles as conductors and explore composition, elevating their overall musical proficiency.

Music Faculty: Michael Bellissimo, Chris Hunsburger, Alison Roy, Alana Scharfstein, Anna Shalaykevych, Ea-Ling Seun

Branksome Hall

 branksome.on.ca

Branksome Hall (JK–12) is an IB continuum World School for girls that has been located in the downtown Toronto neighbourhood of Rosedale since 1903. The Junior School (JK–6) offers a well-rounded music curriculum, including singing, recorder, ukulele and transdisciplinary connections. The range of co-curricular offerings includes choirs, instrumental ensembles, musical theatre and more. In Middle School (7–8), all students choose between band, strings and vocal streams of music. Each of these streams of music continues as arts options in the Senior School (9–10), culminating with the option of IB Diploma students (11–12) choosing to study at either Standard or Higher Level music.

Branksome supports a robust Senior & Middle School co-curricular program with ensembles

such as Concert Band, Wind Symphony, Jazz Band, String Orchestra, Chamber Strings, Concert Choir and Chamber Choir. Ensembles have opportunities to share their music with the community by performing at the annual Carol Service, Senior Spring Concert and many other school events. The Arts Department stages a large-scale theatre production every year, often featuring a studentmajority pit-band or orchestra.

Recent shows include Narnia (2018), The Wizard of Oz (2019), Seussical the Musical (2022), She Kills Monsters (2023) and Emma! A Pop Musical (2024). Branksome actively participates in the CIS Music Festival, Ontario Band Association Provincial Festival, Ontario Vocal Association Provincial Festival and Toronto Kiwanis Music Festival. Branksome also has a sister school, Branksome Hall Asia, located on Jeju Island in South Korea.

Music Faculty: Adam Despinic, Agnes Ng, Angie Tang, Luanne Schlueter

Crescent School

 crescentschool.org

Crescent School has been a leader in boys’ education since 1913. Located on a beautiful, 30-acre campus in mid-Toronto, Crescent School has 800 students in Grades 3 through 12.

Our mission, Men of Character from Boys of Promise, is at the forefront of everything we do. Our focus on character development, supported by our core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and compassion, is at the heart of a Crescent education. We emphasize active, experiential and relational

learning practices—proven ways that boys learn best. We nurture well-being while cultivating excellence in academics, arts, athletics, business, outreach and robotics.

Our expertise is supported by exceptional resources, including high-tech learning spaces, modern libraries, and superb athletic facilities. Our Arts facilities include three drama studios, three art studios, three music rooms, and a professionally equipped theatre.

Crescent’s vibrant music program enriches the lives of our Lower, Middle, and Upper School boys and inspires collaboration skills while inviting students to be creatively courageous. The program includes a wide variety of co-curricular offerings, such as junior and senior choirs, junior and senior jazz ensembles, a symphonic band, a concert band, and string ensembles. Students perform at assemblies, recitals, and concerts. They also take part in regional and national music festivals and a biannual international choral tour.

Music Faculty: Dr. Sandra Boyes, Bronwen Low-Scott, Harry Timmermans, Vince Volpe

Crestwood School & Preparatory College

 crestwood.on.ca

Crestwood Preparatory College, a coeducational university preparatory school for grades 7-12, was founded in 2001. In keeping with the school’s motto of inspiring excellence and nurturing individuality, music is offered to all students, with grades 7 and 8 learning as a semester course, while full-year

classes are provided for grades 9-12 students. Grade 7 students spend the semester in music learning ukuleles, while grades 8-12 classes are centered on concert band instruments and performance.

Beyond the core music program, Crestwood offers extracurricular music groups, including Jazz Band, Strings Club, Crestwood Voices Choir, and Rock Band. Performance opportunities for all groups include participation in the bi-annual Arts and Technology Festival (held in December and May) and various school and community events ranging from Remembrance Day to graduation ceremonies. In recent years, the school has added annual concerts for Crestwood Lower School students and faculty, as well as holiday performances at Sunnybrook Hospital and nearby community homes. Both our Senior Band and Crestwood Voices will be partaking in the Kiwanis Festival in February.

Another musical highlight is our Senior Concert Band performing as a pit band for the school plays, which have included Clue (2022), She Kills Monsters (2023) and Alice @ Wonderland (2024). The band looks forward to providing music for this year’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Crestwood Preparatory College is pleased to participate in this year’s CISMF and congratulates all other participating schools.

Music Faculty: Anthony Mariano

De La Salle College

 delasalle.ca

The Music program at De La Salle College is a vibrant and performance-based ensemble, encompassing concert bands (including brass, woodwind, and percussion) for students from grade 5 through grade 12. Each student utilizes their own instrument, with instruction tailored to accommodate beginners through to advanced players. Our classes and rehearsals take place in a state-of-the-art, acoustically balanced rehearsal space.

We boast an array of musical ensembles, including six concert bands, one jazz band, one choir, a rock band, a marching band, and a pep squad, offering students a diverse range of performance opportunities. Alongside our annual Christmas and Spring concerts, our Senior Concert Band competes in an international music festival each spring. Additionally, students have the opportunity to audition for the CISMF honor band, composed of students from across CIS Ontario schools, which performs annually at Roy Thomson Hall.

Our Marching Band has proudly participated in the Toronto Santa Claus Parade for the past 14 years, while our Pep Squad performs at our tree lighting ceremony and Megan’s Hug Walk kick-off ceremony in May.

As part of our ShareLife Day fundraising efforts for our sister school in Naka, Nigeria, the music department also hosts a talent show in the fall, complete with judges and audience voting. We also have coffee house in both the fall and spring, providing intimate performance settings open to all students and staff showcasing students’ talents on other instruments outside of our concert band program.

Students in our program explore, perform, and respond to music from various cultural influences, styles, composers, and historical periods, fostering a lifelong engagement with music. Furthermore, students develop essential skills beyond the classroom and workplace, discovering connections between music and other fine arts and fields of knowledge. Whether arranging private lessons or forming small chamber ensembles, there is an abundance of opportunities for students to immerse themselves in the musical journey at De La Salle College.

Greenwood College School



greenwoodcollege.org

Greenwood’s music program is designed to provide students with rewarding and authentic performance opportunities. The school offers a curricular band and vocal program for Grades 7-12. Private lessons are also offered at the school for any musician looking to improve their vocal or instrumental skills. Greenwood offers a robust co-curricular program that includes a choir, junior and senior jazz bands, and a pit band for the full-school musical (every two years). Our ensembles regularly perform at school events and around our community. This Fall, our Junior Musical was Frozen Jr. In the spring, we will gear up for our annual school Arts Show with performances and showings from our Instrumental Music, Film, Media, Visual, Drama, Photography, and Vocal Music programs.

Music Faculty: Lindsay Newman, Richard Piasetski

Music Faculty: Natalie DiNardo, Francesco Di Cristofaro

Hawthorn School for Girls



hawthornschool.com

With our 35 years of history, Hawthorn's mission is to work closely with parents in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. We provide a unique, wellrounded education that develops both character and intelligence, so that our students become confident women of integrity and faith committed to the betterment of society. Music education, within our broader classical liberal arts education model, asserts that love of and appreciation for music is an integral component of one's personal development. The principles of our music curriculum are guided by the Kodaly Method and the Ward Method of Music Instruction, particularly through vocal instruction and the training of the voice as a primary instrument, from Junior Kindergarten to grade 12. Students can begin to acquire skills essential to all musicians: aural perception, musical memory, inner hearing, true intonation, and harmonic hearing. In addition to learning the fundamentals of music and music theory and history, all Lower School students sing in the choir and grade 3 to 7 students learn string instruments. Repertoire includes the classic, the sacred, and the secular, which closely align to our educational goals. Choral and instrumental performances are given by our Upper and Lower School ensembles at concerts, assemblies, liturgical events, and other service opportunities and special occasions throughout the year. Our goal is to train to discern and love what is good, true, and beautiful, especially in music. As St. John Bosco said, "A school without music is like a body without a soul."

Music Faculty: Theresa Kim, Orsolya Szalados

Hillfield Strathallan College

hsc.on.ca

Located on a 50-acre campus in Hamilton, Ontario, Hillfield Strathallan College (HSC) is an independent, co-ed, non-denominational day school with a student population of over 1200. HSC inspires its students to reach their full potential and to better the world around them by providing a full, independent educational experience from 18 months to 18 years. Rigorous academics, sound social and emotional development, and student-centred, Project Based Learning (PBL) come together as the foundation for a community dedicated to learning with joy and living with purpose.

HSC nurtures imagination and creativity early through an integrated arts program taught by accomplished specialists. Performing arts are centre stage at HSC and students can get involved with stellar Middle and Senior School theatre productions, as well as an extensive music program, which has been described as the “jewel in the crown.” HSC regularly showcases this excellence via award-winning choirs and instrumental ensembles at community events such as Remembrance Day and Carol Service as well as music festivals across regional and national levels. HSC students are often engaged, through music, in community outreach initiatives, and are encouraged to learn about the powerful social role of music in the world. HSC’s music faculty are highly trained, dedicated specialists who are devoted to providing enriched musical experiences for students, including leadership, travel and high-level performance opportunities.

Music Faculty: Kate Boose, Brent Fifield, Allan Gaumond, Ona Gutauskas, Nora Hammond, Amber Mills

Holy Name of Mary College School

 holynameofmarycollegeschool.com

Holy Name of Mary College School (HNMCS) is a vibrant and progressive, independent Catholic school for girls, located on a picturesque 25-acre setting in Mississauga, Ontario. The school offers rich educational opportunities and a multitude of co-curricular activities to ignite interests and broaden horizons.

An appreciation of music inspires and fosters the expression of a creative spirit, and students at HNMCS are involved in all aspects of music, performing, creating, and listening. The vocal music programme is a key focus, allowing each student to build their confidence and work towards developing a high level of performance ability in voice. HNMCS also offers high school band as a course, providing students with the opportunity to develop instrumental skills and perform in an ensemble setting. Individual creativity is further encouraged through a tapestry of co-curriculars like songwriting, theatre, drama, improv, dance, and instrumental music clubs.

The junior, intermediate & senior choirs have consistently placed first and second at regional competitions. The Senior Choir has performed on tour alongside the SMCS band in Boston, Chicago, Montreal, and New York. Additionally, students have performed in various musical productions such as Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma, Children of Eden, and The Addams Family, as well as an original production, Love and Revolution. They have also been invited, on multiple

occasions, to perform the Canadian and American national anthems at the Toronto Marlies hockey game at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto.

Music Faculty: Anne Morrone, Carson Freeman

Holy Trinity School

 hts.on.ca

Founded in 1981, Holy Trinity School (HTS) is a co-educational, independent day school for students in Kindergarten to Grade 12, located in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Music is an essential component of the integrated arts curriculum at HTS, which actively engages students, encouraging the development of technical skills, creativity, artistry and performance. In the Lower School, choral repertoire, musical theatre, handbell, and ukulele programs are part of the fundamental curriculum. The Wind and Percussion Ensemble program commences in Grade 6 and continues throughout Middle and Senior School featuring three Concert Bands, two Jazz Bands, and many chamber ensembles. Vocal music is an essential feature of the music curriculum, and it culminates in Senior School when students participate in the Senior Choir and musical theatre productions.

The HTS Integrated Arts Department facilitates many performance opportunities for students within the school, and in our local community. Students partake in seasonal recitals, assembly presentations, Arts Showcases, and concerts for Chapel liturgy. Our award-winning Concert Bands compete in the

Ontario Band Festival and Musicfest Canada. HTS proudly supports its musicians by encouraging a wide variety of field trip opportunities that hone their musical skills.

Music Faculty: Anne-Marie Dubuc, Eli Lewis, Georgette Marshall, Evan Morrison, Lyndsay Promane, Jordan Zero

Kempenfelt Bay School

 kempenfeltbayschool.ca

Kempenfelt Bay School is a co-educational, nonprofit, independent school for students in JK to Grade 8 located in beautiful Innisfil, Ontario. As Simcoe County’s only accredited independent school, we believe in providing a higher standard of education so that the children we teach today will be inspired and empowered to do great things in the future. We're a community which inspires independent, lifelong learners by building competence, confidence and character.

KBS families appreciate the high academic and behavioural expectations of our independent education in addition to a balance of academics, arts, and athletics. The KBS Music Department combines traditional roots with a contemporary approach. Students study singing from JK through Grade 8 and begin instrumental training in Grade 4. This year, students in our Concert bands, Jazz bands, Stage band and Choir spent many hours rehearsing in preparation for our Holiday Concert, which turned out to be a raving success! Students at KBS are excited to be part of this year’s CISMF.

Music Faculty: Mr. Darrin Cranney, Ms. Emily Morrison

Kingsway College School

 kcs.on.ca

Located in Etobicoke over two campuses, Kingsway College School serves students from JK to Grade 12. At KCS, students learn the habits that matter most for success in life through our Four Doors of academics, arts, athletics, and citizenship. In our distinctly enriched program, students strengthen their independence and readiness for real-world challenges through experiential learning and making a difference. Integration with a broad variety of subject areas is a central part of Arts education at KCS. Our school is a living art gallery that welcomes artists and experts into our learning community. Our music programming includes recorder, Orff, ukulele, band, choral, guitar, and a monthly “Wake Up with the Arts.”

Music is a valued part of school life at KCS, and students have many opportunities to create and perform. Our annual Junior School musical production engages students in Grades 4 - 8 as part of their extracurricular programming. This year, we are excited to present Shrek Jr., with 44 students in the cast and over 150 students involved overall, contributing to the production by singing, dancing, acting, creating sets, or as part of the Tech Crew. Dedicated parent volunteers also help make it possible. The result is a wonderful celebration of talent and community that brings us all together.

Music Faculty: Rachel Hasen, Craig Harris, Shanda Lee, Ljiljana Markovi

Lakefield College School

 lcs.on.ca

Lakefield College School provides an enriching co-educational day and boarding experience for Grades 9 through 12. LCS programs are grounded in principles of community-minded leadership, character education, and environmental sustainability. The academic, artistic, athletic, and outdoor programs take full advantage of the school’s extensive facilities and 315-acre waterfront campuses. Lakefield College School is inspired by a belief in the fundamental value of each person: caring teachers, advisors, coaches, and directors challenge and enable students to reach their individual potential, inspiring them to be leaders who care, and make positive contributions to their communities. At LCS we are proud of our music department, as it plays an important role in the development of the mind, body, and spirit of our students. Lakefield’s music program highlights co-curriculars, including Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Rock Choir, Lorelei Consort Choir, String Ensemble, and full-length musicals. Lakefield College School enjoyed a successful run of Mean Girls, this year’s musical theatre production, in November.

Music Faculty: Geoff Bemrose, John Braeckman, Kemi Lo, Brian MacDonald, Chip Mihailescu, Jonathan van Oostveen, Sarah Young

Lauremont School

 lauremontschool.ca

Lauremont School's music program is a symphony of growth and creativity, orchestrating a lifelong love for melody and rhythm. From the tender age of 18 months, young minds are introduced to the world of music through the Music Keys Program, setting the stage for an expansive journey that builds throughout their academic careers.

As students progress through the Elementary years, they embark on a rich musical odyssey. Their voices become instruments as they explore vocal work, while their hands dance across Orff instruments, recorders and ukuleles. This journey culminates in the mastery of concert band instruments, allowing students to contribute to the school's vibrant musical culture. The annual theater production provides a grand stage for budding performers, while the Lower and Upper Elementary choir and concert bands give students a platform for collective musical expression. As students transition to the Upper School, they are offered a number of new opportunities in bands and choirs.

Lauremont's Upper School music program truly shines in its ability to inspire student-led initiatives. ‘The Strummers', 'SFX Club', 'Jazz 12', and 'Vocal Club' embody the school's commitment to fostering entrepreneurial thinking and impactful engagement. These initiatives allow individual talents to flourish, creating a rich tapestry of sound that echoes through school and community events.

Music Faculty: Jaekwan Jung, Rachel MacDonald, Roger Marlés, Colleen Prince, Robyn Varey

Matthews Hall

 matthewshall.ca

Matthews Hall is London, Ontario’s oldest independent school, providing a rich and dynamic music program to elementary students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8. From the youngest children to the graduating class, our students enjoy an integrated curriculum in which music plays a central role. Our school believes that music education is essential to the intellectual development of the whole child. Beginning in the early years, our students sing, play an instrument, study music theory, and perform. A talented music faculty of professional musicians and educators inspire students in classes from voice and concert band to strings, piano, and beyond. We share our love of music during the school year through community service outreach, performances, and annual celebrations. We are proud of our participation in the Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival and hope this showcase of student talent from across Ontario will inspire, uplift, and entertain you!

Music Faculty: Kaeleigh Campbell, Georgina Galba, Adrianna Lee, Marius Debick

Montcrest School

 montcrest.ca

Montcrest School, an all-gender Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 school in downtown Toronto, emphasizes arts education as a core part of the student experience. Students explore, create, perform, and discover their passions through visual arts, drama, music, and dance. Our dedicated music educators

deliver a dynamic curriculum where every student participates in vocal, ukulele, or band classes. Performance is a key component, with all students having opportunities to showcase their talents at various events and concerts throughout the year. From classroom instruction to a variety of musical ensembles and co-curricular activities, Montcrest fosters a vibrant musical community where students are encouraged to participate and thrive.

Music Faculty: Jennifer Vincent, Lisa Yorke

Pickering College

 pickeringcollege.on.ca

Pickering College has a long-standing and proud tradition of musical excellence. We provide a dynamic vocal and instrumental music program for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Our vision is to develop the individual musical potential of all students through a wide range of opportunities for excellence in collaborative music-making. All Pickering College students benefit from our unique Global Leadership Program, which teaches students how to deeply consider global contexts through their engagement with the arts. The instrumental music program is thriving with several concert bands and three jazz bands, and the choral program includes primary, junior, and senior choirs. To share their music with our local and international community, performances are broadcast on our own radio station, 102.7 CHOP FM. Musical highlights this year include our annual Holiday and Springfest concerts, a Junior School production of Disney’s Annie Kids

and performances at the Ontario Band Association’s Provincial Band Festival, Sharon Temple National Historic Site, and the Forum Music Festival in San Diego, California.

Music Faculty: Elise Kaveh, Rebecca MacDonald, Heather Suters, Ellen Wells

Ridley

College

 ridleycollege.com

Since 1889, music has been the heartbeat of life at Ridley College. Our comprehensive music education ignites passions and cultivates a mindset of innovation and expression. From state-of-the-art studios to dynamic performances, students are immersed in a world where creativity knows no bounds.

Our extensive music curriculum spans from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 and encompasses instruction in voice, instrumental and strings. Students engage in diverse co-curricular groups, including Orchestra, Jazz Bands, Cadet Marching Band, Theatre Pit Band and Choirs. Our campus buzzes with performances from our weekly chapel choirs to large-scale orchestral events and annual musical theatre performances, each showcasing students’ unique talents. Off-campus, our musicians and vocalists shine at venues like the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre alongside the Niagara Symphony Orchestra and in events like the Niagara Jazz Festival.

Ridley College is also home to a state-of-the-art Learning Centre featuring the Ron Mannix and Class of ’66 Music Centre, Paterson Performance Hall and Walker Creative Commons. Students learn in

purpose-built rooms for strings, ensemble-work, digital recording and chamber music. Learning is further enhanced in extensive practice spaces wherein students work with clinicians and take part in private lessons to enhance their skills. Our new facilities, leveraged by our expert music faculty, have enriched the Ridley student experience and have inspired students at all points on their journey with music.

Music Faculty: Will Reid, Ken Hutton, Eugenie Wiley, Jocelyn Fralick, Scott Vernon, Alex Wierzbicki

Rosseau Lake College



rosseaulakecollege.com

Rosseau Lake College is an independent coed day and boarding school offering Grade 7 through Grade 12. It was established in 1967 in the heart of Muskoka, a region of Ontario dotted with pristine lakes and tracts of hardwood forest. At Rosseau Lake College, we aim to infuse our community with the magic that cultivating a love of the arts can bring. We offer opportunities and experiences in music, visual arts, drama, dance and media arts. In addition to the core music curriculum, the music program includes performing ensembles, recreational clubs, and private, one-on-one instruction. Our current music ensembles include; String Ensemble, Jam Band, Indigenous Drumming, Choir and Songwriting Club. Our arts programming allows each unique student to explore their own talents and gives a variety of opportunities to be a part of the arts. The school hosts annual arts events throughout the academic year—they range from concerts and arts festivals to plays and community campfires—providing a venue for students to share their talents with the extended

school community and beyond. At Rosseau Lake College, we celebrate how participating in the creation and sharing of the arts brings us together as a community and allows us to connect to and express ourselves.

Music Faculty: Tasha Forster, Steve Salt

Royal St. George's College

 rsgc.on.ca

RSGC is located in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood in downtown Toronto, and founded CISMF in 1983 when the Festival took place at Massey Hall. At RSGC, the Junior School music program focuses on the fundamental skills of creating and exploring music. Our Grade 3-8 core music program uses ukuleles, singing, Orff instruments, guitars, and electronic music platforms. Additionally, Middle School students select a Performing Arts Elective course in which they may specialize in Concert Band, the College Choir, Drama, or Songwriting. In the Senior School, music students choose to specialize in either Band or Choir. RSGC musical ensembles regularly perform at the school, in the community and overseas. This year, the Junior School's musical production of Seussical, Jr. was a smash hit. RSGC’s 61st annual Service of Lessons and Carols, held at the Cathedral Church of St. James, in December, was again a musical highlight for the RSGC family and the wider community.

Music Faculty: Emily Johnson, Troy Lebane, Alexander Redman, Daniel Webb

St. Andrew's College

 sac.on.ca

Nestled on 126 picturesque acres in Aurora, Ontario, St. Andrew’s College boasts a 125-year tradition as a premier day and boarding school. Music and the arts are an integral part of life at St. Andrew’s, supported by state-of-the-art facilities for music, drama, and fine arts. These investments have fostered a dynamic environment where creativity flourishes across departments.

The Music program at St. Andrew’s is unparalleled, offering opportunities for students to participate in traditional concert bands, jazz bands, rock bands, pep bands, guitar clubs, choirs, and even cuttingedge ventures like deejaying and digital recording using high-tech equipment. The Wind Ensemble has earned international acclaim, performing at iconic events such as the London Olympics in 2012 and Carnegie Hall during the WorldStrides Festival in 2022. Last year, our musicians had the privilege of attending workshops at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, where they worked with Mark Scatterday, director of the renowned Eastman Wind Ensemble.

The arts extend far beyond music. The annual fall play is a collaborative masterpiece, incorporating production teams and equipment from the Stratford Festival and guided by award-winning professionals with experience in London’s West End. Each year, students and staff eagerly anticipate the holiday performance at Toronto’s prestigious Roy Thomson Hall, which showcases all SAC students alongside stage and lighting production by Canada’s top technicians.

This year, St. Andrew’s College continues to uphold its tradition of excellence, with students proudly representing the school in all three concert bands, the jazz ensemble, and the senior choir at the Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival (CISMF).

Music Faculty: Dan Horner, John Clements, Matt MacIsaac, Major Brian McCue, Jim McGillivray, Eric McMillan, Garry Page, John Richardson, Ryan Johnston

St. Anne's School

 stannes.ca

St. Anne’s School is an all-girls independent school in Aurora, Ontario and is the partner school to St. Andrew’s College. Our newly unveiled mission statement underscores our commitment to excellence in girls’ education: Empowering girls to be courageous learners and compassionate citizens who live and lead with wisdom.

A wide range of co-curricular activities, a robust athletic program, and a strong focus on visual art, drama, and music complement the rigorous academic curriculum. Students participate in band and choral music alongside foundational studies in theory and history to foster a well-rounded musicianship. The annual Cygnets Holiday Cheer, which showcases the talents of all SAS students, features solo and group performances from our Middle School and Symphonic bands, art, dance, and drama. A St. Anne’s education sets the foundation for a lifetime of self-discovery, sparks a passion for knowledge, and prepares young women to build a better world.

Music Faculty: Alice Leung, Karine White

St. Clement’s School

 scs.on.ca

As a leading independent girls’ school in Toronto, St. Clement’s School is recognized for its longstanding commitment to academic rigour and excellence in a small, nurturing environment—but that’s just the beginning. We’re a close-knit community that celebrates creativity, diversity, and innovation, where students from Grades 1 to 12 live, learn, and grow together under one roof.

St. Clement’s School’s robust Arts program provides students at every grade level with opportunities for creative expression through both vocal and instrumental music. From our four choirs to our string orchestra and bands, SCS students enjoy meaningful opportunities to share their love for music with the school and broader community through in-house events, like our winter and spring showcases, as well as at various services at St. Clement's Church and St. Paul's Bloor Street. We embrace the learning embedded in creative performance processes; we enjoy musical partnerships with local guest artists and learning through experiences like the Kiwanis Music Festival, Ontario Vocal Festival, and MusicFest Nationals. Student-led arts initiatives such as our annual Arts Banquet and frequent fullschool assemblies also offer opportunities for SCS musicians to shine.

St. Clement’s School is thrilled to be participating in CISMF.

Music Faculty: Edmee Nataprawira, Derek Monson

St. John’s-Kilmarnock School

 sjkschool.org

St. John’s-Kilmarnock School (SJK) is the leading independent school in Waterloo and the surrounding region. Established in 1972, the school is located on a beautiful 36-acre natural campus. SJK offers enriched educational programming for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 through its accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. The program focuses on creativity, arts and service, providing opportunities for students to try new things and discover their passions. SJK offers a vibrant Arts Program for students of all ages. With choirs and bands, drama clubs and full-scale productions, studio art classes, and dance clubs, there are many opportunities for students to develop their love of and talents in the Arts. Students perform and exhibit their work at events such as Founders’ Day, Arts and Jazz Night, Carol Service, and Arts Around Us. At SJK, students find their excellence within, love to learn, and graduate as confident, well-rounded individuals, fully prepared for postsecondary education and life beyond.

Music Faculty: Andrea de Boer-Jones, Ben Wright, Andrew Craig

St. Michael’s College School

 stmichaelscollegeschool.com

St. Michael’s College School is a private, all-boys Roman Catholic day school in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1852 and administered by the Basilian Fathers, it is the largest school of its kind in Canada. St. Michael’s has a rich tradition of instrumental music where students from Grades 7-12 participate in a variety of grade and performance specific ensembles such as concert bands, jazz ensembles, music production, musical theatre as well as a very successful Drumline programme. The music department also facilitates its own in-house private lesson program allowing for individualized instruction. Our bands travel each year to destinations such as New York, Boston, Chicago, Florida, California, and Europe. This year our music students will be travelling to New York City.

The school produces a fully staged Broadway musical each spring in our state-of-the-art Centre for the Arts theatre. This year, the school will be producing the Broadway Musical FOOTLOOSE

Music Faculty: James Oatt, Christopher Plock, Amy McLennan, Anne Morrone, Jacob Biggs, Andrew Busch, Gareth Skipp

St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School

 smls.on.ca

For over 130 years, SMLS has been challenging young women to think expansively and engage fearlessly with a personalized, real-world learning experience that teaches them to see the future as a gift.

At SMLS, students don’t just study the arts—they live them. Our Arts and Design Signature Program is designed to give every student an opportunity to amplify her creative voice, learn to collaborate, practice problem-solving, feed her imagination, and build her confidence.

Students enjoy hands-on experiences just like they’d find in the real world, including:

• Soundproof music rooms

• A professional-grade theatre

• Media and art studios

• Cyclorama projection systems, soundboards and digital lighting technology

This year, SMLS students are sharing their musical talents through various music ensembles and theatre productions, including a Middle School performance of Frozen and a Senior School performance of Legally Blonde. We are also very proud to recognize Ms. Erica Astles who is conducting the Junior Choir during today’s performance.

Anchored in a nurturing community of exceptionally committed educators and supportive peers, SMLS is where girls go to create the best version of themselves. And it’s their exploration of the arts

that provides the foundation for a future filled with passion, purpose and bold creativity.

Music Faculty: Erica Astles, Emily Daquano, Lindsay Willson

TFS – Canada’s International School

tfs.ca

TFS – Canada’s International School is a coeducational, bilingual and IB full continuum World School for students from age 2 to Grade 12. Founded in 1962, we were the pioneers of French immersion education in Canada, starting with six students, and now welcome 1500 students to our two campuses –one in Toronto and the other in Mississauga.

Arts education starts with our youngest learners and continues throughout the TFS journey. Given TFS’ diverse student population, we explore a wide range of cultural artistic expressions and repertoire from all corners of the globe. Our Senior School music program has grown both in size and excellence, as evidenced by the accolades and awards our student musicians have brought home from performances at Kiwanis, the Ontario Band Association and Musicfest Nationals. A key aspect of our program is mentorship; students are nurtured to become supporters of their classmates as musicians. They truly reflect TFS’ motto: Individuals who reflect, citizens who act.

Beyond graduation, a number of our alumni have gone on to become accomplished performers or composers, studying music at the university

level and entering their professional lives in the performing arts.

Music Faculty: Rupert Price, Caroline Pai, Abigail Freeman, Amaury Suchon, Coline Calix

The Bishop Strachan School

 bss.on.ca

The Bishop Strachan School (BSS) is a leading independent Junior Kindergarten—Grade 12 day and boarding school for girls. For over 150 years, BSS has been inspiring girls to be fearless and educating them to be leaders. Through our challenging inquirybased program, students learn core academic skills, find their voice, take risks and work collaboratively.

Music is central to shaping our students' understanding of self and the world. Our comprehensive music program fosters creativity, critical thinking and resilience. The music program begins in JK and progresses with students throughout their years at BSS. Starting in Grade 4, students can join the choir, with band or string options available from Grade 6. By Grade 7, they can participate in ensembles such as String Ensemble, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Senior Choir, Middle School Choir or Chamber Choir. Additionally, students from Grades 8 to 12 can showcase their talents in the annual musical.

Our skilled educators – who are also experienced artists – design their courses and co-curricular experiences to reflect a breadth of representations and ways of expressing oneself through the arts. Students are visited by musical guest artists of diverse genres to enhance cultural understanding

and to share professional insights. In addition, students have access to international music exchange programs, allowing them to foster connections and build global perspectives.

Music Faculty: Sarah Dickie, Danette Dickinson, Greg Gallagher, Tom Marcaccini, Ashly Mastromonaco

The Country Day School

 cds.on.ca

The Country Day School (CDS) is a leading JK-12 co-educational school situated on a 100-acre campus north of Toronto among the rolling hills of King Township. Emphasizing education with balance since its founding in 1972, CDS provides diverse opportunities in academics, athletics, and visual and performing arts.

CDS offers music instruction from JK to Grade 12. Students are introduced to the recorder and Orff instruments in Grade 3 and take up either a brass or woodwind instrument in Grade 5. Vocal music instruction begins in JK and carries on within the classroom through Grade 7, with options to continue vocal course work in Grades 9-12. Starting in Grade 2, students become part of a formal choir that prepares them for the Primary and Junior Choirs, as well as extracurricular options to join the Junior, Middle or Senior Choirs, Jazz Ensembles and Middle and Senior Concert Bands.

Junior School drama productions (Grades 4-6) are musicals held annually, including James and the Giant Peach Jr. and Lion King Jr. Recent Middle/ Senior School productions have incorporated a faculty/student pit-band or accompaniment,

including Matilda, In the Heights, and Ahead by a Century. Each September, our senior music students have the opportunity to take part in an intensive music camp with professional musicians coaching and supporting their learning in a beautiful natural setting. CDS ensembles enjoy performing at assemblies, winter and spring concerts, community events and competitions throughout the year.

Music Faculty: Kirsten Baird, Patrice Barbanchon, Marney Curran, Michelle Kettrick, Michael Moore, Larry Shields

The Sterling Hall School

 sterlinghall.com

The Sterling Hall School is a small-by-design Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 school for boys where developing community, character and friendship is celebrated and supported. We deliver innovative academic practices and boy-focused programming that inspires growth, curiosity, and a passion for learning.

Our music specialists at SHS are committed to fostering a love of music that promotes confidence and collaboration, contributes to creative and spatial thinking, and boosts both memory and mental health. Students learn to make creative and expressive musical decisions confidently, with the resilience to work through challenges and learn from mistakes.

From JK to Grade 4, students participate in vocal music, learning skills from improvisation to ear training to writing music. They are also provided their first opportunities to practice the teamwork and patience that comes from rehearsing and performing together.

From Grades 5 to 8, students choose an instrument and extend their learning through studying and perfecting their performance skills. Boys also have the opportunity to join many music clubs and electives that include instrumental, vocal and electronic music.

Visiting artists and guest clinicians are invited throughout the year to perform, teach and engage with our boys. Additionally, students regularly participate in local, provincial and national festivals. Some of these meaningful opportunities include the Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival and MusicFest Canada.

Music Faculty: Shawn Bennett, Catherine Dale, Denise Simpson

The York School

 yorkschool.com

The York School is a co-educational independent school in midtown Toronto that offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. Our Mission is to nurture curious learners to become globally minded leaders with integrity and purpose. Since our founding in 1965, we’ve developed an innovative teaching culture that blends academic excellence and experiential learning with social-emotional learning and wellbeing.

The goal of The York School’s IB Music program, inside and outside the classroom, is to foster a lifelong appreciation of and connection to music in its many forms. Our students receive training in recorder, Orff and Kodaly, ukulele, guitar, concert

band, jazz band, and vocal music. They create original music by exploring composition, recording and sound editing, and use the latest technologies from the primary level. In addition to performing for our community at school concerts, assemblies and ceremonies, experiential learning activities give students opportunities to connect with local artists. Our students perform both locally and internationally; past trips have taken them to various cities in North America and countries in Europe and Asia. Most recently, we travelled to Havana, Cuba, and we will be venturing out to Puerto Rico for a week in February 2025 to learn more about the musical traditions of the Caribbean. We also have an annual tradition of bringing our Grade 10 music students to New Orleans.

Music Faculty: Cody MacFarlane, John Pittman, Fabio Biagiarelli, Fletcher Planert

Trafalgar Castle School

 trafalgarcastle.ca

Trafalgar Castle School is an independent day and boarding school for girls in Grades 4 through 12 in Whitby, Ontario. At Trafalgar, the Arts play an integral role in the balanced life of our students and for 150 years, Trafalgar Castle School has been committed to providing myriad opportunities for our students to explore their talents and skills and nurture their passions. As our students hone their craft, they also build connections and deepen relationships across the classroom, the School and the community.

Over one-third of Trafalgar's student body is involved in a co-curricular musical ensemble. Our school

makes a concentrated effort to develop an extensive list of award-winning ensembles in which our students participate, including the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, String Ensemble, Small Ensemble, Castle Singers, Castle Chorale.

In addition to achieving awards in provincial and national competitions, our ensembles also perform throughout the year at many school and community events, showcasing the talent, skills and dedication of our students. These include Trafalgar’s annual Holiday Market, Winter Concert, Arts Night, Spring Concert, May Court Festival, Trafalgar Day and more as well as numerous festivals including the annual CISMF performances.

Music Faculty: Fiona Hopkins, Julian Smerdon

Trinity College School

 tcs.on.ca

Established in 1865, Trinity College School is a leading independent boarding and day school for approximately 600 young people from Grades 5-12, located in Port Hope, Ontario. The School places a balanced emphasis on academics, servicelearning, athletics, and arts – as both a long-held TCS tradition and a reinvigorated approach to 21st-century education.

At the Junior School (Grades 5-8), Grade 5 students explore and create music with the Orff-Schulwerk process, building a musical foundation before transitioning to our band program from Grade 5 to Grade 8. Our co-curricular program is an essential part of the school day. Over 55% of our Grade 7 and 8 students participate in the Tottenham Band,

which proudly represents our school at local and national festivals.

In our Senior School (Grades 9-12), music courses are offered in all grades and at the Advanced Placement level. The co-curricular music program offers a dynamic range of ensembles including Trinity Winds, Trinity Jazz, Trinity Singers, Chapel Choir, Bell Ringers, Trinity Strings, String Quartet, Drumline, and Rock Band. Students benefit from a large private music instruction studio. “Week Without Walls” is a school-wide community service initiative where students perform for the local community. The music department hosts a local jazz band festival each year and is proud to host the Canadian Drumline Association competition.

Music Faculty: Emma Crawford, David Ioannou, Caleb Lew, Rachel Pearson

Upper Canada College

 ucc.on.ca

Located in central Toronto, Upper Canada College offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum, providing transformational learning experiences for boys from Senior Kindergarten through Year 12 in an exceptional day and boarding environment.

The arts at UCC include visual arts, music, theatre, and film studies. Students explore Orff, recorder, ukulele, choir, and instrumental programs, alongside composition techniques and music context studies.

Co-curricular arts programs at UCC feature four concert bands, five jazz ensembles, two wind ensembles, three choirs, and a string ensemble.

There are also numerous theatrical and musical productions, such as Social Skills: How to Interact with Human Beings (SK–Year 3), Fall Play (Year 4–6), Shrek Jr. (Year 5–7), and multiple plays across various year levels.

UCC ensembles regularly perform both on and off campus, with highlights this year including the Blue Note Jazz Café, the Festival of Lights, Nuit Bleue, the participation in the York Jazz and Heritage Music Festivals. (Year 7–12).

The Prep Choir and Upper School instrumentalists are especially proud to be part of this year’s CISMF.

Music Faculty: Tony Gomes, Chris Cigolea, Simon Louw, Paul McGarr, Caroline Heo

UTS University of Toronto Schools

 utschools.ca

University of Toronto Schools (UTS) is a university preparatory school for students in grades 7 to 12 affiliated with the University of Toronto. For more than 110 years, UTS has nurtured some of the brightest minds to make a difference through their careers with significant contributions to their community and the world.

Within our six-year program, students explore music through performance, composition and analysis, developing creative problem-solving skills, individual and collaborative work habits, knowledge of themselves and others, a sense of personal responsibility, and connections to their communities and future careers. Senior students

assume leadership roles in the Music program, forging partnerships with OISE/UT and the U of T Faculty of Music.

The curricular program and 10 co-curricular ensembles combine forces to stage three large ensemble concerts each year, with an additional special recital-style concert for soloists and small ensembles. At least half the population of the school is involved with the music program, performing in at least one music concert a year.

Music Faculty: Jeff McLeod, Lyris Pat, Sarah Shugarman, Ian Tulloch

Villanova College

 villanovacollege.org

Villanova College is an Independent Co-ed Catholic day school rooted in the Augustinian tradition that promotes veritas, unitas and caritas in all aspects of school life.

The Villanova music program has been a vital part of the school since 2001. Our performance ensembles include concert and jazz bands, choirs, and chamber groups. These ensembles perform at Christmas and spring concerts, as well as assemblies, liturgies, masses, community events and competitions. Our Senior Concert Band has just returned from a very enjoyable trip to Chicago. One of the many highlights was performing with our sister school, Providence Catholic High School (New Lennox, Illinois). Next month more than 30 of our talented singers, dancers, and actors will be performing in our school’s musical, Les Misérables. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are excited that the Romeo

De Gasperis Centre for the Performing Arts is nearing completion and will provide state-of-the-art performing arts facilities for our students.

Music Faculty: Susan Bennett, Samantha Etchegary, Mark Ho, Peter Jones, Danielle Kolenko

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CISMF Program Cover

Artwork Contest Winners

Thank you to all CIS Ontario member school students who submitted their art for the front cover of the CISMF 2025 program. We thoroughly enjoyed viewing all of the submissions. Congratulations to the winner and runners-up. We hold this contest yearly, so remember there will be another chance to send your artwork next year for CISMF 2026.

1st Place: Sophie Wang, Grade 9, The Bishop Strachan School

2nd Place: Nicolas Cornacchia, Grade 12, St. Andrew's College

3rd Place:

Jenise Zhu, Grade 11, Trafalgar Castle School

4th Place:

Shuiyi Zhao, Grade 12, St. Andrew's College

5th Place: Hyley Li, Grade 5, Lauremont School

6th Place: Annie Nguyen, Grade 4, St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School

7th Place: Brandon Vitullo, Grade 8, St. Andrew's College