St. Anne’s band claims gold at MusicFest

for her dedication to the music program and the concert band. As a fifth-year student, she is the only student in the band to experience band before, during and after the pandemic. Her commitment to music was recognized by festival judges, her bandmates and Mr. Josh Geddis, band teacher.

Prior to the pandemic, the St. Anne’s concert band was made up of over 50 students, half of whom were senior music students with between three and four years of playing experience. During the pandemic, with significant restrictions on playing, many students dropped out of band and stopped taking music.

The St. Anne’s Catholic Secondary School concert band was awarded a gold standing last week in Orillia and now has punched its ticket to the national competition, which will be held in Niagara Falls this May. (Courtesy photo)

After three years of competitive hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the St. Anne’s concert band made its return to competition on Thursday, March 30 at

MusicFest Regionals in Orillia.

The 27-member band performed two pieces of music and were awarded a gold standing, along with an invitation to compete at

MusicFest Canada Nationals, which will be held in Niagara Falls in May.

Elianne Kreuger received special recognition with an Honour Award

“When the year started, we had 16 students in the band, that number has grown to 27 now. What makes this band particularly interesting is that five of the band members are in grade nine and have only been playing their instrument for six months! Our senior students had an extremely shaky two and a half years of limited playing due to Covid. When you hear this group, they play like a band with twice the experience, and sound like a group twice their size. I am incredibly proud of these young musicians for bringing band back to St. Anne’s. Going from 16 to 27 members and a gold standing in less than a year is a very fast turn-around,” says Geddis, who teaches music and directs the concert band.

The St. Anne’s Band will head to nationals in Niagara Falls, where it will compete alongside approximately 175 of the best school ensembles from across the country in May. Band members are also looking ahead to their annual “May Melodies” concert which will be held on Thursday, May 4 in the St. Anne’s gym at 6:30 p.m. This concert will feature the Concert Band, Jazz Band, special guests and a performance by the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board Huron County Honour Band, which is made up of over 40 Grade 6-8 students, playing alongside members of the St. Anne’s Band.

“May Melodies” serves as a fundraiser for the music program. Admission is a suggested donation of $5 or more. Children under 12 are free.