WFSS music students spend time writing music

Ken Piitoniemi works with Michael Belanger, Grade 10 Student. Story and photo submitted.

West Ferris Secondary School music students spent the week composing music with their 'Composer' in Residence, Ken Piitoniemi. The Artist in Residence initiative is supported by the Ontario Arts Council and the Near North District School Board.



Student composed a three part ‘suite’ that tells the story ‘Old Turtle’ by Douglas Wood with music. Ken worked with the students inputting their music into ‘Finale’ a computer notation program designed for composing.


The West Ferris Band will perform their composition at a celebration of Aboriginal Arts and Culture in the West Ferris Secondary School at the end of May.


Ken Piirtoniemi graduated with a B. Mus. - Honours & B. Ed from the University of Western Ontario at London, and his A. Mus. Performer’s Diploma - tuba from Western Ontario Conservatory of Music at London. Ken performed as principal tubist of the London Symphony Orchestra (Ontario), tuba recitalist, and performed throughout Ontario as tubist of the faculty ensemble, London Brass Quintet.