Music Makes Us North Bay presented a Massed Bands and Choirs Concert Wednesday night featuring 150 instrumentalists and 40 singers from Chippewa Secondary School, Parry Sound High School, St. Joseph-Scollard Hall Secondary School, West Ferris Secondary School and Widdifield Secondary School. This was Music Makes Us North Bay’s inaugural event. The group is an affiliate of The Coalition for Music Education and is working to raise the awareness and understanding of the role that music education plays in the culture of North Bay and area. Organizers hope this event will promote the benefits that music education brings to people of all ages.
“We are so grateful to the retired teachers, teachers, university students, professors, and community musicians, who dedicated their time and effort to organize and execute this event. We are also thankful for the pizza that was donated by the Kiwanis Club of North Bay.” said Marla Sunstrum, MMUNB member and teacher.
The students spent the day participating in workshops led by Nipissing University education students and community musicians who volunteered their time. Organizers were thrilled with the audience of more than 250 parents, grandparents and community members. In the end it was the students who stole the show with their musical skill. The choir, led by Lynda Burtch, had the most fun presenting “Twist and Shout”, but the audience was blown away by “Alleluia”. “Counterbalance” was the band’s finale and was most certainly the show stopper. Congratulations go to all musicians.
Music Makes Us North Bay chair, Mary Thornton, noted that “music education is a cause that sets kids up for success and provides them with a good feeling of self worth. This event is all about them."
