Student musicians from across the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) delivered standout performances at MusicFest Canada’s “The Nationals,” earning more than 10 awards and national recognition for their talent, dedication, and artistry.
Held from May 11 to 16, the prestigious festival brought together thousands of students and educators from across Canada to celebrate excellence in music. Throughout a week filled with competition, collaboration, and learning, SCDSB choirs, bands, and ensembles stayed “sharp,” impressing judges and audiences alike.
Strong showing across multiple schools
Students from several SCDSB secondary schools earned gold, silver, and bronze standings, along with individual honour awards recognizing exceptional musicianship.
Bear Creek Secondary School
Under the direction of Kevin Weiss, Bear Creek students earned:
- Silver in Concert Band Ensemble (Concert Band)
- Honour Award: Danil A. (Trombone)
- Silver in Concert Band Ensemble (Junior Band)
- Honour Award: Maya R. (Trombone)
Collingwood Collegiate Institute
Led by Keri Forrester and co-director Nick Clayton:
- Silver in Concert Band Ensemble (Symphonic Band)
Innisdale Secondary School
Directed by Karen Parnell:
- Silver in Concert Band Ensemble (Concert Band)
- Honour Award: Sidney P. (Flute)
- Gold in Choral/Vocal Jazz (Festival Choir)
- Honour Award: Sophie D. (Alto 1 – Choral)
Georgian Bay District Secondary School
Under Matthew Rodnick:
- Bronze in Concert Band Ensemble (Concert Band)
- Honour Award: Riley W. (Alto Saxophone)
- Silver in Concert Band Ensemble (Symphonic Band)
- Honour Award: Josiah L. (Alto Saxophone)
- Silver in Concert Band Ensemble (Wind Ensemble)
- Honour Award: Ryan S. (Percussion – Classical)
Nantyr Shores Secondary School
Directed by Daniel Vaz, with one of the strongest showings:
- Gold in Concert Band Ensemble (Junior Band)
- Honour Award: Kai A. (Percussion – Classical)
- Gold in Concert Band Ensemble (Senior Band)
- Honour Award: Brooke S. (Tenor Saxophone)
Orillia Secondary School
Under Laura Christie:
- Silver in Concert Band Ensemble (Senior Concert Band)
- Honour Award: Abbey H. (Trumpet)
- Gold in Instrumental Jazz Ensemble (Hawks Jazz)
- Honour Award: Ben B. (Alto Saxophone)
Twin Lakes Secondary School
Led by Christina Bosco and Katherine Yeats:
- Silver in Concert Band Ensemble (Senior Concert Band)
- Honour Award: William C. (Trumpet)
- Gold in Instrumental Jazz Ensemble (Thunder Jazz Band)
- Honour Award: Jacob A. (Guitar)
A celebration of talent and dedication
MusicFest Canada’s Nationals are widely regarded as one of the country’s premier student music events, providing performers with a platform to demonstrate their skills while learning from peers and adjudicators.
SCDSB students not only showcased their musical excellence but also demonstrated teamwork, discipline, and creative expression.
