More than 60 students in the Triton Music Ensemble and Triton Junior Band from Nantyr Shores Secondary School participated in Music Monday this week.
Students from Allandale Heights Public School, alumni and parents congregated at Innisdale Secondary School in south-end Barrie to listen to the high school bands and choirs from Innisdale, Orillia, Bear Creek, and Nantyr Shores secondary schools for the occasion.
Organized by the Coalition for Music Education in Canada, “Music Monday is a national event celebrating the importance of music in our lives, and especially in our schools. This annual celebration began in 2005 and has occurred every year since, in communities throughout Canada, and beyond.”
The coalition invites students. educators, and the community "to celebrate the power of music, and to advocate for equitable access to quality music education for all Canadian students" throughout the month of May.
Music Monday holds a special place in the hearts of Triton Music ensemble students from Nantyr Shores and their music teacher, Danny Vaz.
“Music Monday last year was the catalyst to our program becoming what it was — it was our first-ever public performance,” Vaz explained.
The Triton Music ensemble has gone from having their first public performance one year ago to being the first school from Innisfil to be invited to compete in the MusicFest Nationals in Niagara Falls this month.
“The feeling and feedback from that is what got us going and took us to where we are today. To go back a year later, having achieved what we have, is going to be very special,” Vaz said.
“I am really excited to go back to Music Monday because this is basically where I started my music journey,” said Grade 12 student Kyla Koch, who plays the alto saxophone. “I loved seeing other talented schools, and experiencing the different kinds of music they play. Music Monday had opened my eyes to a world of new music and school bands.”
“Being at Music Monday last year was a mind-blowing experience,” said Grade 12 flutist Charlee Rochon. “I clearly remember having my hands placed on the ground just taking in the feeling of the sound, I couldn’t believe how many people were there. This year I'm looking forward to seeing how much these other bands have grown and the feeling of community that comes by all playing together in the mass ensemble.”
Other students from Nantyr Shores looked forward to participating in Music Monday for the first time.
“I’ve never played at Music Monday or at any event with the band or the junior band, so after coming along to many performances finally being able to play makes me feel like I’m officially in Triton Music,” said Grade 11 student Radwa Mohamed, who plays the trumpet. “I’m so excited for what’s to come in the future.”
The celebration of music consisted of rehearsal, then each school performed for the other students in attendance before the musicians came together to perform O Canada and Music Is Our Medicine, which was the Music Monday anthem for 2022 and 2023, written by composer Nicholas Ma and lyricist Mimi O’Bonsawin.
The day concluded with a speech about the importance of music education and advocacy efforts.
“Having a day and event to celebrate and advocate for music, its impact on the community and share that with people is so important,” Vaz said. “Not having to worry or be nervous about an adjudication or rating, just getting to focus on the music and feeling of the day, is not only special but vital for everyone to connect with music.
"It’s also great for everyone to see peers from different schools who value and are changed by music together in one place, sharing a common passion. In class or at festivals, we only get to experience and make music as a small group," Vaz added. "To do it with hundreds of other instrumentalists and vocalists in mass ensemble is so unique. And to not worry about an adjudication and just enjoy it, I think it’s important that we do a lot more of this.”
Students agreed.
“Through centuries, music has been bringing people together. The bond that our band has is so important, as it stems from the connection through music and the incredible people that come with it,” said Grade 11 flutist Anna Durov. “It's so amazing to see our community evolve, and I think it is crucial to continue Music Monday, that strengthens the relationships we grow as a band.”
When asked about their fundraising efforts for their upcoming trip to the MusicFest Nationals in Niagara Falls, Vaz said the response has been positive.
“Our fundraising efforts have been going well so far," the teacher said. "We’ve had some kind donations on our public link as well as directly from community organizations and groups. We had a successful fundraising day at Johnny Burger and The Cove Cafe in Innisfil, and are hoping to get as much raised to offset the cost to the students.”
To donate to the Triton Music Ensemble, click here.
