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Across the Boards – Summer 2018

Arts Features:

Upper Grand District School Board

Young Musicians Shine at Upper Grand Music Festival

Arts education was in the spotlight this spring as ensembles from across the
Upper Grand District School Board participated in the Upper Grand Elementary Music Teacher’s Festival.


Photo Credit: Courtesy of UGDSB Communications Department Staff

The annual festival is a chance for students to showcase their talent and learn from experts in the music industry.

This is the fifth year for the festival, which is organized by music teachers in the Upper Grand Elementary Teachers’ Association and is supported by the UGDSB. What began as a one-day festival has expanded to four days (April 23-26, 2018) to accommodate the demand and student performances.

What sets the event apart is that rather than having schools compete against each other, the festival is an opportunity for music groups of all varieties to perform and then have their performances critiqued by experts in the music industry.

This year’s adjudicators were Jamaican-Canadian soul and jazz artist Joni NehRita, musician, music educator and conductor Dave Davidson, and multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Adrian Jones.

Following each performance, the adjudicators worked with each group and gave the students constructive critique, helping them to grow as musicians and performers.

The Upper Grand Music Festival offers an enriching learning experience for the students. They leave with increased confidence and valuable feedback. All groups receive a recording of their performance, feedback from the adjudicators and an adjudication certificate.


Photo Credit: Courtesy of UGDSB Communications Department Staff

This year’s groups ranged from rock bands and glee clubs to choirs, ukulele ensembles, jazz and concert bands.

Participating schools this year were: Kortright Hills PS, Victory PS, Sir Isaac Brock PS, Eramosa PS, Primrose ES, Willow Road PS, John Black PS, John McCrae PS, Ken Danby PS, Paisley Road PS, Westwood PS, JD Hogarth PS, Mitchell Woods PS, Waverley Drive PS, Jean Little PS, Arbour Vista PS, Elora PS, Rockwood Centennial PS, Brisbane PS, King George PS, Princess Elizabeth PS, and Rickson Ridge PS.

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