CISMF 2024 Program

Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival

Saturday, April 13, 2024 | 3PM

Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto

A Message from Sarah Craig

CIS Ontario, Executive Director

As we gather today to celebrate the 37th Annual CISMF Music Festival, I am filled with profound gratitude and admiration for the incredible talent, dedication, and passion that fill Roy Thomson Hall. With over 1300 student musicians and singers representing 39 member schools, this festival is not merely an event; it is a testament to the power of music to unite, inspire, and uplift us all.

In the words of the legendary musician Bob Marley, "One good thing about music is when it hits you, you feel no pain." Today, as we immerse ourselves in the melodies and harmonies created by these young artists, we are reminded of music's profound impact on our lives. It transcends boundaries, speaks to the depths of our souls, and brings us together to celebrate our shared humanity.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to the music educators who have dedicated countless hours to prepare our students for this momentous occasion. Your commitment to excellence and your unwavering support have empowered these young musicians to reach new heights of creativity and expression. Your volunteerism is a shining example of the selflessness and dedication that define our community.

I express my deepest gratitude to the music educators who have served as lead organizers and conductors for each musical ensembles, bands, and choirs performing today. Your leadership, guidance,

and passion have shaped not only the music but also the hearts and minds of our students. You have instilled in them a love for music that will resonate throughout their lives. I also extend our sincerest thanks to Sandi Chasson, 2024 CISMF Coordinator, who led the coordination of this massive event.

And to the student singers and musicians whose talent and passion illuminate this stage, I say thank you. Thank you for your dedication, perseverance, and commitment to making music together. You represent the future; your voices and instruments are a beacon of hope and inspiration in a divided world.

As we continue to celebrate CISMF 2024, let us remember music's power to unite, uplift, and bring joy to our hearts. May the melodies we create today echo in our memories forever, reminding us of the beauty and magic that music brings to our lives.

Sandi's Welcome to the 37th Annual Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival

Welcome to the 37th annual CISMF – Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival – a collaborative celebration of music presented by students and music educators representing 39 of our 44 CIS Ontario member schools. We are thrilled to perform together again in the beautiful Roy Thomson Hall. The repertoire you experience this afternoon was considered and prepared well in advance, and today’s performance results from three intensive rehearsal days. CISMF is a challenging and rewarding experience for all participants. Bravo to every music faculty member involved with CISMF. Our musicians could not perform at this high level without your instruction, talent, expertise, patience, sense of humour, and enthusiastic support!

A special thank you to our school heads for their continued support and commitment to the performing arts in our CIS Ontario schools. A heartfelt thank you to Sarah Craig, CIS Ontario Executive Director. Her continued support has propelled this music festival to be the envy of all! I know you will be impressed by the energy and dedication of these talented young musicians.

Congratulations to the just over 1300 students who are participating in CISMF 2024! Your hard work, dedication, enthusiasm, and love of music are truly inspirational.

Let the concert begin!

Sandi Chasson CISMF Coordinator 2024

CISMF 2024 Administration

Festival Coordinator

Sandi Chasson – CIS Ontario

CISMF 2024 Emcees

McKenna (Mick) Otter – Trafalgar Castle School

Daniel Markusson – Crestwood School & Prep. College

Instrumental Coordinators

Anthony Mariano – Crestwood School & Prep. College

Natalie DiNardo – De La Salle College ‘Oaklands’

String Coordinators

Esteban Cambre – Appleby College

Adam Despinic – Branksome Hall

Choral Coordinators

Shanda Lee – Kingsway College School

Ellen Wells – Pickering College

Georgette Marshall – Holy Trinity School

Jazz Coordinators

Garry Page – St. Andrew's College

Jeff McLeod – UTS University of Toronto Schools

Stage Manager

Amy McLennan – St. Michael's College School

Rehearsal Sites

St. Andrew’s College, Aurora – sac.on.ca

Holy Trinity School, Richmond Hill – hts.on.ca

The Country Day School, King – cds.on.ca

TMS, Richmond Hill – tmsschool.ca

Audition Committee

Agnes Ng – Branksome Hall

Amy McLennan – St. Michael’s College School

Angie Tang – Branksome Hall

Anthony Mariano – Crestwood School & Prep. College

Ashly Mastromonaco – The Bishop Strachan School

Chris Plock – St. Michael’s College School

Denise Simpson – The Sterling Hall School

Edmee Nataprawira – St. Clement’s School

Emily Johnson – Royal St. George’s College

Emma Crawford – Trinity College School

Esteban Cambre – Appleby College

Garry Page – St. Andrew’s College

Jaekwan Chong – TMS

Jeff McLeod – UTS University of Toronto Schools

John Richardson – St. Andrew’s College

Julian Smerdon – Trafalgar Castle School

Michael Bellissimo – Bayview Glen

Natalie DiNardo – De La Salle College ‘Oaklands’

Nicola Lee – Trinity College School

Nora Hammond – Hillfield Strathallan College

Roger Marles – TMS

Sandi Chasson – CIS Ontario

Tom Marcaccini – The Bishop Strachan School

Tom Wade West – Royal St. George’s College

Program Cover Artwork Contest Winner

Chris Song, Grade 10 – Trafalgar Castle School

Participating Schools

Albert College

Appleby College

Ashbury College

Bayview Glen

Branksome Hall

Crescent School

Crestwood School & Preparatory College

De La Salle College ‘Oaklands’

Greenwood College School

Hawthorn School for Girls

Hillfield Strathallan College

Holy Name of Mary College School

Holy Trinity School

Kempenfelt Bay School

Kingsway College School

Lakefield College School

Matthews Hall

Montcrest School

Pickering College

Ridley College

Rosseau Lake College

Royal St. George's College

St. Andrew's College

St. Anne’s School

St. Clement's School

St. John's-Kilmarnock School

St. Michael's College School

St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School

TFS – Canada's International School

The Bishop Strachan School

The Country Day School

The Sterling Hall School

The York School

TMS Trafalgar Castle School

Trinity College School

Upper Canada College

UTS University of Toronto Schools

Villanova College

Learn more about Cosmo Music at: www.cosmomusic.ca

A very special thank you to Cosmo Music for providing the percussion for the concert today. Thank you!

Repertoire 2024

UTS Bakudan Taiko (Japanese Drumming)

ZOKU (Translates to family or group) by Leonard Eto, KODO (Sado Island, Japan)

Wind Ensemble

O CANADA

UNDERTOW by John Mackey

Conducted by Simone Gendron (Ashbury College)

Junior Choir

Wind Ensemble

THE BAT................................................................................................................................................. by Andy Beck

HOW FAR I’LL GO (from Moana) by Lin-Manuel Miranda, arr. Audrey Snyder

Conducted by Brent Fifield (Hillfield Strathallan College)

Accompanied by Ellen Wells (Pickering College)

PERSIS ...................................................................................................................................... by James L. Hosay

Conducted by Agnes Ng (Branksome Hall)

Junior Choir

LUNAR LULLABY .......................................................................................................... by Jacob Narverud

WAU BULAN................................................................................................................................. arr. Tracy Wong

Conducted by Shanda Lee (Kingsway College School)

Accompanied by Ellen Wells (Pickering College)

Concert Band

FRAGILE ........................................................................................................................ by Randall Standridge

Conducted by John Pittman (The York School)

Repertoire 2024

Intermediate Choir

BIRD SONG ............................................................................................................................ by Heather Masse

AND SO IT GOES ............................................................................ by Billy Joel, arr. Audrey Snyder

Conducted by Ben Wright (St. John's-Kilmarnock School)

Accompanied by Caroline Pai (TFS – Canada’s International School)

Concert Band THREE CZECH FOLK SONGS by Johnnie Vinson

Conducted by Jessica Puskar (Pickering College)

Intermediate Choir DEFYING GRAVITY (from Wicked)...... by Stephen Schwartz, arr. Roger Emerson

OYE by Jim Papoulis

Conducted by Kaeleigh Campbell (Matthews Hall)

Accompanied by Marius Debick (Matthews Hall)

Concert Orchestra

FANDANGO by Luigi Boccherini

Conducted by Esteban Cambre (Appleby College)

SUPER MARIO by Koji Kondo, arr. E. Cambre

Conducted by Ashly Mastromonaco (The Bishop Strachan School)

Jazz Band

O.W. by Mary Lou Williams, edited by Rob DuBoff & Jeffrey Sultanof

Conducted by Jeffrey McLeod (UTS University of Toronto Schools)

R U CHICKEN....................................................................................................................................... by Kris Berg

Conducted by Garry Page (St. Andrew’s College)

Intermission

Repertoire 2024

Symphonic Band

ARGENTUM by Randall Standridge

Conducted by Nora Hammond (Hillfield Strathallan College)

Senior Choir

Symphonic Band

AMBE ......................................................................................................................................... by Andrew Balfour

BIG YELLOW TAXI by Joni Mitchell, arr. Adam & Matt Podd

Conducted by Lindsay Newman (Greenwood College School)

Accompanied by Erin Paul (Albert College)

TALES OF AN EPIC ADVENTURE ............................................................................. by Naoya Wada

Conducted by Angie Tang (Branksome Hall)

Senior Choir OKÂWÎMÂW ASKIY (Mother Earth)

.............................................. by Sherryl Sewepagaham

APPLE TREE ................. by Aurora Aksnes, Magnus Skylstad & Odd Martin Skålnes, arr. Katerina Gimon

Conducted by Sara Joy (Appleby College)

Accompanied by Erin Paul (Albert College)

Chamber Orchestra

SERENADE IN E MAJOR 3rd Movement .................................................... by Antonín Dvořák

Conducted by Adam Despinic (Branksome Hall)

GRADIENTS by Kevin Poelking

GUEST STRING CONDUCTOR – Kevin Poelking

Finale

WHY WE SING

................................................. by Greg Gilpin, Orchestrated by Mark Hayes

String Ensemble Percussion, Mass Choirs and Rhythm section

GUEST FINALE CONDUCTOR – Brad Barnham

Guest Finale Conductor

Brad Barnham

Hailing from Burlington, Ontario, Brad Barnham is a versatile musician with a multifaceted career. He serves as the Director of Music and Choral Activities at St. George’s Anglican Church in St. Catharines and is the Music Director of Toronto's Wavestage Theatre Company. Brad also contributes to the Avanti Chamber Singers as assistant conductor and tenor, while directing the Changed Voice Ensemble of Chorus Niagara Children’s Choir.

Brad excels as a conductor, adjudicator, composer, producer, and performer, frequently sought-after as a guest conductor and clinician for national and regional vocal festivals and competitions such as MusicFest, Ontario Vocal Festival, Ontario Vocal Jazz Festival and Kiwanis. He looks forward to

his Roy Thomson Hall debut this April, as guest conductor for the Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival, where he will conduct a choir of over a thousand singers, and string orchestra. His compositions have been premiered by various choirs and ensembles in Ontario and beyond, including the Exultate Chamber Singers, Christ’s Church Cathedral Choir, Woodstock Fanshawe Singers, and St. George’s Choir.

Beyond the choral and symphonic realm, Brad's musical endeavours extend to world-renowned recording studios across North America, where he writes, records, and produces music. Notably, in the summer of 2022, Brad and his band "Family of Things" signed a record deal with Label Music Group, releasing their record the following year.

Brad holds a MMus (Hon. Choral Conducting) degree from the University of Toronto, following a BMus (Hon. Theory and Composition) degree from Western University. From 2015-2017, Brad served as the assistant conductor of the Ellison Canadian Honour Choir. His rich portfolio includes assistant conductor roles for various choirs, including the Bach Chamber Youth Choir, Christ’s Church Cathedral Choir, University of Toronto Men’s Chorus, Church of Redeemer Choir, Western University Singers, St. James Westminster Choir, and the Woodstock Fanshawe Singers. Additionally, in 2016, Brad contributed his expertise as a judge for the Classical Award at the JUNO Awards panel.

Guest String Conductor

Kevin Poelking

Unique, thoughtful, and meticulously crafted, Kevin Poelking's work is quickly emerging in the world of modern music. Always mindful of contributing purposefully to the repertoire, Poelking considers the experience of audience members, musicians, and conductors from the outset of his creative process.

Within the first three years of his professional career as a composer, he was named a winner or top finalist in several competitions, including The NBA/ William D. Revelli Memorial Composition Contest, The American Prize, The Reno Pops Composer's Showcase, and The Minot Symphony Orchestra Young Composer's Competition.

Poelking receives regular commissions and performances in his home state of Colorado and

beyond. He has received world premieres from The Dallas Winds, the Stratus Chamber Orchestra, and the Montgomery Philharmonic. His music has been performed at the Royal Danish Academy of Music, the University of Michigan, and other academic and professional venues throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia.

An accomplished conductor, Poelking received a Master of Music degree with Dr. Rebecca Phillips and was invited to conduct the United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" in 2019.

His composition teachers include award-winning composer Dr. James M. David and Pulitzer Prizenominated composer Dr. Carter Pann.

Poelking serves on the music faculty at Colorado State University and works as a Composer-inResidence for the Greater Boulder Youth Orchestras.

Programme Notes 2024

Wind Ensemble

UNDERTOW ....................................................................................................................................

by John Mackey

Though many of his pieces are extremely virtuosic, "Undertow" is the first of Mackey’s works written specifically for intermediate bands. It was commissioned by the Hill Country Middle School Band and premiered by that ensemble with its conductor, Cheryl Floyd, in May 2008. The work is significantly different than much of Mackey’s output in terms of technical difficulty, but many characteristic elements of his writing are nonetheless present, including biting semitone dissonance within a tonal context, frequent use of mixed meter, heavy percussion effects and, perhaps most importantly to this work, a pervasive ostinato. The metric pattern for the piece is an alternation of 7/8 and 4/4 time, which provides an agitated “out-of-step” pulsation throughout. The energetic opening melody cycles through several repetitions before washing away into a gentle stream of percussive eighth notes. From here, a countermelody emerges that slowly ratchets the energy back up to its original level, where the initial melody returns to round out the explosive conclusion.

Junior Choir

THE BAT ..................................................................................................................................................

by Andy Beck

"The Bat" is a creative, original piece written especially for two-part choirs that features quick-changing dynamics, textures, and articulations that will both challenge and reward young singers. The text introduces opportunities for the singers to explore new vocabulary and compare their knowledge of bats to the musical elements in the piece. Andy Beck is an American author and composer of over 450 choral works.

HOW FAR I’LL GO (from Moana) ...................................

by Lin-Manuel Miranda, arr. Audrey Snyder

Lin-Manuel Miranda is one of today’s most recognizable and prolific composers of music for film as well as musical theatre. He is the composer (and star) of Hamilton and In the Heights, as well as Moana and Encanto. He is of Puerto Rican descent and also has Mexican, English, and African-American ancestry. He is an activist, and both he and his family are active supporters of initiatives that increase the representation of people of colour throughout the arts and government, ensure access to women’s reproductive health and promote resilience in Puerto Rico. The lyrics of "How Far I’ll Go" have an inspiring message of pursuing adventure and the importance of following our dreams.

Programme Notes

2024

Wind Ensemble

PERSIS ........................................................................................................................................... by James L. Hosay

“Persis” (Greek word for Persia) is a Fantasy-Overture that tells the story of a modern-day American man who travels back through time to the ancient Persian city of Persepolis. He begins a wild and wonderful adventure as he is suddenly surrounded by magnificent architecture, grand marble statues, and beautiful works of art in one of the earliest known cultured civilizations. In the royal courtyard, he meets and falls in love with a beautiful woman he knows from another place and time. However, his presence in this place is forbidden, and he is chased by armed warriors. As he flees from the city, he reflects on the romance that could have been. This piece combines some colourful yet challenging orchestration with modes that most students rarely get to explore. It starts with a fast, exciting rhythmic section along with a gorgeous, lyrical section in the middle, with some beautiful lines played by the oboe (cued in flute part as well), flute, and horn; before culminating in a chase section using many of the themes in the first section.

Junior Choir

LUNAR LULLABY .................................................................................................................... by Jacob Narverud

"Lunar Lullaby" is a gorgeous, lyrical piece with a beautiful piano accompaniment. A soaring melody and supportive piano accompaniment offer constant motion and contrast, while an imaginative text of unconditional love tells of the "celestial child" in the stars. The melody is very singable and full of celestial imagery. The unison voicing is a new release this year and will allow for greater ease in learning. Jacob Narverud is an American composer, conductor, arranger, and pianist of Norwegian descent.

WAU BULAN ..................................................................................................................................... arr. Tracy Wong

"Wau Bulan" is a folk song and dance that originates from Malaysia. It is performed in the Dikir Barat style whereby performers sit in rows on the floor/stage and do choreographed hand and body movements. “Wau Bulan” describes the beauty of the Malaysian traditional kite (wau) with a rounded bottom shaped like a half moon (bulan) as it flies high up in the sky. It will be performed with hand drum accompaniment.

Programme Notes 2024

Concert Band

FRAGILE ...............................................................................................................................

by Randall Standridge

Drawing from his own experiences with depression, this mature work for young ensembles by Randall Standridge is a meditation on the lives of those who live with mental health conditions. At times melancholy, terrifying, triumphant, and confused, it is carefully tailored to be accessible to younger ensembles and to provide programs with a tool to spark discussions about mental health. Beautiful melodies, colourful scoring, and an aleatoric moment create a stunning work that will leave an impact on players and audiences alike. Part of Standridge's unBroken Project, it highlights all sections equally throughout the work, with a lush opening viola soli and an emotional solo violin moment featuring optional shifting.

Intermediate Choir

BIRD SONG ..................................................................................................................................

by Heather Masse

"Bird Song" is a beautiful mid-tempo piece about longing to be more open and free. Heather Masse is the alto from the Juno-winning trio The Wailin’ Jennys. The Wailin’ Jennys are favourites of the Canadian Folk Festival scene and were the house band for Stewart MacLean’s Vinyl Cafe as well as NPR’s A Prairie Home Companion radio program with Garrison Keillor.

AND SO IT GOES ...........................................................................................

by Billy Joel, arr. Audrey Snyder

"And So it Goes" is a beautiful Billy Joel love song about the choice to be vulnerable. The song was inspired by the Scottish ballad "Barbara Allen", and is unique for Joel as it is written in iambic tetrameter.

Programme Notes

2024 Concert Band

THREE CZECH FOLK SONGS .............................................................................................

by Johnnie Vinson

The folk music of Czechoslovakia has often served as a fertile source of material and inspiration for composers and arrangers. This work is a setting of three traditional Czech melodies displaying a wide range of moods and styles. Walking At Night alternates between a beautiful slow melody and a lively dance theme. Meadows Green is an expressive ballad superbly scored for all sections of the band. The suite concludes in grand fashion with a spirited rendition of the familiar Spring, The Madcap.

Intermediate Choir

DEFYING GRAVITY (from Wicked) ................................

by Stephen Schwartz, arr. Roger Emerson

"Defying Gravity" is from the musical Wicked composed by Stephen Schwartz and arranged by Roger Emerson. The core of the song is that "Elphaba finds power through her own outsider status," which has universal appeal due to audiences rooting for outsiders.

OYE

by Jim Papoulis

The composer, Jim Papoulis, is well known for writing music with a blend of classical, contemporary, and world traditions. He works closely with the Foundation for Small Voices to conduct songwriting workshops for children and wrote the song "Oye" for the South the Sounds of a Better World series. With Spanish and English lyrics, the piece was inspired by the children at an inner-city school program in Mexico. "Oye" means listen. The song's overall message is for the world to listen when people are crying out for help.

Programme Notes

2024

Concert Orchestra

FANDANGO ...............................................................................................................................

by Luigi Boccherini

Luigi Boccherini (1743-1805) was a prolific composer, creative transcriber, and cello virtuoso. His compositions are almost exclusively chamber music for various ensembles, though heavy emphasis is placed on the cello. As an Italian composer living and working in Spain, Boccherini composed the "Introduction" and "Fandango" by adapting two of his earlier compositions. He took the two opening movements of his String Quintet in D major for two violins, viola, and two cellos, Op. 10/6, G. 270, composed in 1771, reversed their order and added them to the two opening movements of his String Quintet in D major for two violins, viola, and two cellos, Op. 40/2, G. 341, composed in 1788 to create his String Quintet in D major for two violins, viola, cello, and guitar, G. 448, in 1798, which also included an obbligato castanet part towards the end of the fandango. The result is a work completely unified by both the key, ensemble, and mood. Over the next two centuries, Boccherini's "Introduction" and "Fandango" have been arranged for everything from two guitars to guitar and orchestra. Today’s performance is arranged for string orchestra by Clark McAlister, complete with a percussion part for tambourine and castanets.

SUPER MARIO .....................................................................................................

by Koji Kondo, arr. E. Cambre

Koji Kondo, a Japanese composer and sound director, is renowned for his immeasurable impact on the gaming industry and a pioneer in the field. In 1985, Kondo composed the legendary soundtrack for "Super Mario Bros.," introducing the world to the catchy and timeless Main Theme that has since become synonymous with the Mario franchise. The work opens with the vibrant and uplifting Main Theme, instantly recognizable to anyone who has ever embarked on the adventures of the mustachioed plumber, Mario. Following the Main Theme, the mood takes a mysterious turn as the orchestra delves into the Underground Theme. In the Super Mario Brothers game, this theme accompanies Mario's exploration of subterranean worlds filled with hidden dangers and surprises. Esteban Cambre's arrangement of the Theme from Super Mario Brothers for string orchestra offers a delightful fusion of nostalgia and artistic interpretation. Through the skillful crafting of each section and instrument, the strings breathe new life into the iconic melodies, allowing listeners to experience the magic of Super Mario Brothers in a concert setting. As the orchestra performs these familiar tunes, audiences are invited to embark on a musical adventure that transcends the boundaries of video games and embraces the universal language of music.

Programme Notes

2024

Jazz Band

O.W. ................................................... by Mary Lou Williams, edited by Rob DuBoff &

Jeffrey Sultanof

One of the greatest jazz pianists, composers, and arrangers of all time, Mary Lou Williams was a swing and bebop icon. “The Lady Who Swings the Band” also devoted herself to aiding musicians in need and teaching younger generations about jazz’s rich African American heritage.

This interesting Mary Lou Williams arrangement was written in 1967 for the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Duke never did play it, however. The tune was originally written in 1953 and recorded during a quartet date with Don Byas. Mary Lou later adapted it for chorus, recording it in 1970 as Mary Lou's Mass. This arrangement moves between straight-ahead swing and African Waltz. There is a solo section for tenor saxophone that may be opened up for additional solos. For the African Waltz section, a sample drum pattern was supplied by Ndugu Chancler, as Mary Lou did not include one in her score. In addition, an optional guitar part has been supplied and piano voicings indicated by Mary Lou have been included.

R U CHICKEN ............................................................................................................................................

by Kris Berg

Sometimes, a chart comes along that just needs to be played. This is a high-octane funk number with homage to Alfred James Ellis’s "The Chicken!" made famous by the legendary electric bassist Jaco Pastorius. It's another fabulous adventure by the ‘chicken-master’ NOT Colonel Sanders but American composer and arranger Kris Berg. Featuring scintillating solos for trumpet and tenor sax, listen for the grooving bass line combined with the baritone sax, which will be sure to knock your feathers off! When listening to this band, ask yourself, R U Chicken? This is guaranteed to pluck you out of your seat!

Symphonic Band

ARGENTUM ........................................................................................................................

by Randall Standridge

The title is the Latin word for silver, and this vibrant work practically shines with its brilliant sounds. The opening 7/8 section gives a nod to composer Claude T. Smith as it leads to a high-spirited Scottish-sounding dance. After a reflective middle, the opening material then returns for a rousing and spectacular conclusion.

Programme Notes

2024

Senior Choir

AMBE .............................................................................................................................................

by Andrew Balfour

Andrew Balfour is a Manitoba-based composer of Cree descent. "Ambe" is based on an original song in Ojibway by Cory Campbell which was gifted to Andrew Balfour and the University of Manitoba Concert Choir. Andrew worked closely with Cory to create this piece. Cory was also compensated appropriately for the gift of this song. The Ojibway text translates to: Come in, all two-legged beings, come in, all people. The way to a good life is here. Come in!

BIG YELLOW TAXI

.......................................................................

by Joni Mitchell, arr. Adam & Matt Podd

“Big Yellow Taxi” was composed and performed by Canadian artist Joni Mitchell in 1970, but its message of environmental concern remains relevant today. The Podd Brothers have transformed this folk music staple into a powerful contemporary choral piece. Their arrangement melds the powerful message of the lyrics with the playfulness of Mitchell’s unique musical style.

Symphonic Band

TALES OF AN EPIC ADVENTURE

............................................................................................

by Naoya Wada

The beginning of a great adventure story gives us hope, courage, and excitement. The joy we gain through the encounters and tough trials in any compelling quest, inspires and encourages our growth. We grow up always facing new encounters and challenges that come our way. We can say that each of us is the protagonist of our own ‘epic adventure.’

Programme Notes

2024

Senior Choir

OKÂWÎMÂW ASKIY (Mother Earth)

by Sherryl Sewepagaham

"Okâwîmâw Askiy (Mother Earth)" began as a vocable song and Cree words were added to bring more meaning. The intention of the song is love, hope, and standing in unity to take better care of our mother earth, Okâwîmâw Askiy. A first-person plural perspective is intentional for us to speak directly to her as we sing to her as her children: Mother Earth, we are your children. We love you. Sherryl Sewepagaham is of Cree-Dene ancestry from the Little Red River Cree Nation in northern Alberta. Having taught elementary music for 14 years, Sherryl is an experienced elementary Music Educator focusing on Indigenous Music Education and First Nations songs for the classroom. Sherryl is also a composer of traditional and contemporary First Nations drum songs. Sherryl wrote the music and lyrics for the National Arts Centre’s Music Alive Program (MAP) song, “Music Alive,” which has been shared with elementary schools across Canada. Sara has worked personally with Sherryl on the interpretation and presentation of her music.

APPLE TREE ......................................... by Aurora Aksnes, Magnus Skylstad & Odd Martin Skålnes, arr. Katerina Gimon

Katerina Gimon is a Canadian composer based in Vancouver. "Apple Tree" is a song about "the potential hidden in all of us". The lyrics address the urgency of the global climate crisis but serve as a hopeful reminder that within every one of us lies the power to make a difference. If we unite, listen, and support one another, together we can "save the world."

Programme Notes

2024 Chamber Orchestra

SERENADE IN E MAJOR 3rd Movement .......................................................................

by Antonín Dvořák

Antonín Dvořák is hailed as the quintessential Czech composer, and proud nationalist sentiment was undoubtedly central to his self-definition, music, and success. As a young composer beginning to make his name, Dvořák poured his gift for melody into his Serenade for Strings. This untroubled and sunny composition was representative of a period of bliss for him: a happy marriage, a young son, and new prospects for recognition and financial security. Even the word “Serenade” can be defined as “an evening piece” usually performed on quiet and pleasant nights. The third movement, Scherzo, opens with a bright and lively tune that moves into a broad and reflective theme in the Trio. The beautiful ending of this movement recalls both the Scherzo and Trio themes as if in a dream, cut short by a sudden return to the exciting tune from the beginning.

GRADIENTS ..................................................................................................................................

by Kevin Poelking

"Gradients" follow the journey of a single grain of stone that has been chipped away from the top of a mountain by the relentless drip of water. As it descends through the peaks, it encounters a variety of ever-changing styles as it moves through calming plateaus, sudden drops, and vast bodies of water. "Gradients" was awarded 3rd Place in the 2022 American Prize for Composition. It was commissioned by the Cherry Creek School District Honor Orchestra in Denver, Colorado, for a concert program inspired by their home state. It premiered on January 18, 2020, under the baton of Dr. Erik Johnson.

GUEST STRING CONDUCTOR: Kevin Poelking

Finale

WHY WE SING ...................................................................

by Greg Gilpin, Orchestrated by Mark Hayes, Drums by John Richardson, Bass by Marcus Fong, Piano by Jeff McLeod

A sound of hope, a sound of peace, a sound that celebrates and speaks what we believe. A sound of love, a sound so strong. It's amazing what is given when we share a song. This is why we sing...

GUEST FINALE CONDUCTOR: Brad Barnham

Participating Schools

Albert College

 albertcollege.ca

Albert College in Belleville is Canada's oldest co-educational boarding and day school. A closeknit atmosphere and diverse student body make the school a truly unique learning environment for students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. Albert College offers a unique Arts Period program that provides access to the arts for every student, complementing their academic and athletic programs. Participation in the arts is required at Albert and gives students the opportunity to try something new in an encouraging and inclusive way. This allows us to have many students participating in our musical ensembles, including Junior School choirs and bands, a 40-member Wind Ensemble, a 12-piece Jazz Ensemble, a 15-member Middle School Band, and a 65-member SATB Choir, all with a school population of just 300 students. At Albert College, we believe that the arts are essential to the development of well-rounded students at every age.

Music Faculty: Erin Paul, Blair Yarranton

Appleby College

 appleby.on.ca

Appleby College offers an exceptional creative outlet for those with an interest in creating music. Our music programme includes courses in vocal, instrumental, jazz and strings. In addition to our academic offerings, our club program offers choral, orchestral, and guitar ensembles as well as the Studio Live House Band. In this ensemble, students create their own ensembles and learn how to record their music. An extension of this programme is Appleby’s Spotify channel, where EPs of student performances are released annually. The artistic talents of our students are featured in several performances throughout the year, including Arts Week—a celebration of the performing and visual arts at Appleby. Each year, Appleby students also put on a full-feature musical at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, complete with full cast, tech crew, and pit band. In addition to local performances, Appleby students often perform more broadly. This year, Appleby's orchestra is traveling to Greece to explore connections between math and music, and the choir is traveling to New York City to perform at Carnegie Hall.

Music Faculty: Borys Boytchuk, Esteban Cambre, Sara Joy, Sarah Morrison

Ashbury College

 ashbury.ca

Founded in 1891, Ashbury College is an independent day and boarding IB World School for 750 students in Grades 4 to 12 located in Canada’s capital and the traditional, unceded territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation. We serve a diverse community of over 60 nationalities from around the National Capital Region, the diplomatic community, and international and domestic boarding students.

Ashbury’s Music and Arts programs take place in the Creative Learning Centre, with its first-rate facilities and equipment. Music is very much alive at Ashbury and permeates and enhances a number of school community events throughout the year. Music instruction is provided at both the Junior and Senior levels, and the performing ensembles include Concert Bands, Jazz Bands, Choirs, Pit Band, Small Ensembles and a String Ensemble. In addition to performing, the rich curriculum promotes diversity and includes music theory, composition and IB Music at the Senior level. The concert bands are regularly recognized for musical excellence at the Capital Region Music Festival and at MusicFest Canada. Recent international tours include Cuba and Italy, and the large ensembles look forward to performing at MusicFest Nationals in Toronto this year.

Music Faculty: Simone Gendron, David Kaye, George Nicholson, Stefan Sikorski

Bayview Glen

 bayviewglen.ca

Situated along the Don River in North York, Bayview Glen is an academically invigorating, internationally connected, co-educational Preschool-throughGrade-12 independent school. Our close-knit and vibrantly diverse community, inspired by caring teachers and fueled by a forward-looking curriculum, shapes independent thinkers and energetic citizens. As a school, we are committed to teaching the whole child, enabling every student to become a confident, creative, and contributing member of our global society.

Our dedication to excellence in teaching and learning compels us to foster relationships, curate experiences, and provide the necessary support to enable our students to think critically about the world. An exemplar of this commitment is our Music Programme, led by expert teachers in their respective disciplines.

Throughout the school year, students have the opportunity to showcase their musical talents at several events. All students are encouraged to participate in our choirs and many instrumental ensembles. These performing groups have been and will continue to be proud to take part in such events as The Kiwanis Music Festival, MusicFest Canada, The Ontario Band Association Festival, Humber College Next Generation Jazz Festival, Holiday Concerts, Spring Concerts, Coffee Houses, and Music Nights.

We are privileged to share our music within our school community on various occasions. Weekly assemblies allow students to participate and perform in seasonal and cultural celebrations. A highlight of the Lower School programme is Spring Festivals, where each class presents a musical, offering performance opportunities for all students. In the Prep School, students begin learning instruments in Grade 6. And, the Upper School programme extends their musical experience, allowing students to take on roles as conductors and explore composition, elevating their overall musical proficiency.

Music Faculty: Michael Bellissimo, Rebecca Fisher, Chris Hunsburger, Angela Mantie, Alana Scharfstein, Ea-Ling Seun

Branksome Hall

 branksome.on.ca

Branksome Hall (JK-12) is an IB continuum World School for girls that has been located in the downtown Toronto neighbourhood of Rosedale since 1903. The Junior School (JK-6) offers a well-rounded music curriculum, including singing, recorder, ukulele and transdisciplinary connections. The range of co-curricular offerings includes choirs, instrumental ensembles, musical theatre and more. In Middle School (7-8), all students choose between band, strings and vocal streams of music. Each of these streams of music continues as arts options in the Senior School (9-10), culminating with the option of IB Diploma students (11-12) choosing to study at either standard or higher level music. Branksome supports a robust Senior and Middle School co-curricular program with ensembles such as Concert Band,

Wind Symphony, Jazz Band, String Orchestra, Chamber Strings, Chamber Choir and Concert Choir. Ensembles have opportunities to share their music with the community by performing at the annual Carol Service and Senior Spring Concert and many other school events. The Arts Department stages a largescale theatre production every year, often featuring a majority-student pit band or orchestra. Recent shows include Narnia (2018), The Wizard of Oz (2019), Seussical (2022), and She Kills Monsters (2023). Branksome actively participates in the CIS Ontario Music Festival, Ontario Band Association Provincial Festival, Ontario Vocal Association Provincial Festival, and Toronto Kiwanis Music Festival. Branksome also has a sister school, Branksome Hall Asia, located on Jeju Island in South Korea.

Music Faculty: Adam Despinic, Agnes Ng, Angie Tang, Lisa Yorke

Crescent School

 crescentschool.org

Crescent School’s vibrant music program enriches the lives of boys in Grades 3-12 and inspires collaboration skills while inviting students to be creatively courageous. The program includes a wide variety of co-curricular offerings, such as senior and junior choirs, senior and junior jazz ensembles, a symphonic band, a concert band, and string ensembles. Students perform at assemblies, recitals, and concerts. They also take part in regional and national music festivals and a biannual international choral tour.

Music Faculty: Dr. Sandra Boyes, Bronwen Low-Scott, Harry Timmermans, Vince Volpe

Crestwood School & Preparatory College

 crestwood.on.ca

Crestwood Preparatory College is a university preparatory school for grades 7-12, which opened its doors in 2001. As part of the school’s motto of inspiring excellence and nurturing individuality, music is offered to all students, with the 7s and 8s learning as a semester course. At the same time, full-year classes are provided for students in grades 9-12. Gr. 7s spend the semester in music learning ukuleles, while Gr. 8-12 classes are centered on concert band instruments and performance. Beyond the core music program, Crestwood offers extracurricular music groups, including Jazz Band, Strings Club, Crestwood Voices Choir and our popular Rock Band. Performance opportunities for all our groups include participation in the annual Arts and Technology Festival (one held in December and the other in May) and various school and community events ranging from Remembrance Day to graduation ceremonies and most recently, annual concerts for our Crestwood Lower School students and faculty. Another musical highlight is our Senior Concert Band performing as a pit band for the school plays, which included in past years: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2019), Clue (2022) and last year’s production of She Kills Monsters (2023). The band looks forward to providing music for this year’s production of Alice @ Wonderland. Crestwood Prep is happy to participate in this year’s CISMF once again and would like to congratulate all other schools participating this year.

Music Faculty: Anthony Mariano

De La Salle College ‘Oaklands’

 delasalle.ca

The Music program at De La Salle College is a vibrant and performance-based ensemble, encompassing concert bands (including brass, woodwind, and percussion) for students from grade 5 through grade 12. Each student utilizes their own instrument, with instruction tailored to accommodate beginners through to advanced players. Our classes and rehearsals take place in a state-of-the-art, acoustically balanced rehearsal space.

We boast an array of musical ensembles, including six concert bands, one jazz band, one choir, a rock band, a marching band, and a pep squad, offering students a diverse range of performance opportunities. Alongside our annual Christmas and Spring concerts, our Senior Concert Band competes in an international music festival each spring and engages in various charitable and fundraising endeavors. Additionally, students have the opportunity to audition for the CISMF and honor band, composed of students from across CIS Ontario schools, which performs annually at Roy Thomson Hall.

Our Marching Band has proudly participated in the Toronto Santa Claus Parade for the past 11 years, while our Pep Squad performs at our tree lighting ceremony and Megan’s Hug Walk kick-off ceremony in May.

As part of our ShareLife Day fundraising efforts for our sister school in Naka, Nigeria, the music department also hosts a talent show in the fall, complete with judges and audience voting. We also have a coffee house in the spring, providing intimate performance settings open to all students and staff showcasing students’ talents on other instruments outside of our concert band program.

Students in our program explore, perform, and respond to music from various cultural influences, styles, composers, and historical periods, fostering a lifelong engagement with music. Furthermore, students develop essential skills beyond the classroom and workplace, discovering connections between music and other fine arts and fields of knowledge. Whether arranging private lessons or forming small chamber ensembles, there is an abundance of opportunities for students to immerse themselves in the musical journey at De La Salle College.

Music Faculty: Natalie DiNardo, Francesco Di Cristofaro

Greenwood College School

 greenwoodcollege.org

Greenwood’s music program is designed to provide students with rewarding and authentic performance opportunities. The school offers a curricular band and vocal program for Grades 7-12. Private lessons are also offered at the school for any musician looking to improve their vocal or instrumental skills.

Greenwood offers a robust co-curricular program that includes a choir, a junior, intermediate and senior jazz band, and a pit band for the full-school musical. These ensembles regularly perform at

school events and around our community. The school will produce Pippin this year as the fullschool musical, which will feature the pit band and will incorporate the artistic contributions of more than 100 students. In the spring, we will gear up for our annual school Arts Show with performances and showings from our Instrumental Music, Film, Media, Visual, Drama, Photography, and Vocal Music programs.

Music Faculty: Lindsay Newman, Richard Piasetski

Hawthorn School for Girls

 hawthornschool.com

Hawthorn provides a unique, well-rounded education that develops both character and intelligence so that our students become confident women of integrity and faith committed to the betterment of society. The music curriculum at Hawthorn recognizes that love and appreciation for music is a key aspect in a person’s development. Our Upper School and Lower School choirs perform in concerts and serve at school assemblies, liturgical events, and other special occasions throughout the year. All students in the Lower School receive vocal training as members of the choir as well as lessons in music theory and history. In addition, all students in grades 3-7 learn string instruments as part of our regular curriculum.

Music Faculty: Magdolna Hamza, Theresa Kim, Sarah Marchack

Hillfield Strathallan College

 hsc.on.ca

Located on a 50-acre campus in Hamilton, Ontario, Hillfield Strathallan College (HSC) is an independent, co-ed, non-denominational day school with a student population of over 1200. HSC inspires its students to reach their full potential and to better the world around them. Our College provides a full, independent educational experience for students from toddler to Grade 12, including rigorous academics, sound social and emotional development, and student-centred, Project Based Learning (PBL) within a welcoming community.

HSC nurtures imagination and creativity early through an integrated Arts program taught by accomplished specialists. The Performing Arts are centre stage at HSC, where not only can students get involved with our stellar Middle and Senior School theatre productions, but also our music program, which has been described as the “jewel in the crown.” Here, we regularly showcase excellence via our award-winning choirs and instrumental ensembles, often featured at major HSC community events such as our Remembrance Day and Carol Service, as well as music festivals at both the regional and national levels. Our students are often

engaged, through music, in community outreach initiatives, and are encouraged to learn about the powerful social role of music in our world. Our music faculty are highly trained, dedicated specialists who are devoted to providing enriched musical experiences for students, including leadership, travel and high-level performance opportunities.

Music Faculty: Kate Boose, Brent Fifield, Allan Gaumond, Ona Gutauskas, Nora Hammond, Sarah Polimeni

Holy Name of Mary College School

Holy Name of Mary College School (HNMCS) is a progressive and vibrant independent Catholic school that provides girls in Grades 5-12 with rich educational opportunities and a multitude of co-curricular activities to ignite interests and broaden horizons. Located in a picturesque 25-acre setting in Mississauga, HNMCS empowers young women to transform the world through intellectual curiosity and personal growth.

An appreciation of music inspires and fosters the expression of a creative spirit, and at HNMCS, students are involved in all aspects of musicperforming, creating and listening. The vocal music programme is a key focus, allowing each student to build their confidence and work towards developing a high level of performance ability in voice. Individual creativity is encouraged through a tapestry of co-curriculars like songwriting, theatre, drama, improv, dance and instrumental music clubs.

HNMCS’ award-winning choirs (junior, intermediate and senior) have consistently placed first and second at regional competitions and regularly perform both inside and outside the school. The Senior Choir has also performed on tour alongside the SMCS band in Boston, Chicago, Montreal and New York. Additionally, students have performed in various musical productions such as Beauty and the Beast, Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma, Children of Eden and the Addams Family and an original production, Love and Revolution. They were also recently invited to perform the Canadian and American National anthems at the Toronto Marlies hockey game at the Coca Cola Coliseum.

Music Faculty: Anne Morrone

Holy Trinity School

 hts.on.ca

Founded in 1981, Holy Trinity School (HTS) is a co-educational, independent day school for students in Kindergarten to Grade 12, located in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Music is an essential component of the integrated arts curriculum at HTS, which actively engages students, encouraging the development of technical skills, creativity, artistry and performance. In the Lower School, choral repertoire, musical theatre, handbell, and ukulele programs are part of the fundamental curriculum. The Wind and Percussion Ensemble program commences in Grade 6 and continues throughout Middle and Senior School featuring two Concert Bands, two Jazz Bands, and multiple chamber ensembles. Vocal music is an essential feature of the music curriculum, and it culminates in Senior School when students participate in the Senior Choir and HTS’s musical theatre productions.

The HTS Integrated Arts Department facilitates many performance opportunities for students within the school, in our local community, and on international tours. Students partake in seasonal recitals, assembly presentations, Arts Showcases, and concerts for Chapel liturgy. Our award-winning Concert Bands regularly compete in the Ontario Band Festival and Musicfest Canada. HTS proudly supports its musicians by encouraging local and international field trip opportunities while honing their musical skills.

Music Faculty: Anne-Marie Dubuc, Eli Lewis, Georgette Marshall, Evan Morrison, Lyndsay Promane, Jordan Zero

Kempenfelt Bay School

 kempenfeltbayschool.ca

Kempenfelt Bay School is a co-educational, nonprofit, independent school for students in JK to Grade 8 located in beautiful Innisfil, Ontario. As Simcoe County’s only accredited independent school, we believe in providing a higher standard of education so that the children we teach today will be inspired and empowered to do great things in the future. We're a community which inspires independent, lifelong learners by building competence, confidence and character.

KBS families appreciate the high academic and behavioural expectations of our independent education in addition to a balance of academics, arts, and athletics. The KBS Music Department combines traditional roots with a contemporary approach. Students study singing from JK through Grade 8 and begin instrumental training in Grade 4. This year, students in our Concert bands, Jazz bands, and Choir spent many hours rehearsing in preparation for our Holiday Concert, which turned out to be a raving success! Students at KBS are excited to be part of this year’s CISMF.

Music Faculty: Darrin Cranney, Emily Morrison

Kingsway College School

 kcs.on.ca

Located in Etobicoke over two campuses, Kingsway College School serves students from JK to Grade 12. At KCS, students learn the habits that matter most for success in life through our Four Doors of academics, arts, athletics, and citizenship. In our innovative program, students strengthen their independence and readiness for real-world challenges through experiential learning and making a difference. Integration with a broad variety of subject areas is a central part of Arts education at KCS. Our school is a living art gallery that welcomes artists and experts into our learning community. Our music programming includes recorder, Orff, ukulele, band, choral, guitar, an annual Junior School musical production, and a monthly “Wake Up with the Arts.” Music is a valued part of school life at KCS, and students have many opportunities to create and perform.

Music Faculty: Rachel Hasen, Craig Harris, Shanda Lee, Ljiljana Markovic

Lakefield College School

 lcs.on.ca

Lakefield College School provides an enriching co-educational day and boarding experience for Grades 9 through 12. LCS programs are grounded in principles of community-minded leadership, character education, and environmental sustainability. The academic, artistic, athletic, and outdoor programs take full advantage of the school’s extensive facilities and 315-acre waterfront campuses. Lakefield College School is inspired by a belief in the fundamental value of each person: caring teachers, advisors, coaches, and directors challenge and enable students to reach their individual potential, inspiring them to be leaders who care, and make positive contributions to their communities. At LCS we are proud of our music department, as it plays an important role in the development of the mind, body, and spirit of our students. Lakefield’s music program highlights co-curriculars, including Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Rock Choir, Lorelei Consort Choir, String Ensemble, and full-length musicals. Lakefield College School enjoyed a successful run of Bullets Over Broadway, this year’s musical theatre production, in February.

Music Faculty: Geoff Bemrose, John Braeckman, Cathy Colling, Harrison Reddon, Sarah Young

Matthews Hall

 matthewshall.ca

Matthews Hall is London, Ontario’s oldest independent school, providing a rich and dynamic music program to elementary students from PreKindergarten to Grade 8. From the youngest children to the graduating class, our students enjoy an integrated curriculum in which music plays a central role. Our school believes that music education is essential to the intellectual development of the whole child. Beginning in the early years, our students sing, play an instrument, study music theory, and perform. A talented music faculty of professional musicians and educators inspire students in classes from voice and concert band to strings, piano, and beyond. We share our love of music during the school year through community service outreach, performances, and annual celebrations. We are proud of our participation in the Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival and hope this showcase of student talent from across Ontario will inspire, uplift, and entertain you!

Music Faculty: Kaeleigh Campbell, Georgina Galba, Adrianna Lee, Marius Debick

Montcrest School

 montcrest.ca

Montcrest is a K-8, Toronto-based, all-gender school that is immensely proud of student’s involvement in the music program. Our passionate and dedicated music educators offer a dynamic music curriculum where every student participates in a vocal, ukulele, or band class. Performance opportunities are an important part of our musical offering, and all students enjoy taking the stage to perform for our community a different events and concerts each year. Through classroom music education, a range of music and performing co-curricular ensembles, groups and activities, students are encouraged and love to be part of the musical community at Montcrest.

Music Faculty: Carol Macfarlane, Jennifer Vincent

Pickering College

 pickeringcollege.on.ca

Pickering College has a long-standing and proud tradition of musical excellence. We provide a dynamic vocal and instrumental music program for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Our vision is to develop the individual musical potential of all students through a wide range of opportunities for excellence in collaborative music-making. All Pickering College students benefit from our unique Global Leadership Program, which teaches students how to deeply consider global contexts through their engagement with the arts. The instrumental music program is thriving with several concert bands and three jazz bands, and the choral program includes

primary, junior, and senior choirs. To share their music with our local and international community, performances are broadcast on our own radio station, 102.7 CHOP FM. Performance highlights for this year include our Holiday and Springfest annual concerts, a production of Disney’s High School Musical Jr. and performances at the Ontario Band Association’s Provincial Band Festival, MusicFest Nationals in Toronto, and the Atlantic Festivals of Music in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Music Faculty: Elise Kaveh, Rebecca MacDonald, Jessica Puskar, Heather Suters, Ellen Wells

Ridley College

 ridleycollege.com

Since 1889, music has been the heartbeat of campus life at Ridley College. From state-of-the-art studios to dynamic performances on stage, students are immersed in a world where creativity knows no bounds. Our comprehensive arts education doesn't just teach skills; it ignites passions and cultivates a mindset of innovation and expression.

Led by specialist instructors, our extensive music curriculum, including vocal, instrumental and strings instruction, spans from Kindergarten through Grade 12, augmented by personalized private lessons from a roster of fourteen music experts.

We offer diverse musical co-curricular activities like Orchestra, Jazz Band, Cadet Marching Band, and Choir, providing ample performance opportunities for students. Our campus buzzes with electrifying performances, from choral renditions in our chapel to annual musical productions and evening events which showcase our students’ musical talents.

Off-campus, our musicians shine at prestigious venues like First Ontario Place alongside the Niagara Symphony Orchestra.

Ridley College is also home to a state-of-theart Creative Commons and Music Conservatory, opening in Fall 2024, which will feature purposebuilt rooms, including a music conservatory, strings room, practice spaces, music recording facilities, band room, and a performance hall accommodating 240 people. These new spaces will further enrich our student experience, catering to the evolving needs of our musicians and inspiring their musical journey.

Music Faculty: Ken Hutton, Steve Fralick, Duane Nickerson, William Reid, Scott Vernon, Eugenie Wiley

Rosseau Lake College

 rosseaulakecollege.com

Rosseau Lake College is an independent coed day and boarding school offering Grade 7 through Grade 12. It was established in 1967 in the heart of Muskoka, a region of Ontario dotted with pristine lakes and tracts of hardwood forest. At Rosseau Lake College, we aim to infuse our community with the magic that cultivating a love of the arts can bring. We offer opportunities and experiences in music, visual arts, drama, dance and media arts. In addition to the core music curriculum, the music program includes performing ensembles, recreational clubs, and private, one-on-one instruction. Our current music ensembles include; String Ensemble, Jam Band, Indigenous Drum and Song Group, and Songwriting Club. Our arts programming allows each unique student to explore their own talents

and gives a variety of opportunities to be a part of the arts. The school hosts annual arts events throughout the academic year—they range from concerts and arts festivals to plays and community campfires—providing a venue for students to share their talents with the extended school community and beyond. At Rosseau Lake College, we celebrate how participating in the creation and sharing of the arts brings us together as a community and allows us to connect to and express ourselves.

Music Faculty: Tasha Forster

Royal St. George's College

 rsgc.on.ca

RSGC is located in the Annex area of downtown Toronto and founded CISMF in 1983 when the Festival took place at Massey Hall. At RSGC, our Junior music program focuses on the fundamental skills of creating and exploring music. Our Grade 3-8 core music program uses ukuleles, singing, Orff instruments, guitars, and electronic music platforms. Additionally, Middle School students select a Performing Arts Elective course in which they may specialize in Concert Band, the College Choir, Drama, or Songwriting. In the Senior School, music students choose to specialize in either band or choir. RSGC musical ensembles regularly perform at the school, in the community and overseas. This year, the Junior School's musical production of Shrek, The Musical Jr. was a smash hit. The 60th annual Service of Lessons and Carols, held at St. James' Cathedral, was a musical highlight for the RSGC family and the wider community. In March, 24 members of the Senior Band travelled to Japan, visiting Tokyo,

Osaka, Nara and Kyoto and performing with the Tokai Gyosei High School Band. In June, our Senior Choir members will tour Portugal and Andalusia.

Music Faculty: Douglas Jamieson, Emily Johnson, Troy Lebane, Tom Wade West

St. Andrew's College

 sac.on.ca

Located on 126 beautiful acres in Aurora, Ontario, St. Andrew’s College has a 125-year tradition as a premier day and boarding school. Music is everywhere at St. Andrew’s. Students and staff of all art departments have benefited from many investments, including multi-million-dollar stateof-the-art music, drama, and fine arts facilities. Students participate in traditional concert bands, jazz bands, rock bands, pep bands, guitar clubs, and choirs and can explore deejaying and digital recording with high-tech equipment. The Pipes and Drums are a highlight of the SAC music program. This past summer, they competed at the World Finals in Edinburgh, Scotland, and in November, they performed at the Royal Winter Fair. The Wind Ensemble has traveled around the globe, performing at the London Olympics in 2012 and Carnegie Hall during the WorldStrides Festival in 2022. This year’s highlight was attending daylong workshops at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, where our musicians worked with Mark Scatterday, the director of the Eastman Wind Ensemble. The yearly fall play incorporates production teams and equipment from the Stratford Festival and is led by award-winning individuals with experience in London’s West End. All groups look

forward to the annual holiday performance at Roy Thomson Hall, which features all SAC students, plus stage and lighting production designed by some of the best technicians in Canada.

Music Faculty: Dan Horner, John Clements, Matt MacIsaac, Major Brian McCue, Jim McGillivray, Eric McMillan, Garry Page, John Richardson

St. Anne's School

 stannes.ca

St. Anne’s School is an all-girls independent school in Aurora, Ontario. SAS offers a warm and inspirational learning environment for girls to build character, own their voice, and strive for distinction. A wide range of co-curricular activities, a robust athletic program, and a strong focus on arts, drama, and music complement the rigorous curriculum. Students participate in choral music and bands to advance their musical learning. The annual Cygnets Cheer, which showcases the talents of all SAS students, features solo and group performances from our Middle School and Symphonic bands, art, dance, and drama. A St. Anne’s education sets the foundation for a lifetime of self-discovery, sparks a passion for knowledge, and prepares young women to build a better world.

Music Faculty: Alice Leung

St. Clement’s School

 scs.on.ca

As a leading independent girls’ school in Toronto, St. Clement’s School is recognized for its longstanding commitment to academic rigour and excellence in a small, nurturing environment—but that’s just the beginning. We’re a close-knit community that celebrates creativity, diversity, and innovation, where students from Grades 1 to 12 live, learn, and grow together under one roof.

St. Clement’s School’s robust Arts program provides students at every grade level with opportunities for creative expression through both vocal and instrumental music. From our four choirs to our string orchestra and bands, SCS students enjoy meaningful opportunities to share their love for music with the school and broader community through in-house events, like our winter and spring showcases, as well as at various services at St. Clement's Church and St. Paul's Bloor Street. We embrace the learning embedded in creative performance processes; we enjoy musical partnerships with local guest artists and learning through experiences like the Kiwanis Music Festival, Ontario Vocal Festival, and MusicFest Nationals. Student-led arts initiatives such as our annual Arts Banquet and frequent fullschool assemblies also offer opportunities for SCS musicians to shine.

St. Clement’s School is thrilled to be participating in CISMF 2024.

Music Faculty: Edmee Nataprawira, Jon Heffernan

St. John’s-Kilmarnock School

 sjkschool.org

St. John’s-Kilmarnock School (SJK) is the leading independent school in Waterloo and the surrounding region. Established in 1972, the school is located on a beautiful 36-acre natural campus. SJK offers enriched educational programming for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 through its accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. The program focuses on creativity, arts and service, providing opportunities for students to try new things and discover their passions. SJK offers a vibrant Arts Program for students of all ages. With choirs and bands, drama clubs and full-scale productions, studio art classes, and dance clubs, there are many opportunities for students to develop their love of and talents in the Arts. Students perform and exhibit their work at events such as Founders’ Day, Arts and Jazz Night, Carol Service, and Arts Around Us. At SJK, students find their excellence within, love to learn, and graduate as confident, well-rounded individuals, fully prepared for postsecondary education and life beyond.

Music Faculty: Andrea de Boer-Jones, Ben Wright, Andrew Craig

St. Michael’s College School

 stmichaelscollegeschool.com

St. Michael’s College School is a private, all-boys Roman Catholic day school in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1852 and administered by the Basilian Fathers, it is the largest school of its kind in Canada. St. Michael’s has a rich tradition of instrumental music where students from Grades 7-12 participate in a variety of grade and performance specific ensembles such as concert bands, jazz ensembles, music production, music theatre as well as a very successful Drumline programme. The music department also facilitates its own in-house private lesson program allowing for individualized instruction. Our bands travel each year to destinations such as New York, Boston, Chicago, Florida, California, and Europe. This spring our senior music students will be on a performance tour of Florida and the Bahamas while students from Grades 8 through 10 will be on tour to Boston, MA.

The school produces a fully staged Broadway musical each spring in our new state-of-the-art Centre for the Arts. This year, the school will be producing Disney’s NEWSIES, which runs from April 11-20, 2024.

Music Faculty: James Oatt, Christopher Plock, Amy McLennan, Anne Morrone, Jacob Biggs, Andrew Busch, Gareth Skipp

St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School  smls.on.ca

St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School is a leading independent school for young women located in the heart of Oakville, ON.

From the moment a student enters St. Mildred’sLightbourn School she begins a journey of discovery to emerge empowered and thriving. Our unique Signature Programs engage each girl in a personalized, real-world learning experience—one where she explores her own unique pathways and within a nurturing community. At SMLS, students enjoy a wide range of experiences in the arts through our distinctive Arts and Design Signature Program, which incorporates drama and theatre, instrumental and vocal music, visual art, communication technology, integrative arts programming and STEMR into the curriculum at the Junior, Middle and Senior School levels. SMLS’s Arts and Design Signature Program thoughtfully provides an education that sees students accepting and thriving upon creative challenges, developing critical thinking skills, celebrating multiple perspectives and collaboration, and fostering self-discovery and imagination.

This year, SMLS students are sharing their musical talents through our various music ensembles, including the Concert Band, choirs, and musical theatre productions, which include a Middle School performance of Matilda and a Senior School performance of Disney’s The Descendants.

Music Faculty: Erica Astles, Emily Daquanao, Lindsay Willson

TFS – Canada’s International School

 tfs.ca

TFS – Canada’s International School is a coeducational, bilingual and IB full continuum World School for students from age 2 to Grade 12. Founded in 1962, we were the pioneers of French immersion education in Canada, starting with six students, and now welcome 1500 students to our two campuses— one in Toronto and the other in Mississauga.

Arts education starts with our youngest learners and continues throughout the TFS journey. Given TFS’ diverse student population, we explore a wide range of cultural artistic expressions and repertoire from all corners of the globe. Our Senior School music program has grown both in size and excellence, as evidenced by the accolades and awards our student musicians have brought home from performances at Kiwanis, the Ontario Band Association and Musicfest Nationals. A key aspect of our program is mentorship; students are nurtured to become supporters of their classmates as musicians. They truly reflect TFS’ motto: Individuals who reflect, citizens who act.

Beyond graduation, a number of our alumni have gone on to become accomplished performers or composers, studying music at the university level and entering their professional lives in the performing arts.

Music Faculty: Rupert Price, Caroline Pai, Abigail Freeman, Jennifer Savov, Amaury Suchon, Nila Rajagopal

The Bishop Strachan School

 bss.on.ca

The Bishop Strachan School (BSS) is a leading independent JK - Grade 12 day and boarding school for girls. For over 150 years, BSS has been inspiring girls to be fearless and educating them to be leaders. Through our challenging inquiry-based program, students learn core academic skills, such as numeracy, literacy, critical thinking, communication and digital literacy. This foundation becomes a springboard to generate new, creative ideas.

At BSS, we believe learning happens everywhere, all the time—which is why we provide our students with a wide range of co-curricular activities, from sports to arts to leadership and service.

Music plays a central role in shaping our students' understanding of self and the world. Our comprehensive music program fosters creativity, critical thinking and resilience, allowing students to discover confidence and self-expression. The music program is deeply integrated in our curriculum, designed to evolve with students throughout their years at BSS. All students participate in our music program beginning in Junior Kindergarten. It is required to continue music education through to Grade 8. This lays the foundation for students’ musical journey. As students progress, they have the option to join the Junior Choir in Grade 4 and explore band or strings starting in Grade 6. Their musical journey continues into Middle and Senior School, where students can develop their skills by participating in various ensembles such as: String Ensemble, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Senior Choir, Middle School Choir and Chamber Choir.

Additionally, students in Grades 8 to 12 have the opportunity to showcase their talents on stage in the annual musical, contributing to a vibrant and diverse musical community.

Our skilled educators, who are also experienced artists, intentionally design their courses and co-curricular experiences to support student well-being, with materials and resources that reflect diverse cultural representation and ways of expressing through the arts. Students are visited by guest artists from diverse backgrounds to enhance learning and to share professional insights. In addition, students have access to international music exchange programs, allowing them to foster cross-cultural connections and build understanding. Students are presented with an opportunity to consider how music is a cultural artifact, a tool for self-expression and can serve as a marker of identity.

Music Faculty: Sarah Dickie, Danette Dickinson, Greg Gallagher, Tom Marcaccini, Ashly Mastromonaco

The Country Day School

 cds.on.ca

The Country Day School is a JK-12 school located on 100 acres in King. Last year, we were immensely proud to celebrate 50 years of Education with Balance and a return to performing in-person at CISMF! CDS offers music instruction from JK to Grade 12. Students are introduced to the recorder and Orff instruments in Grade 3 and take up either a brass or woodwind instrument in Grade 5. Vocal music instruction begins in JK and carries on within the classroom through Grade 7, with options to continue vocal course work in Grades 9-12. Starting in Grade 2, students become part of a formal choir that prepares them for the Primary and Junior Choirs, as well as extracurricular options to join the Junior, Middle or Senior Choirs, Jazz Ensembles and Middle and Senior Concert Bands. Junior School drama productions (Grades 4-6) are musicals held annually, including James and the Giant Peach Jr. and Lion King Jr. Recent Middle/Senior School productions have incorporated a faculty/student pit-band or accompaniment, including Matilda, In the Heights, and Ahead by a Century. Each September, our senior music students have the opportunity to take part in an intensive music camp with professional musicians coaching and supporting their learning in a beautiful natural setting. CDS ensembles enjoy performing at assemblies, winter and spring concerts, community events and competitions throughout the year.

Music Faculty: Kirsten Baird, Patrice Barbanchon, Marney Curran, Michael Moore, Larry Shields

The Sterling Hall School

 sterlinghall.com

The Sterling Hall School is a small-by-design Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 school for boys where developing community, character and friendship is celebrated and supported. We deliver innovative academic practices and boy-focused programming that inspires growth, curiosity, and a passion for learning.

Our music specialists at SHS are committed to fostering a love of music that promotes confidence and collaboration, contributes to creative and spatial thinking, and boosts both memory and mental health. Students learn to make creative and expressive musical decisions confidently, with the resilience to work through challenges and learn from mistakes.

From JK to Grade 4, students participate in vocal music, learning skills from improvisation to ear training to writing music. They are also provided their first opportunities to practice the teamwork and patience that comes from rehearsing and performing together.

From Grades 5 to 8, students choose an instrument and extend their learning through studying and perfecting their performance skills. Boys also have the opportunity to join many music clubs and electives that include instrumental, vocal and electronic music.

Visiting artists and guest clinicians are invited throughout the year to perform, teach and engage with our boys. Additionally, students regularly participate in local, provincial and national festivals.

Some of these meaningful opportunities include the Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival and MusicFest Canada.

Music Faculty: Shawn Bennett, Catherine Dale, Denise Simpson

The York School

 yorkschool.com

The York School is a gender-inclusive, independent school in midtown Toronto that offers the International Baccalaureate from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. On two purpose-built campuses, our teachers foster a love of learning and a community-oriented mindset in our students. We believe curiosity, wellbeing and belonging are as important as leadership, academic rigor and university preparation. Our vision is for every student to thrive as their authentic self and reach their fullest potential in a community where relationships are built on empathy, trust and mutual respect.

The goal of The York School’s IB Music program, in and out of the classroom, is to foster a lifelong appreciation of and connection to music in its many forms. In our gender-inclusive environment, students receive training in recorder, Orff and Kodaly, ukulele, African drumming, guitar, concert band, jazz band and vocal music. Our students create original music by exploring composition, recording and sound editing, using the latest technologies from the primary level and up. In addition to performing for our school community, such as at school concerts, assemblies and ceremonies, our bands and choirs participate in and win awards at festivals such as the Kiwanis Music Festival. Our senior students

perform in many parts of the world; past trips have taken them to various cities in North America and countries in Europe and Asia. In February 2023, our senior music students traveled to Cuba; in May 2023, our grade 10 music students traveled to New Orleans. Both excursions provided our students with incredible performing opportunities.

Music Faculty: Cody MacFarlane, John Pittman, Fabio Biagiarelli, Lindsay Rosen

TMS

 tmsschool.ca

TMS, established in 1961, is a leading co-ed independent school in Richmond Hill, uniquely combining the Montessori and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. TMS develops a love of music in our students at the earliest levels, beginning in the Toddler Program (18 months) with our Music Keys Program and progressing through Children’s House (3 to 6 years). In Elementary, students engage in a variety of music learning experiences including the use of Orff instruments, recorders and vocal work. Students also begin the process of learning concert band instruments. Throughout the Elementary program, students have the opportunity to participate in the annual theater production as well as the Lower or Upper Elementary Choir and Concert Band. The TMS Music Program continues to engage students as they enter our Upper School through bands and choir, as well as opportunities for solo and small ensemble contributions at school and community events. The TMS community also enjoys a wide range of performances from student-driven initiatives such as ‘Strummers’ and ‘Vocal Club’ groups that are initiated

through our students’ entrepreneurial thinking and desire to make an impact.

Music Faculty: Colleen Prince, Jaekwan Jung, Rachel MacDonald, Roger Marlés Trafalgar Castle School

 trafalgarcastle.ca

The Arts play an integral role in the balanced life of a Trafalgar girl. At Trafalgar Castle School, we believe that the Arts are fundamental to each student’s emotional, social and academic well-being. Trafalgar Castle School students are offered a variety of musical opportunities that contribute to a full life beyond our classroom walls. As our students hone their craft, they also build connections and deepen relationships across the classroom, the School and the community.

Over one-third of Trafalgar's student body is involved in a co-curricular musical ensemble. Our school makes a concentrated effort to develop an extensive list of ensembles in which our students participate, including Junior and Senior Castle Bands, Castle Singers, Castle Chorale, and the Castle String Ensemble. to showcase the talent and dedication of our students. These include Trafalgar’s annual Holiday Market, Winter Concert, Arts Night, May Court Festival and Trafalgar Day. Each of these performances gives our students a chance to exhibit the skill they have developed here at the Castle. Our students exemplify dedication, hard-work, and genuine excitement to perform in several festivals each year, including the annual CISMF performances.

Music Faculty: Fiona Hopkins, Julian Smerdon

Trinity College School

 tcs.on.ca

Trinity College School is a co-educational, independent boarding and day school for Grades 5-12, located in Port Hope, Ontario. Established in 1865, TCS is one of Canada’s oldest and most respected educational institutions. The School places a balanced emphasis on academics, servicelearning, athletics, and arts—as both a long-held TCS tradition and a reinvigorated approach to 21st-century education. At the Junior School (Grades 5-8), our Grade 5 music program focuses on exploring and creating music through the Orff-Schulwerk process. Orff education provides an excellent foundation for students to continue their musical development in the concert band program from the end of Grade 5 through to Grade 8. Our co-curricular program is an essential part of the school day at the Junior School. Music offerings include Tottenham Band, Orff Ensemble, and small ensembles. Over 40% of our student body are members of the Tottenham Band, who enjoy performing at the Ontario Band Association Provincial Band Festival and MusicFest Canada. In our Senior School (Grades 9-12), music courses are offered in all grades and at the Advanced Placement level. The Senior School co-curricular music program offers a dynamic range of ensembles including Trinity Winds, Trinity Jazz, Trinity Singers, Chapel Choir, Bell Ringers, Trinity Strings, String Quartet, Drumline, Rock Band, as well as various small ensembles. Students also benefit from a large private music instruction studio. “Week Without Walls” is a school-wide community service initiative where music students perform at local community centres and retirement

homes. The music department also hosts a local jazz band festival each year and is proud to host the Canadian Drumline Association competition.

Music Faculty: Emma Crawford, David Ioannou, Rachel Pearson Upper Canada College

 ucc.on.ca

Located in central Toronto, Upper Canada College delivers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, providing transformational learning experiences for boys from Senior Kindergarten through Year 12 in an exceptional day and boarding environment. Arts at UCC consist of visual arts, music, theatre arts, and film studies. Students will explore Orff, recorder, ukulele, choir, and instrumental programs, not to mention composition techniques and historical studies. Co-curricular arts programs at UCC include four concert bands, five jazz ensembles, two wind ensembles, three choirs, and a string ensemble. There are also numerous theatrical and musical sessions, including Friendly Neighborhood Helpers (SK-Year 3), Fall Play (Year 4-6), Zombeo and Juliet (Year 7), and multiple plays throughout various year levels. UCC ensembles take part in numerous on and off-campus performances. Highlights this year include the Blue Note Jazz Cafe, Festival of Lights, Montreal Jazz Trip (Senior Jazz), Nuit Bleue, and International Festival

Participation in the Heritage Music Festival (Year 7-12).

The Year 5-7 choir and Upper School instrumentalists are very proud to be part of this year’s CISMF.

Music Faculty: Tony Gomes, Chris Cigolea, Daniel Webb, Paul McGarr, Caroline Heo

UTS University of Toronto Schools

 utschools.ca

University of Toronto Schools (UTS) is a university preparatory school for students in grades 7 to 12 affiliated with the University of Toronto. For 110 years, UTS has nurtured some of the brightest minds to have made a difference through their careers with significant contributions to their community and the world.

Within our six-year program, students explore music through performance, composition, and analysis, developing creative problem-solving skills, individual and collaborative work habits, knowledge of themselves and others, a sense of personal responsibility, and connections to their communities and future careers. Senior students assume leadership roles in the Music program, forging partnerships with OISE/UT and the U of T Faculty of Music.

The entire curricular and co-curricular music program combines forces to stage three large ensemble concerts each year, with an additional special recitalstyle concert for soloists and small ensembles. Ten music ensembles run all year long at UTS, and almost half the entire school population is involved in at least one concert performance every year.

Music Faculty: Mark Laidman, Jeffrey McLeod, Lyris Pat, Sarah Shugarman

Villanova College

 villanovacollege.org

Villanova College is an independent co-educational Catholic day school rooted in the Augustinian education tradition and committed to living out its values of unitas, veritas and caritas, meaning unity, truth and love, in all aspects of school life.

The Villanova music program has been a vital part of the school since 2001. Our performance ensembles include Concert Bands, Choirs, Jazz Bands, and Chamber Ensembles. These ensembles perform at Christmas and Spring Concerts, assemblies, liturgies and masses, and various competitions. Next month, more than 35 of our talented singers, dancers, and actors will be performing in our school’s musical, The Little Mermaid. Villanova College is excited to announce that its music and public speaking programs will have a new home in 2025 with the completion of the Romeo De Gasperis Centre for the Performing Arts.

Music Faculty: Susan Bennett, Samantha Etchegary, Peter Jones, Danielle Kolenko

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Program Cover Artwork Contest Winners

1st Place: Chris Song, Grade 10, Trafalgar Castle School

4th Place: Julia Bradley, Grade 11, Trafalgar Castle School

Thank you to all CIS Ontario member school students who submitted their art for the front cover of the CISMF 2024 program. We thoroughly enjoyed viewing all of the submissions. Congratulations to the winner and runners-up. We hold this contest yearly, so remember there will be another chance to send your artwork next year for CISMF 2025.

2nd Place: Hillary Chong, Grade 11, The Bishop Strachan School

5th Place: Shifa Mithani, Grade 10, Trafalgar Castle School

3rd Place: Joshua Son, Grade 10, St. Andrew's College

6th Place: Jade Shearer, Grade 11, Trafalgar Castle School