Kamloops-Thompson School District Jazz Bands Win Gold and Silver at MusicFest Nationals

Posted On Friday May 17, 2024

Story provided by Chelsea Isenor, Director, Communications and Board Administration 

In the 2022-2027 District Strategic Plan, we celebrate students’ collective commitment to develop as musicians and to perform and compete locally, provincially, and nationally.

Congratulations to the South Kamloops Secondary School (SKSS) and Brocklehurst Middle School Jazz Band students, who both won awards in the Instrumental Jazz Division at MusicFest Canada Nationals in Toronto this week.

On May 15, 2024, SKSS took home Gold Awards for their Jazz Band and Jazz Combo teams, and SKSS students Keenan Brulotte and Xavier Wallace both earned Top Player Awards. The following day on May 16, 2024, Brocklehurst Middle received a Silver Award in Jazz Band, and Brocklehurst student Jaylan Mueck won the Top Player Award in her category.

“On behalf of the Board of Education, I want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to South Kamloops Secondary School and Brocklehurst Middle School on their recent MusicFest Nationals Awards,” stated Board Chair Heather Grieve. “The Board is committed to supporting students in exploring interests and passions that help them develop a sense of self-worth and personal initiative. The dedication and initiative these students have shown to their schools and music education is inspiring. We are very proud of their hard work and accomplishments.”

“In our District, we support students to thrive, and we know that to thrive they have to do things they are passionate about. We are so excited that we have such a large contingent of students, at such young ages—starting in Grade 8 all the way up to Grade 12, not only investing their free time in music but also excelling at a provincial and national level. We couldn't be more proud.” shared Superintendent, Dr. Rhonda Nixon.

This year’s 52nd MusicFest Canada Nationals was hosted by the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music from May 13–18, 2024. The week-long festival brings together thousands of top tier music students and educators from across Canada each year to celebrate music education and excellence. During the week, students participate in workshops, experience performances, and perform for high level band adjudicators from across the country.

South Kamloops Secondary Wins Gold Awards

After receiving Gold standings at last year’s BC Interior Jazz Festival in Kelowna, the SKSS music program, led by Music Director Michelle McRae, received MusicFest National invitations for both their Jazz Band and Senior Jazz Combo—an honour that has not been awarded to an SKSS team since 2011. SKSS student Xavier Wallace was also invited to join the National Youth Jazz Band at the festival, earning one of only four spots from all of Canada.

Before leaving on the trip to Nationals, Music Director Michelle McRae expressed her pride for the student's hard word and talent: “I am beyond proud of this group of students. It’s been four years building this Jazz program and these students have brought it to such a high level, I can't even believe they are high school students when they play…they sound like professional players.”

"Our Titan Nation is so proud of Director McRae and all of our music students participating at the MusicFest Nationals in Toronto,” stated SKSS Principal Walt Kirschner. “To achieve two Gold Medals and for Keenan and Xavier to be recognized as Top Players is an amazing achievement and a credit to their dedication and commitment throughout this school year with their musical studies and performances”. A big thanks to our music parents and our South Kam PAC who have been so supportive with their fund-raising initiatives and their collective commitment to our music program. This is a very special week for Director McRae and all of our students."

The SKSS Senior Concert Band also recently earned an invitation to next year’s festival by winning the top award for their category and earning Gold standing at the Kelowna Windscapes Regional Festival.

Brocklehurst Middle School Wins Silver Award

The Brocklehurst Middle School Jazz Band, consisting of 20 Grade 8 and 9 students led by Music Director Jarrett Schill, have been waiting over a year to attend MusicFest Nationals—after also earning their invitation at the BC Interior Jazz Festival in Kelowna in March 2023, where they received Gold.

Music Director Jarrett Schill shared praise for his students: “This group of students is a near once-in-a-career combination of hard-working, young talented musicians, with perfectly balanced jazz instrumentation and a phenomenal parent fundraising support system—all thrown into a beautiful mix. Upon finishing our performance, it was a beautiful sight to see all those satisfied, shining eyes!”

After earning their Silver Award, Brock Jazz Band students expressed that competing at the National level felt “exhilarating,” “nerve-racking,” and “surreal.” As Grade 9 Trombonist Jess Clark expressed “Nationals felt like a fever dream!”

“We are very proud of our students and their accomplishments,” shared Brock Principal Tonya Perry.

As part of the 2022-2027 District Strategic Plan, we are committed to supporting learning opportunities which inspire students to thrive, and offer experiences for students to develop an appreciation of the fine arts. Earning an invitation to MusicFest Nationals requires dedication and determination from every student involved. From early morning rehearsals to performances throughout the school year, the SKSS and Brock Middle music students have showcased their talents and the strength of music education in the Kamloops-Thompson School District by earning these National honours.

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