Aaron Gill ’25 brought his voice — and his school spirit — to one of baseball’s biggest stages: the Major League Baseball World Series.
A lifelong Blue Jays fan, Gill performed at Game 1 of the World Series behind Pharrell Williams and his choir Voices of Fire, before helping create the Canadian and American flags on the field.
“My experience in SMUS music gave me the confidence to step onto that field, and I’m forever grateful for the experience,” he said.
Gill described performing in front of more than 44,000 fans as unforgettable. He sang, danced, and formed part of the human flag to open Game 1 in Toronto, an opportunity he learned about through his involvement with the McMaster University Marching Band.
“There was an application process where I highlighted my musical experience — most of which came from SMUS — and that ultimately helped me earn the opportunity to perform,” he said.
Preparation for the event was no small feat. Rehearsals were held in Toronto, even though Gill attends McMaster University in Hamilton.
“I stayed in a hotel for four nights while we practiced,” he said. “They were intense, long hours on my feet, learning the movements and getting the lyrics down in my head.”
Gill credited his time at SMUS, particularly in the pit orchestra and on a music trip to Argentina, for giving him the skills to manage long rehearsals in new venues under tight timelines.
Now studying Arts and Science at McMaster with plans to pursue law, Gill said he continues to balance academics and music.
“SMUS taught me how to manage schoolwork, sports, and music. I’ve just transferred those skills to university,” he said.
One moment stood out above all. “During the Canadian anthem, looking around at more than 44,000 people in the stadium gave me goosebumps and reminded me how lucky I was to be part of it,” Gill said. “It’s really hard to describe that feeling.”
It’s an experience he said he will remember for the rest of his life.
