On April 16 and 17, students in the Middle School Honour Band, a group that commits additional hours to rehearsals outside of regular school time, travelled up Vancouver Island for two days of music workshops, performance opportunities and experiential learning on the west coast.
Following the success of last year’s trip, Middle School band teacher David Enns once again brought this dedicated group of musicians to Port Alberni for sectional workshops and a full-band clinic led by instructors from Alberni District Secondary School. Students worked in woodwind, brass and percussion sectionals before coming back together for a full ensemble rehearsal. The growth was immediate and noticeable.
"Afterwards, we came together and noticed that we understood our individual parts better," said Ava O., Grade 7, reflecting on the value of the workshops.
Grade 7 student Violet M. appreciated the fresh perspective the clinic offered.
"It was interesting to work with new teachers with different ways of teaching music," she said, before highlighting one memorable technique from the trip. "The band teacher got us to 'speak' our notes out during the workshop."
The trip also gave students the opportunity to perform and connect beyond the classroom. Many members of the Honour Band are also part of the Senior Jazz Band, which performed an evening concert in the lobby of Hotel Zed in Tofino for guests and community members.
From there, the group headed to the beach for a surfing session with instructors from Swell Surf School, balancing musical learning with west coast adventure and shared experiences outside the classroom.
As for how much music was absorbed alongside the surfing and beach cookouts for the 34 students on the trip, Enns was characteristically measured.
"Everyone had a blast, and we are pretty confident that some musical knowledge was acquired as well," he said with a smile.
Enns also credited teachers Lindsey Ashton and Zyoji Jackson for their joyful presence and surfing expertise throughout the trip.
