Another busy week for the Journey middle school Grade 7 Band & Strings musicians. Elders and youth of our community came together on November 13 when the JMS students performed for the residents and staff of Ayre Manor. Their activity coordinator, Rose Fotheringham said that the residents and staff enjoyed the concert very much and looked forward to future JMS concerts at Ayre Manor. Fotheringham said the elders looked forward to watching these young musicians as they learn and progress. The musicians played pieces they had learned for the JMS Remembrance Day ceremony, including a very nice version of Oh Canada and some Holiday tunes.
The performers for the Ayre Manor were Alex Bidner, Miguel Blaney, Erin Chrisholm, Felix Courtemanche, Alison Davis-Leciana, Lizzie Gakena, Melanie Graham, Mirren Lafleur, Sarah Lembcke, Ben Lindal, Yann Joslin, Friaya Moran, Andrea Palko, Craig Phipps, Tyler Umbach, Nicholus Watson, Maya Wood and Tyrell Wydenes.
Thursday, Nov. 14 was also an exciting day for the JMS students. The whole school was given a brilliant performance by the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra, conducted by musical director Yariv Aloni. After the concert, the students stayed for a question and answer period. Many hands were raised, and many good questions were asked. You could tell the performance had been inspiring for these young musicians. Also enjoying the performance were the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra conductor and musical director Norman Nelson and the SPO concertmaster Anne McDougall.
The students are gearing up for two upcoming concerts. On Sunday, Nov. 24 the JMS strings will be performing with the Greater Victoria Police Chorus in Victoria, and then all the JMS Band & Strings musicians will be performing in their Community Christmas Concert at EMCS on Monday, Dec. 9.
Submitted by Deb Wood