It’s good to be live again

By Sarah Haughey HCC Music Director

Holy Cross Collegiate (HCC) students have had an amazing year playing live shows again. The spring brought a wealth of performance opportunities which were greatly appreciated by the students.

The young musicians had an opportunity to participate in the Alberta International Band Festival as well as the Strathmore Performing Arts Festival (SPAF). The Holy Cross World Drumming Ensemble received a Shining Star Award for their traditional Japanese Taiko performance at the SPAF. Both the World Drumming Ensemble and high school band were invited to perform at the festival’s annual showcase concert.

Three high school students were accepted into the Alberta Youth Wind Symphony this year. The Wind Symphony is comprised of dedicated music students from across the province. 

Althea Rueda (Grade 12), Ryann Tashlikowich (Grade 12) and Mickaela Boll (Grade 11) represented HCC this year and Boll’s audition landed her the role of principal percussionist. 

The HCC drumline competed at the Canadian Drumline Association Festival in Calgary this year, alongside drumlines from across the province including the Calgary Stampede Winterguard. 

The highlight of the festival season was participating in the Alberta Band Association Provincial Festival of Bands. The HCC Grade 7 Band and HCC Grade 8 and 9 Band both scored an Excellent + (Silver +) and the HCC high school band walked away with Superior (Gold), which is the highest score given at festival and is quite an achievement. This year, over 90 schools from across the province competed and 29 received a superior ranking. 

Congratulations to all the students and all their hard work and dedication to the music program this year!