Congratulations to all Torontonians for surviving their first white Christmas in several years. I trust that a safe and enjoyable holiday was had by those of all faiths. Undoubtedly, as many pack up their trees and as others are mortified by how all those shortbread cookies affected their waistlines; many feel as if the fun and festivities are over until next December. Fear not, for Woburn music promises a fun and exciting 2008, filled with ten times more music, laughter, and cheer than you could have experienced this holiday season.

In light of the New Year, let’s take a moment and look back on all that Woburn Music has accomplished in 2007. The year began with a bang when in early February the Wind Ensemble received a silver plus standing from the Ontario Band Association. The Monday Band braved a dump of that lovely Canadian white fluff to receive a bronze standing. The Jazz Band also brought home a silver honour from Music Fest. Vocal students were treated to a unique experience at the Ontario Vocal Festival, where they not only were invited to the national competition, but were able to experience a seminar in African drumming and vocalization.

The fun did not stop there. As a well deserved reward for their hard work and a great kick off to Spring Break ’07, students of the Woburn Music program were given the opportunity to attend a performance of the Phantom of The Opera. After the much-needed rest, practice and rehearsals were a-go, helping May’s Spring Concert to be a smashing success. The school year ended with the bang of the music banquet, and many students pursued music over the summer as teachers, campers, students, and performers.

It seems just like yesterday it was September, and we were kicking off another amazing year of school. First term welcomed grade nines, acclimatized grade tens to Wind Ensemble, and brought on much hard work. Of course all the effort paid off in the presentation of Holiday Harmonies. The concert showcased both the vocal and instrumental programs’ adaptability to perform many different styles and genres of music. For Woburn’s senior vocalists, December meant a once in a life time opportunity to perform Carmina Burana, a masterpiece by Carl Orff, along with the Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra, senior singers from Agincourt Collegiate Institute and Sir John A Macdonald, and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. Not only were Woburn’s vocalists sharing a stage with some of Canada’s best musical talent, but what a stage it was-being the larger of the two available for performance.

As we put all this behind us, and bring the year to close, there is no sadness. Just around the corner is another round of festivals to practice, prepare for, and participate in. This March, many students will be attending the trip to tour Europe and appreciate its musical history. We many not be sure exactly how each day will turn out to be in and around Room 100, 102, or the auditorium, but one thing is for certain-with music, each day will be a better day.