Congratulations to the Woburn Wind Ensemble, which attended the Ontario Band Association Festival where they were awarded a gold standing for the second year in a row.

During the days leading up to the festival, the members of the Wind Ensemble had spent hours practicing the repertoire they would be performing for a panel of adjudicators. Everyone had worked hard to make sure the pieces were performance ready, and by festival day, everyone felt prepared.

The morning started off a little earlier than most when each student had to be at school at 6:45 a.m. and ready to leave by 7:15. Surprisingly, most students didn’t feel the groggy effects of an early morning; but they felt energized and ready to perform. Everyone loaded the buses with their music, instruments and anxious energy. There were multiple ways each person used to get into their ‘zone’. Some rested their eyes, listened to music or had a quiet conversation with their friends.

When the arrival of the location came, there was no time to spare. There was just enough time to put jackets down, get instruments set up, and go right into the performance room. Unfortunately, there was no time for a proper warm-up, but that didn’t hinder the Wind Ensemble’s performance. The lack of warm-up time teamed with a gold award proved how strong the connection is between each member.

The two pieces of choice were Sevens by Samuel Hazo, and October by Eric Whitacre. Sevens is a piece that is fast-paced and has a jazz styling ring to it. It is one of few band pieces that features a whole percussion section solo. You just can’t help but to move your body while listening to that piece. The contrasting piece was the emotionally evocative October. It was evident that each student was in a place where they listened to every sound, and connected with everyone else. A special mention goes to Brian Jaing and Ken Miller for their melodically moving solos on Flute and Euphonium.

After the performance, the students were taken into the clinician room where they would be mentored for approximately 30 minutes by Colleen Richardson, a professor of music at the University of Western Ontario. She lead the band through the pieces, and she gave great advice and suggestions for not only the band members, but new things for Mrs. Houghton to try as well. Her guidance was strong, funny and refreshing, and each student enjoyed being taught by her for that short period of time.

A very special mention goes to Scott Harbin, who received the Wind Ensemble leadership award. Scott is a grade 12 student, with aspirations of pursuing teaching music as a career. He has been an incredible asset to the ensemble by leading sectionals, and aiding any student who needs help.

All the members of the Wind Ensemble should be extremely proud of their job well done. We hope that next year, the current and new members of the Wind Ensemble will carry on this newly acquainted tradition of great music playing.