Year in Review
December 24, 2009 05:05 PM
As my fourth and final holiday season with Woburn Music winds down, I classify the year as one of our most accomplished and successful yet. We upheld past traditions, and forged into new opportunities with the professionalism and pride of the Woburn Music Legacy. In 2009, Woburn hosted not only its two annual concerts, Sounds of Spring and Holiday Harmonies, but also the Students Helping Students performance night, during which students from four other schools joined Woburn’s Wind Ensemble in the privilege of being conducted by acclaimed band director and composer, Dr. Richard Saucedo. He was a pleasure to work with, and as a member of the ensemble which he worked with, I can say it was an experience that will not soon be forgotten. He broadened our horizons regarding his compositions, and the world of musical compositions in general. He also shared with us stories of his most memorable musical experiences, and influences. Hearing from someone with such great depth of musical experience, fueled our performance, and I believe this energy and enthusiasm carried right through to our Holiday Harmonies concert a few weeks later.
In the first half of 2009, all of Woburn’s vocal and instrumental ensembles received top honours at their respective Musicfest competitions. They were praised for their interpretations of their musical selections, and for the evidence of hard work and dedication in their playing techniques. The students of Woburn Music also had the privilege of participating in some outside of school music events. The Madrigal choir performed in a TDSB music exhibition, called Accent, in April at the Toronto Centre of the Arts. The Jazz band also joined High Castle Jr Ps, for their outdoor music event in May. However, June always proves to be a bit of a melancholy time for the Woburn Music Department, as we say good bye and wish good luck to many of our graduating musicians. Their contributions were celebrated and appreciated at the Music Banquet, which unveiled another talented batch of students to be the executive of the Woburn Music Council.
This fall, the executive had their work cut out for them, training and preparing new members of the council to comply with the efficiency and cooperation that remains trademark of the council, year after year. This council met with success during the Grade Nine Welcome Day events, Students Helping Students concert, the Woburn Music Feeder School Tour, and the Holiday Harmonies concert. While the rest of Woburn music celebrated their accomplishments, with Holiday Harmonies marking the end of their performance year, the Madrigal Choir still had one more to go. They were invited by TWYO for A Joyful Noise, an evening of vocal and instrumental performances featuring other musical guests, including Canadian Jazz musician, Heather Bambrick, to present an evening of music filled with holiday spirit.
This spirit of giving present in our Students Helping Students concert, and the holiday spirit which our recent performances have promoted, are what I would like to wish you and your family this season, on behalf of everyone involved with Woburn Music. As we count our blessings, we thank our incredible teachers who make so many great sacrifices for our musical education, those who support our foundation, the Administration at Woburn Collegiate for allowing us these many opportunities, and our parents for supporting us.
Please enjoy a safe and happy holiday season!
Woburn Music Council President 2009-2010,
Amanda Cullmann
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