Silver, gold and plenty to celebrate for SD60 band students

The School District 60 band program is heading into summer on a high note after students earned a string of medals at music festivals across Western Canada, capping off another busy year of performances, travel and countless hours of practice.

Supplied photo

Among the highlights was the Grade 8 and 9 Junior Concert Band, which brought home a silver award for its performance and a gold medal in sight reading at MusicFest Canada Nationals in Niagara Falls, one of the country's premier school music festivals.

The Grade 7 Advanced Beginner Band also earned a silver medal at the Grande Prairie and District Music Festival, while the Grade 10, 11 and 12 Senior Concert Band took home silver honours at the Con Brio Festival in Whistler.

Behind those results are months of rehearsals, evening practices, fundraising efforts and plenty of dedication from students, teachers and parents who work together throughout the school year.

"It's been a busy and exciting year," said School District 60 Band Program Coordinator Sabrina Brooks. "The kids have worked so hard to achieve the festival results that they did and their parents have put in countless hours fundraising to help support the program."

Although fundraising slows during the summer months, Brooks said community members can continue supporting the band program by donating refundable bottles through its account at the Bottle Depot.

Fundraising efforts will return in the fall with cookie dough sales, jerky fundraisers, greenhouse orders and the annual Band Carnival, all helping offset the cost of equipment, travel and opportunities for students throughout the year.

The program begins in Grade 6 and welcomes students from schools across the district, giving young musicians an opportunity to learn together, perform together and build friendships through a shared love of music.

Brooks also credited the success of the program to the continued support of the school district, trustees and music teachers David Price, Nadine Aulin, Rie Sasaki and Ariel Gunn.

Registration for the 2026-27 school year is now open. More information is available through the School District 60 band program.