Humberview music students perform at MusicFest Canada
By Derrick Dodgson

Humberview's music students take time out to pose at the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

It was with great excitement and securely packed instruments that 31 Humberview music students traveled to British Columbia last week. They left May 20 for their seven-day trip which saw them competing in the 35th annual MusicFest Canada Festival.

Upon their arrival in Vancouver, the students were immersed in concerts, clinics, and performances, learning many new musical skills.

Monday, Jazzork, Humberview's instrumental jazz band directed by John Chalmers, performed first, earning a Gold Standing in the contest after performing a diverse selection of jazz songs. Ian Chalmers earned the National Honour Award for the group and also led Humberview's Jazz Combo later that day. Jazz Combo won a Silver Standing performing jazz standards at its first appearance in the festival and the adjudicators again selected Ian Chalmers as the National Honour Award recipient.

The following day, Mkosa, Humberview's vocal jazz ensemble, also directed by John Chalmers, performed their musical selection to a packed crowd and won a Gold Standing. Chloe Creavalle won the National Honour Award and all of the groups enjoyed interactive clinics with talented musicians to make their performances even better.

When they weren't performing, students enjoyed the unique sights of Vancouver and immersed themselves in British Columbia culture. Asian themed malls and Chinese cuisine were the norm, and experienced on a daily basis during a short walk from the hotel. A gondola ride to the top of Grouse Mountain presented a breathtaking view of the city and a walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge allowed a view of the river 230 feet below.

The students were able to enjoy the aquatic life in North America's third largest aquarium, where they saw dolphins, sea lions, whales, and numerous fish, mammals, and reptiles. Shopping trips in Granville Island and Gastown yielded unique items for purchase from totem poles to banana guards and presented modern art displays in preparation for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Students even got a bonus chance to perform during a dinner at Rossini's restaurant and jazz club. It was open mic night and a number of students chose to showcase their instrumental and vocal talents for the local crowd. Chloe Creavalle impressed fellow musicians with her song Lifted and Mkosa ended our set with an acoustic performance of Twisted.

Unfortunately the west coast musical excitement could not last forever. The students had the opportunity to enjoy one final concert featuring young musicians from all over the country before packing their belongings and returning home the following day. They brought back memories, photographs, t-shirts, and a greater understanding of the music they had gone there to make.

Derrick Dodgson is a grade 11 Humberview student who plays trumpet in Jazzork and the Jazz Combo and is the sound engineer for Mkosa. Derrick also sings in the school choir, plays trumpet in Senior Concert Band and is a member of the Music Activity Council Executive.