The Choral class sang three songs from musicals based of the works from Roald Dahl, James and the Giant Peach, Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Megan Dunn, Saugeen Shores Hub

Summer Music hit a high note during its July 29 Gala, where performances from musicians and singers showcased the musicians’ recent hard work. The week-long music education experience had 178 musicians enrolled, from the seasoned professional to students as young as 4 years of age.

The Gala featured performances from Junior, Intermediate and Senior bands, the Musical Beginnings class, a guitar ensemble, the youthful Reading, Playing and Creating class and a show stopping performance from the Choral class, where melodies based off a Roald Dahl classic were performed.

Chair of Summer Music, Sheree Lake said she was grateful for the volunteers, sponsors, and public donors who helped make Summer Music’s success. Lake admitted that “our faculty are not slouches either,” as all are musically educated.

“Our program provides scholarships and bursaries that allows [students] to come to camp,” said Lake, adding that many of the donations given to the camp go to support these scholarships. Put on the spot, Lake highlighted donations from the Society of Energy professionals, Bruce Power, who supplied a tent for lunches; and The Chantry Singers who helped out with the Choral program.

Newly appointed instructor for Summer Music was École Port Elgin-Saugeen Central School’s music teacher Matthew Patterson, who conducted the Junior band at Summer Music. Patterson said he “jumped at the idea” to be part of the week-long music program and added that he saw a number his Wildcat students at Summer Music.

“It gives me a sense that, you know, perhaps what we’re doing at our school is very positive, that they're getting excited about music and they want to do more; and if we can bring out that passion at school then that sets them up for high school as well… and the opportunities that it can bring,” Patterson said before the Gala.

The Junior band consisted of students with one year or less musical experience. Patterson said he saw the group twice a day and had a different approach for each lesson. “We approached our lessons first day with how a beginning band works. The second day we then looked to the fun side of music and what it can bring out. The third day was on discipline and competition and then we focused in on the concert.” Patterson said it’s a great way to look at how things operate.

Patterson hopes to be invited back to teach next year, as he had a lot of fun during the week-long music experience. He hoped everyone enjoyed it as much as he did.

Sheree Lake and the Summer Music Board are already planning a big week, July 24 to 28, 2017, for the 30th anniversary of Summer Music, which will coincide with Canada’s 150th birthday. Lake said to expect a “Big Party”. Summer Music’s annual concert, Something Different (see: A near sell out crowd for Something Different) is Summer Music’s major fundraiser for the Summer Music week. 

The Tots and Tunes class gave a private performance to family members at the United Church in Southampton, July 29.

Members of the Intermediate band, from left, Meredith Roberts, Maddy James, Hannah Scott, and Kyra Brough before their Gala performance, July 29 at the Southampton Curling Club.

Ella (left) from Quebec and Stella from Guelph were poised, with recorders at the ready, before their Gala performance.

The Musical Beginnings class was able to keep a beat during their performance where they played Hot Cross Buns, and Mary had a Little Lamb on the recorder, and did a drum play along.

Members of the senior band played Overture of the Winds, All through the Night, and Gypsy Dance, at the Gala.