Northport Elementary School’s Senior Band at the Georgian Bay Regional MusicFest in Collingwood. Photo submitted

Northport Cougars young musicians have been busy during the past few weeks with nearly 200 students ranging in ages from 8 to 14 taking part in the Midwestern Rotary Music Festival.

On Wednesday, April 19 Northport's Junior Band performed “Two Canadian Folk Songs” and earned a silver standing. In the afternoon the Senior Band performed “Storm Chaser” by Canadian composer David Marlatt and was the only band to earn a gold standing in this category thus earning them the Bruce Power Trophy and scholarship.

Another gold standing was awarded to the Senior Band for their outstanding performance of “The Legend of Queen Anne's Revenge” by Ryan Meeboer.

On Thursday, April 20 students from Grades 3 to 5 headed to Walkerton to share their musical skills. Students from 3/4M wowed the adjudicator, Sharon Fitzsimmons, with their outstanding recorder and xylophone skills while playing “Sourwood Mountain”, earning a gold standing.

Grade 4/5M had an excellent recorder and xylophone performance of the traditional African piece “Funga Alafia” which also earned them a gold standing.

Thanks to the generous donation of buckets by Saugeen Shores Home Hardware, 5S bucket drummed their way to a gold standing as well.

In a May 1 email, Principal Bill Colley said, “Students put forth an outstanding effort and really worked together as a team for successful performances.”

To cap off the festival season students performed a concert for the student body on Wednesday, April 26 during the day as well as an evening performance for the community. The show included festival participants as well as the dynamic Glee Club, led by Jackie Ewing. The show ended with the Senior Band performing their Storm Chaser piece which included the band and audience creating a giant rain storm using body percussion.

The Senior Band will be preparing for their last performance of the year at the National competition, Musicfest Canada in Niagara Falls, from May 17 to 19.

“Bravo Northport for all your hard work and determination.”

Northport Elementary School’s Glee Club, directed by Jackie Ewing, singing “Hoedown Throwdown” at at their Spring Concert. Photo submitted

Grade 3/4M at the Northport Elementary School Spring concert, playing “Sourwood Mountain.” This group is made up of recorders and Orff instruments. Orff instruments include xylophones, glockenspiels and marimbas.

The Honour Band performing at the Northport Elementary School’s Spring Concert, at which they performed the James Bond theme song and “All Star.”

Below is a video of approximately 200 students from five area schools, including Northport Elementary School, who came together to create a mass band at the Family of Schools Music Day April 6. See also: Family of Schools Music Day