The music program at École Port Elgin Saugeen Central School (ÉPESCS) has had a busy season performing at festivals. Music teacher Matthew Patterson reports that the students worked hard and had “so much fun” taking in three festivals.

On March 2 the Jazz Ensemble won silver at MusicFest in Collingwood, the first elementary school jazz ensemble to participate from the school board.

The Senior Concert Band won high silver and advanced to the nationals.

At the Midwestern Rotary Music Festival in Walkerton April 20 and 21 the Intermediate Concert Band won silver and first place with the Senior Concert Band taking two golds and a silver with two 1st place and 1 second place finish.

The Senior Concert Band were also awarded a scholarship and the Herb Young Memorial Trophy for their win in the Challenge category.

At the MusicFest Nationals in Niagara Falls May 15 to 19, the Senior Band entered the B200 category with 22 secondary schools participating and came home with a silver overall standing but a gold in the clinic and sight reading session.