Division middle school bands participate in music festival on Music Monday

On May 1, nearly 200 band students from across southern Alberta gather at the University of Lethbridge for the Lethbridge Middle School Band Festival, in celebration of the National Coalition for Music Education's Music Monday.
Organized by Erin George-Samuel, band director of Wilson Middle School, and Dr. Nick Sullivan, Professor of Low Brass at the University of Lethbridge, the festival was a tribute to the importance of music education in schools, and to the talent of young musicians in the area.
The National Coalition for Music Education's Music Monday is an annual event that takes place on the first Monday in May, and is designed to raise awareness about the importance of music education in schools.
The Lethbridge Middle School Band Festival was one of many events that took place across Canada in celebration of Music Monday.
The day began with performances by faculty and staff from the University of Lethbridge, which served as inspiration for the student musicians. The students then had the opportunity to participate in guest conductor clinics, where they received feedback and instruction from experienced professionals. In addition, the festival included a scavenger hunt across the University of Lethbridge grounds, which was a fun way for students to explore the campus and interact with their peers.
The festival culminated in a concert featuring all the bands who attended, showcasing the hard work and dedication of the young musicians.
The Lethbridge Middle School Band Festival brought together bands from Gilbert Paterson, Wilson, Immanuel Christian, Lethbridge Christian and G.S. Lakie of Lethbridge School Division.
Cardston Junior High and Spring Glen Junior High of the Westwind School Division and Noble Central School of the Palliser School Division also participated.
It was a wonderful opportunity for students to come together and share their love of music, and to be inspired by the talent of their peers and mentors.
"It was a pleasure to host the Lethbridge Middle School Music Festival at the University of Lethbridge," said Dr. Sullivan. "We were impressed by the talent and enthusiasm of the young musicians who participated, and we hope this event will inspire them to continue pursuing their musical passions."
The Lethbridge Middle School Band Festival was a great success and organizers are already looking forward to next year's event.