OJSH Band Program Hosts Special Guests
The OJSH band program had a very busy the week ending January 11th. OJSH was honoured to host three very special guests, culminating in a concert Friday evening, January 11th in the school gym.
OJSH had the privilege of hosting guest conductor Dr. Robert Ambrose and composer Dr. Peter Meechan. Dr. Robert Ambrose and Dr. Peter Meechan conducted a 3-day workshop at our school before the Friday concert for our band members. Then, on Friday, we welcomed over fifty Grade 8 students from Bishop Lloyd Middle School in Lloydminster along with their band director Anya Pogorelova.
As an exceptional honour for the musicians and as a special treat for the audience, the two school bands premiered a brand new composition by Peter Meechan, Close to the Sun. Of special note is that this original composition was commissioned especially for the OJSH Band program and is, in fact, dedicated to our band teacher, Mrs. Anderson. Audience members were able to hear its inaugural debut at the concert.
The audience, composed mostly of parents, was highly enthusiastic and appreciative of the concert. It was especially entertaining and educational when Dr. Ambrose and Dr. Meechan ‘dissected’ Close to the Sun for the audience. The conductor and the composer took phrases from the composition, had the band members play it, and then they described to the audience the ‘what’ and the ‘why’ of that part of the composition.
The OJSH Band program would not have been able to hold such an exciting educational event were it not for OMPA (Onoway Music Parents Association). OMPA very generously and graciously funded the workshop for our students so they could experience some extraordinary musical tuition. Thank you OMPA!