Eighth-graders from Grand Forks Secondary School put on a triumphant band concert at Wilgress Lake Thursday afternoon, June 3.
Music teacher Shannon Wolf’s Band 8 had just five weeks to master the four songs they played from the bottom of the West Boundary Community Forest’s Outdoor Education Centre. No one could be sure the music would reach the 20 moms and dads who’d come to watch from across the lake.
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A thunderstorm had inundated the kids’ dress rehearsal on May 27, stranding the van that would have delivered a test audience.
“However, we played by the lake, it was awesome, and we’re hoping it will work (on Thursday),” Wolf explained in an email to parents.
There was some tension in the air when, equipped only with her conductor’s baton, Wolf took her place at a bobbing dock facing the band. Were they ready, she asked?
If there had been any doubts, the band’s amazing performance of Sea Shanty Variations more than proved their mettle.
The kids then followed through with equally stunning performances of Creatures In the Attic, Pictures at an Exhibition and The Gazette’s personal favourite, Cool Moose.
“They did amazing!” Wolf said after the show wrapped up at around 2 p.m. “I’m very impressed with them,” she continued, adding that their music had indeed resonated with cheering parents across the water.
The Gazette would like to congratulate Wolf, Band 8 and West Boundary Community Forest’s Elly Macmaster, who helped to co-ordinate the concert.
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laurie.tritschler@boundarycreektimes.com
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