Vancouver Island Concert Band Festival

On Wednesday April 11th, two of Brentwood’s music groups departed the school to participate in the first music festival of our spring season: the Vancouver Island Concert Band Festival, held at Ladysmith Secondary school. Music festivals offer ensembles and bands the opportunity to perform in front of a board of adjudicators, and then receive a workshop from these talented clinicians. There is also an element of competition, as groups are given ratings and occasionally selected to go on to Nationals.  At the Festival, Brentwood’s Wind Ensemble successfully performed their three pieces first. The Wind Ensemble is, this year, comprised of 24 dedicated students, and features a wide variety of wind instruments. Receiving an “Excellent” and “Excellent Plus” rating from the two adjudicators (the second and third highest ratings possible to achieve) their performance impressed everyone present. During their clinic, the Strings Ensemble warmed up for their performance.  This year, the Strings Ensemble has grown to 15 talented students, and shows great promise. This group will, along with the Jazz Band, be attending MusicFest Canada in May at the University of Toronto. This is the our National competition,  giving the attending students a chance to also see the CN Tower and Niagara Falls as well as partake in valuable musical experiences.  In Ladysmith, the ensemble performed three diverse pieces: A fun Spanish piece called Tico Tico,  the American Folk song Simple Gifts, and Bach’s classical Concerto in D Minor. This performance also went well, with the strings group earning two “superior” ratings; this is the highest achievement possible at the festival! After the strings workshop, everyone left tired and satisfied.  What was achieved at this festival is certainly a feat to be proud of. Both groups are directed by Mr. Tristan Clausen, and are eagerly anticipating a busy and successful festival season ahead of them. Thank you to all the young musicians and director alike, who have put in so many hours to reach this point that everyone involved can celebrate!  Sarah R, Mackenzie ‘20