Grand Erie Musicians Earn National Recognition at MusicFest Canada

Tuesday, Jun 16, 2026

Student musicians from three Grand Erie schools earned national recognition at MusicFest Canada. In its 54th year, the festival brings together students from across the country to perform, compete and hone their talents. On an invitation-only basis, bands from North Park Collegiate and Vocational School (NPC), Paris District High School (PDHS) and Simcoe Composite School (SCS) were selected for their demonstrated excellence at the regional level in February.

 

MusicFest Canada is just as much about education as it is about skill development and competition. As part of the week-long festival, each band must participate in a clinic, a highly interactive learning session with guest musicians and adjudicators who help students refine their craft.

 

At the festival, North Park students worked with Colin Clarke, Artistic Director of the Oscar Peterson Program at the Oscar Peterson School of Music. Paris District earned an Award of Excellence during its clinic and received a Silver Standard, which signifies a high standard of performance. Simcoe Composite School earned an Excellence in the Clinic recognition for its impressive sight-reading abilitie

North Park's band sits with their instruments and music sheets

s — the ability to read and interpret written music and perform it in real time.

 

North Park performed three pieces in the B300 intermediate category, earning a Silver standing and praise for Music and English teacher Kristin Reid's conducting of Halcyon Hearts by Katahj Copley. Simcoe Composite School's Concert Band and Junior Band performed on May 12, with both ensembles receiving Silver Standard plaques. At Paris District High School, 46 musicians performed in the B300 category, earning a Silver Award. Student musician Taylor Drinkle also received an Honour Award.

 

"Being invited to perform at MusicFest is an achievement in itself," said Kevin Graham, Superintendent of Education. "The recognition students earned reflects countless hours of practice, perseverance and teamwork. We're inspired by their dedication to their craft and ongoing drive to learn."

 

This year's MusicFest Nationals took place close to home in Niagara Falls from May 11 to 16. Next year, successful bands will travel to Calgary, Alberta. Click here to watch each band's livestream performance.

 

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