Making Music Together At CISMF

The weekend of April 6, five Greenwood students performed in CISMF 2018. The Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival brings together over 1,000 students from independent schools across Ontario to perform a collaborative concert at Roy Thompson Hall.

Students had to pass an audition process earlier in the winter to earn a spot in the CISMF orchestra or choir. Once accepted, the musicians received copies of the music that they could learn on their own, and be ready for when the whole ensemble came together. They had a lot of pieces to perfect in a short period of time. After just one rehearsal back in February, the ensemble only had two days to practice together before their big performance!

On Friday, April 6, the five Greenwood participants headed to Roy Thomson Hall for the beginning of rehearsal. They were conducted by multiple conductors including Dr. Mark Seritt, an award-winning choral conductor and composer.

The music selection was diverse, modern, and challenging, including the concert band’s favourite — “Darkheart” — and “In The Heights” by Lin Manuel Miranda.

Some more high notes? Olivia Morgan and Ellie Selbiger-Davidson both snagged impressive solos. Getting selected for a solo required a second round of auditions, against some of the best musicians from independent schools across the province. Ellie sung a solo on David Archuleta's "Glorious," and Olivia rapped a section for “In The Heights.”

After all the rehearsing, they were excited and ready for their performance on Sunday. It was a moving experience, listening to student musicians from all across the province, coming together to create beautiful music.