Local students take centre stage, perform in Alberta Junior Honour Band

Six Assumption Jr/Sr High School students were among those performing on the big stage as part of Alberta’s Junior Honour Band.

High school musicians from across the province are nominated by their music teachers for the opportunity.

Molly Pedersen, Ainsley Stasuik, Lucas Vining, Alix Bramwell, Charles Gant, and Jordyn Lamouroux were those put forward by AJSH music instructor Meredith Keizer.

Six AJSH students went to Red Deer to perform in the Alberta Junior Honour Band. Submitted Image

“I took several factors into consideration. Firstly, their love for band class. All of these students truly exude a love for learning music
and are leaders in our band, especially in their skill level,” detailed Keizer. ”Secondly, the commitment and work ethic each of them displays. They are hard-working students who I knew would take on the challenge of learning and enjoying this experience with other like-minded, skilled students from around the province. I am proud to say this is our largest representation of students from Assumption School that were selected to participate this year.”

From March 4 to 6, the students worked with award-winning conductors in Red Deer as they prepared pieces for a concert held on the final day of their trip.

The students agreed it was neat playing with such a wide assortment of instruments.

“My highlight would be hearing the band and playing together. It was way louder; at times I couldn’t even hear myself,” Jordyn said.

For fellow tuba player Ainsley, the best part of the trip was the feeling she had while performing with her group.

From March 4-6, the group were in Red Deer practicing for their big performance on their last day. Submitted Image

“They made me feel like I belonged there… and it made me feel special,” Clarinet player Molly reflected on an interesting twist to their
version of March of the Sun Dried Tomatoes.

She explained how throughout the end of the performance there was a duck “running around on stage.”

“Even though you were thinking, my face hurts, my throat hurts, I can’t speak properly anymore, you would see the duck and you would hear the duck and it would always make you giggle,” she described.

Charlie, who plays the trombone, said it was flattering to be nominated by Keizer. Lucas, who also plays the trombone, agreed.

“It felt pretty great because it means you are doing well and it feels reassuring,” he said. “It was stressful, but it was fun to do.”