The New Westminster Secondary School music program brought home gold from the nationals in Ottawa.
The NWSS senior vocal jazz, senior jazz ensemble, Sockdollager and Lean Green Cycling Machine all achieved the gold standard for their performances.
The senior wind ensemble and The Will Kaz Duo achieved silver standard for their performance.
"It was a great trip on so many levels," said music director Steve Clements. "The students represented NWSS and the City of New Westminster in an exemplary way for the entire trip. We are extremely proud of our students' achievements and maturity as ambassadors on this trip.
Once again, the students of NWSS have done us proud."
Also of note, two students auditioned and were accepted to play with national honour bands during the festival. Seok Hee Jang, a clarinetist, performed with the Denis Wick National Wind Ensemble. Trumpet player Kaz Takasugi was selected to play lead trumpet with the Yamaha All-Star Jazz Ensemble. Seok Hee and Kaz have been accepted into the prestigious McGill University music program.
They also attended concerts and connected with young musicians from all over the country. Students also toured parliament buildings, the National Art Centre and took a day trip to Montreal.
The NWSS music students want to thank the New Westminster community for supporting their fundraising activities throughout the year, the release said.
The high school music department has been providing music education in New Westminster since 1960. More than 300 Grade 8 to 12 students are registered in performance-based courses including concert bands, jazz bands, choirs, jazz combos and chamber ensembles, and another 250 to 300 students are enrolled in non-performance based courses in guitar and music composition and technology. Band and choir students participate in local and national festivals, as well as perform at fundraising and community events throughout New Westminster. For more information about the music department visit
www.nwssmusic.com.
