March 11, 2015
High school musicians from the Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario (CSCNO) had the experience of a lifetime at the 12th annual “Quand ça nous chante” music festival. Some 410 up-and-coming musicians from 36 Ontario Catholic and public francophone secondary schools took part in this gathering which took place from March 5 to 8 in Ottawa.
The following four students from Val Caron’s École secondaire catholique l’Horizon’s music committee were presented with the prestigious “outstanding musician” award and named to the festival’s All-Star Team (prix Coup de cœur du parrain – Équipe Étoile): Julien Laferrière (drums), Luc Huneault (guitar and vocals), Zachary Clément (piano and keyboard) and Nicholas Fournier (bass guitar and vocals). This award is presented to students for outstanding stage presence in a musical performance during the festival. The group of École secondaire catholique l’Horizon students impressed the festival judges with the performance of their final song, “Athabasca,” originally by the Mastik band. ESC l’Horizon was able to secure four of the eight spots on the musical All-Star Team, which is quite an accomplishment in itself!
ÉSC l’Horizon’s music committee has earned a far-reaching reputation for the quality of its presentations and for the immense talent of its band members. The young musicians are blessed with artistic support and guidance from teachers André Lachance and Nicole Carrière. They are also guided by two volunteers: Julie Crispin, a former student and Bob Lavergne, a former parent. The school’s top-notch team succeeds in motivating the music committee students to invest a great deal of passion in developing their talent and performing as a band.
“Members of Horizon’s music committee enjoyed having the opportunity to perform a 20-minute set for other students who have an equally strong passion for music. They received professional feedback regarding their performance and also took part in two workshops led by professional artists,” explained ÉSC l’Horizon teacher Mr. André Lachance. “By being exposed to various styles of francophone music and through their contacts with other musicians from across the province, our students and those from other CSCNO schools were able to see and hear for themselves that the French-language music industry is alive and well in Ontario and that a musical career in French remains a real possibility.”
The Quand ça nous chante festival is an educational activity offered by the Association des professionnels de la chanson et de la musique (APCM).
The Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario offers a French Catholic Educational Program that is widely recognized for its excellence. The CSCNO provides a quality learning environment and academic program that runs from early childhood to adult education, with some 7,000 students in 27 elementary and 10 secondary schools.
INFO:
Paul de la Riva
Communications and Community Development Coordinator
Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario
(705) 673-5626, ext. 294
(705) 677-8195 – cell phone