May 12, 2015

The musical and artistic talents of École secondaire catholique l’Horizon students will be on display on Wednesday, May 13, during the upcoming La Brunante. Among the three finalists to perform at the concert intended for future Franco-Ontarian music stars will be Mandala, showcasing the musical talents of students from École secondaire catholique l’Horizon in Val Caron. The concert starts at 7 p.m. at Laurentian University’s Fraser Auditorium.

Mandala is a four-member rock band composed of students from École secondaire catholique l’Horizon: Luc Huneault, vocals and guitar; Zachary Clément, keyboards; Julien Laferrière, drums; and Nicholas Fournier, vocals and bass. Band members met at l’Horizon when they joined the school’s music committee which offered them the opportunity to take part in many concerts and festivals during their high school studies.

These four musicians had the experience of a lifetime at the “Quand ça nous chante” provincial music festival where each member received the prestigious “outstanding musician” award and was named to the festival’s All-Star Team (prix Coup de cœur du parrain – Équipe Étoile). This award is presented to students for outstanding stage presence in a musical performance during the festival. The Horizon students were able to secure four of the eight spots on the musical All-Star Team, which is quite an accomplishment in itself!

All of these students hailing from the Valley East community are passionate about their music and are always open to experimenting with new styles. Influenced by performers like Mastik and Dayv Poulin, they want to play quality Francophone music, enjoy themselves and promote their French culture. Having a preference for jazz, Mandala is also appreciated for its alternative style.

“We take great pride in seeing our students being part of the emerging Franco-Ontarian musical scene. By taking part in La Brunante, these young Horizon musicians are displaying their desire to develop their Francophone identity and to contribute to the growth of a thriving Franco-Ontarian culture,” explained CSCNO Director of Education Mrs. Lyse-Anne Papineau.

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