March 11, 2026 (Brockville, ON) – Student musicians
from across the Upper Canada District School
Board (UCDSB) were recognized for their performances at the Capital Region
MusicFest, with three school bands earning high standards at the regional
festival held February 24-28 in Kanata and March 7 in Barrhaven.
At the event, ensembles are evaluated and ranked based on a set
of performance standards rather than competing against each other. Bands receive
a Gold, Silver, Bronze, or Merit standard based on the overall quality of their
performance.
Following each school’s performance, students participated
in a workshop led by an esteemed adjudicator, where they received feedback and
worked on techniques to strengthen their performances.
On March 7, the NGDHS percussion ensemble “big baNG” delivered a standout performance at Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School in Barrhaven. As the final group to perform at the 2026 festival, the ensemble showcased a dynamic and culturally rich program, performing with precision, respect, and attention to detail, and was unanimously awarded a Gold Standard by adjudicators.
The RDHS band earned a Silver Standard, demonstrating an
exceedingly high level of musical performance. This achievement is an exciting milestone
for the school’s growing music program, which attended the festival for the
first time this year.
The RDHS band includes approximately 30 students in Grades 8-11.
The program has grown significantly this year thanks in part to a $16,000
MusiCounts grant that helped the school purchase instruments and expand
opportunities for students interested in music.
The NDDHS and SDHS bands also earned recognition, each receiving
the Bronze Standard for their performances. The SDHS ensemble includes 38
students in Grades 7-12, many who are new to the program this year. The NDDHS
ensemble is made up of 25 students from Grades 8-12.
Teachers expressed pride in their students' dedication and growth. The experience provided
valuable feedback and learning opportunities that will help the bands continue
developing their skills as they prepare for upcoming performances throughout
the remainder of the school year.
All three bands will also participate in Grandioso, a music
festival organized by teachers within the UCDSB, taking place on May 5, 2026.