ACSS Music Department

A VERY SUCCESSFUL BAND TOUR

This year's Band Tour to Edmonton went extremely well!  The weather was surprisingly beautiful, all performances went very well, the students had a great time, and they represented our school like professionals.  I heard back from many of our venues, and they loved our students.  They especially commented on their behaviour, cleanliness and cheerful attitudes wherever we went.  We can all be very proud of them.
45 band students went, donning their new uniforms and performing at three Christian Schools (Edmonton Christian, Meadowlark Christian, Victory Christian), a church service in Leduc, AB, at the West Edmonton Mall, and at Kings University College.

The students had fun at the West Edmonton Mall and hanging out at the hotel (which had a water-slide and pool). This was especially appreciated after sleeping two nights on a gym floor. The performances were very well received, with great audiences and welcoming staff.

They also learned a lot as they worked together setting up concerts, packing the bus, and performing in various venues with challenging stage sizes.  The most educational aspect of this tour was our time at the Kings University.  Many music educators worked with our band in sectionals to improve a variety of peformance techniques unique to each instrument.

Finally, one of the biggest contributions to the success of this tour was our chaperones, Anita Vander Ploeg and Teril Veeneman.  I really appreciated there work organizing, shopping, travelling with the students on the bus, caring for sick students, and many other unforeseen things.  Their flexibility and patience made the tour stress-free.

Edmonton is a great place to go for tour, and we received warm welcomes by everyone.  Our school community can be very proud of our Band students.  On this tour, they were truly excellent representatives, and a joy to be around.