Uxbridge Secondary School bands earn gold from MusicFest Canada

Roger Varley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

USS’s “Third Avenue Jazz Ensemble”, posed here outside a Toronto subway station, earned a Gold medal at MusicFest Canada’s recent National event. Photo submitted by Amy Peck.

Music is alive and well in Uxbridge and the world outside is noticing.

Last week, Uxbridge Secondary School music teacher Amy Peck took the high school's concert band and the Third Avenue Jazz Ensemble to MusicFest Canada's "Nationals" at York University, where both bands gave outstanding performances. The Nationals, an invitation-only celebration of music excellence, are attended by thousands of students from across Canada.

Both USS bands received a Gold standing at the event and the concert band took an extra Award of Excellence. One of the pieces they performed was composed by USS student Liam Kennedy.

"They have exceeded all expectations," Peck said. "They are a dream team!"

As part of their post-Nationals celebrations, the USS music program will present its Spring finale tonight (Thursday) at 7 p.m. in the school cafeteria.

Meanwhile, the Country Music Association of Ontario has announced the nominees for the 13th Annual CMAOntario Awards Show and six nominees are from Durham Region. Among those six are Uxbridge songstress Robyn Ottolini. Ottolini is nominated for Album of the Year and Female Artist of the Year. She also will be performing at the awards show to be held in The Music Hall in Hamilton on June 1.

Another area musician, Barbara Doran of New Moon Junction from Port Perry, is nominated for Group or Duo of the Year.