Triumph in the Big Apple: A Harmonious Victory

The Music School concentration Project band from Dégelis Secondary School, under the direction of Dany Provencher, has returned home triumphant after a stellar performance at the New York Music Festival, also known as the Big Apple classic. The jazz ensemble secured the coveted first-place L’Or award with an impressive score of 90.3%. the competition, held from April 11th to 14th, featured nine talented groups.

This victory underscores the dedication and talent cultivated within music programs in schools. According to a recent study by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), students involved in music programs demonstrate higher levels of academic achievement and social-emotional advancement.

Individual Brilliance Shines Through

Beyond the ensemble’s overall success, individual musicians were also recognized for their exceptional abilities. William Martin captivated the audience with a stunning drum solo,while Maélie Landry’s vocal performance left a lasting impression,earning them both performance prizes.

For young people an unforgettable experience as much for the performances on stage at the festival, as for visits to New york.

A diverse Repertoire Showcasing Talent

The 28-member ensemble showcased their versatility through a diverse selection of pieces. Their repertoire included the iconic spiderman theme, featuring Gustave Lévesque on saxophone, Aretha Franklin’s soulful Natural Woman, performed by Maélie Landry, and Edgar Winter’s progressive rock instrumental Frankenstein, which highlighted the talents of Renaud Beaulieu on saxophone, Justin Caron on electric guitar, and William Martin on drums.

The selection of Frankenstein is particularly noteworthy, given its complexity and demanding instrumental parts. The song’s inclusion demonstrates the ensemble’s commitment to pushing their musical boundaries.

Director’s Pride and Gratitude

Dany Provencher expressed immense pride in his students, stating that their achievements in New York exceeded all expectations. He also extended his gratitude to those who supported the trip.

Dany Provencher is very proud of his students and the results obtained in New York are far beyond his expectations.

A Thank You Performance for the Community

To show their thankfulness, the Band Elite internship will present a free thank-you concert on Wednesday, April 23rd, at 7:30 p.m. at the Cinema in Dégelis. The performance will feature the same pieces performed at the New York Music Festival, along with a few surprise additions.

Acknowledgments

The success of the trip was made possible through the generous support of numerous individuals and organizations.Dany provencher expressed sincere thanks to those who contributed to fundraising efforts, which raised $12,000, as well as to the Dégelis Secondary School and the River-et-Lacs school service center.