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85 talented young musicians were given the chance to visit Toronto in Canada over the summer, performing in concerts with the Guernsey Music Service.
The students and staff stayed at Brock University, where they performed as part of a summer school programme.
The musicians were invited to take part in a concert at St Mark's church, where Guernsey's Major General Sir Isaac Brock worshipped. The Guernseyman was killed in action at the Battle of Queenston Heights near Niagra Falls in 1812, repelling the Americans who were trying to gain a foothold on the Canadian side of the Niagra River. His final words are reported to have been 'Surgite' - Latin for 'push on' - which is used as Brock University's motto to this day.
The students did have some down time too, visiting lots of attractions including Niagra Falls, the CN Tower and Lake Ontario.
The trip marked the retirement of Mervyn Grand, who has been in post as Head of the Guernsey Music Service for 19 years.
"The Music Centre has visited Canada twice before and has established links with Brock University and St Mark’s Church in Niagara-on-the-Lake where a warm welcome is always ensured for our young musicians," he said. "The Niagara Youth Orchestra also extended a very kind invitation on this visit to rehearse and perform in a concert at Ridley College.
Pictured: Guernsey Music Service staff and students in Canada.
"Throughout the visit to Canada, our young Guernsey musicians were terrific ambassadors for the island, whether they were making music, learning about the Brock connection or simply enjoying the many attractions of the area. Everyone involved had a memorable trip and I am very grateful to the students, Music Service staff, Friends of Music Centre and all our Canadian contacts for making it such a success."
The trip was funded by parents, with financial assistance from the Friends of Guernsey Music Centre.
"For me, Canada was one of the most enriching experiences of my life so far," said Guernsey Music Service student, Ivy Botzenhardt. "We embarked on our trip knowing only people from our specific orchestra or band, but returned with a countless number of new, cherished friendships.
"Our time was full of music and laughter as we listened to leagues of people scream ‘Brigadoon’ and bursting out into the beloved smash hit song ‘O Yo Yo’ (one of the Youth Choir’s performance pieces) at all hours of the day.
"It was of course an emotional end to the trip as we began to play ‘On the Steppes of Central Asia’ and realised it was that piece which would mark the retirement of the marvellous Mr Grand. I’d like to say a massive thank you to Mr Grand for all of his amazing work over the years! I look back on this trip with many fond memories which will never be forgotten. Thank you to all the brilliant teaching staff and students of the Guernsey Music Centre!"
Pictured top: The Guernsey Music Service in Canada.
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