The District Band Festival is an annual event that draws secondary ensembles across Vancouver together for a celebratory evening of connection and musical camaraderie. For several decades, the District Band Festival has been organized in VSB to provide secondary band students with the festival experience without the pressure. It’s a fun, non-competitive opportunity for ensembles to showcase their work and receive feedback from professional adjudicators.

This year, Keith Ollerenshaw, who serves as Band Director at Magee organized the District’s Band Festival on March 12 that brought together 13 acts by nine secondary schools including: Point Grey, David Thompson, Prince of Wales, Templeton, Britannia, University Hill, John Oliver, Magee and Killarney. Each performance was recorded, allowing students to self-assess after the performance, reflect on strengths and note areas for improvement.

"Music is one of the great joys of the human experience. Music and the arts provide meaning to life." 

- Keith Ollernshaw, Band Director at Magee Secondary

Earlier in March, in a similar celebration of music in the District, the Vancouver Elementary Choral Festival took place over two nights in the John Oliver auditorium. Twelve VSB schools participated, with each school singing one to two selections on their own, and then joining together in singing two selections together. Participating schools included, Dickens, Jules Quesnel, Laurier, McKechnie, Shaughnessy, Van Horne, Fleming Hastings, Livingstone, Norquay, Waverly and Wolfe.

For Ollerenshaw opportunities like these are important not only as an avenue for students to showcase their performances, but also to hear the music of their peers. “Festivals historically were designed to promote competition. The best ensembles would get a trophy. The District band festival provides opportunity for secondary bands to see what ensembles are doing across the District.”

According to Grade 12 Point Grey student Linda Wang, this year’s District Band Festival was personally meaningful. “As a Grade 12 student with graduation approaching, this is one of the last chances I have to perform with my bandmates. Every performance becomes a special memory.”

“I’ve learned the importance of showing up prepared, being an active participant, listening carefully, respecting other sections (because you rely on them) and supporting my peers." 

- Linda Wang, Grade 12 student at Point Grey

Linda says being in band has been one of the most memorable parts of her secondary school experience. She has made some of her closest friends, learned discipline, teamwork and leadership all through playing in band. “I’ve learned the importance of showing up prepared, being an active participant, listening carefully, respecting other sections (because you rely on them) and supporting my peers. It’s also given me the chance to try out new instruments and pick up new skills just for fun,” she says. 

Ollerenshaw agrees that music goes far beyond the technical aspects of learning an instrument. “Music is one of the great joys of the human experience. Music and the arts provide meaning to life,” he says.

Magee's band in Ireland performing with peers from the Athenry School of Music. 

During spring break, Ollerenshaw and Magee band students partook in a cross-cultural experience on a trip to Ireland. There they met up with and performed with the Athenry School of Music in Galway. The Magee students had the opportunity to share their love of music with Irish bandmates and did a bit of sightseeing, visiting important Irish historical landmarks and museums.

“Taking students on international trips gives them a sense of responsibility and ownership. Secondly, it gives them the opportunity to own their craft, harness their skills and polish their product.” He notes that trips like these allow students to grow and mature.

Ollerenshaw has also noticed that students who thrive in music programs thrive in whatever they put their mind to. “Music creates different pathways in the brain, it teaches students discipline and work ethic,” he says. More importantly, Ollerenshaw sees music as an artistic and social outlet for students, one that brings meaning and comfort to their lives.