STURGIS — The Good Spirit School Division band hosted its annual awards concert at Sturgis Composite High School on June 3, featuring music steeped in tradition.
Composer Matt Neufeld of Winnipeg composed three new musical pieces that he aided in instructing for the beginner, Grade 5/6 and senior bands.
The senior band composition honoured former student Cheyenne Peterson with a piece named Echoes of Radience, written by Neufeld.
A graduate of the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Matt Neufeld does his best to compose, teach and play music for as many people as he can convince or coerce. Matt spends most of his days writing music from his studio at home in Winnipeg and maintains a full schedule of composing, performing, serving as a guest conductor and clinician, and procrastinating by starting just one more farm in Stardew Valley.
Matt is grateful to be published and distributed by Carl Fischer, Eighth Note Publications, Grand Mesa Music, Randall Standridge Music, Tapspace and Wingert-Jones.
Nathan Seghers, band instructor, instructed the Grade 5/6, junior and senior divisions through various musical selections during the evening. Seghers spoke briefly on the highlights and accomplishments throughout the year. “During this time of the year, I am filled with a mix of emotions. It's a bittersweet moment for me as a band teacher, as I get to witness the culmination of our musical journey together,” said Seghers.
“Seeing my students grow as musicians fills me with immense pride and gratitude. Their passion for music, willingness to learn and grow, and their unwavering dedication have made this journey so enjoyable. It has been an honour and a privilege to be their band teacher. I hope they have enjoyed their year as much as I have.
“I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the unwavering support of our parents, families, community and friends. Your encouragement, dedication and belief in our band program have been instrumental in our success. We are eternally grateful for your unwavering support,” he concluded.
The Grade 5/6 band performed Two Appalachian Songs, Once I Had a Sweetheart and Doom Star, created by Matt Neufeld.
The junior band was next, performing A New Light, Perseus the Sea Monster, The Unknown Answer and Lynx Lane Strut, created by Matt Neufeld.
The senior band performed Radetsky March, Blue Ridge Reel, Steppes of Russia, The Candy Factory and Echoes of Radience.
The awards acknowledged students in all band divisions.
In the beginner Grade 5 category, Charis Maier of Preeceville received the Most Improved Musician award; Cruz Jaeb received the Peter Olineck Award for Best First Year Band Student; and Felix Huang of Canora received the Canora Credit Union Sturgis Branch award for Most Promising Musician in beginner band.
In the Grade 6 category, Tapiwanashe Mugadzi of Preeceville received the Grade 6 Most Improved Musician award; Lindy Romanchuk and Zia Dela Torre of Sturgis received the Most Outstanding Band Student award; and Stanley Proklevich of Sturgis received the Most Promising Musician Band award.
In the Grade 7 band category, Cora Tomcala of Canora and Maycee Johnson of Sturgis received the Most Improved Musician award; David Halteman of Norquay, Isabelle Kondratoff of Canora and Lucy Chorneyko received the Most Outstanding Musician award; and Amelia Maier of Sturgis received the Most Promising Musician award.
In the Grade 8 band category, Greta Craig of Canora received the Most Improved Musician award; Eva Romanchuk of Sturgis received the Most Outstanding Musician award; and Seth Propp of Canora received the Most Promising Musician award.
In the Grade 9 category, Ava Burkatcky of Canora and Levi Maier of Preeceville received the Most Improved Musician award; Catherine Chorneyko of Norquay and Briley Friday of Preeceville received the Most Outstanding Musician award; and Hailey Spray of Preeceville received the Most Promising Musician award.
In the Grade 10 category, Bella Alblas of Sturgis received the Most Improved Musician award; Maddy Dutchak of Canora received the Most Outstanding Musician award; and Simon Craig of Canora received the Most Promising Musician award.
In the Grade 11 category, Isaac Johnson of Norquay received the Most Improved Musician award; Olivia Ivanochko of Preeceville and Joseph Chorneyko of Norquay received the Most Outstanding Musician award; and Brody Nelson of Norquay received the Most Promising Musician award.
In the Grade 12 category, Miah Ruff of Canora received the Most Improved Musician award; Yohan Quibod received the Most Outstanding Musician award; and Savannah Olson of Sturgis received the Most Promising Musician award.
