Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Ernestown Secondary School band hit the road for a mini tour recently, sharing their talents with elementary schools across Loyalist Township.
Led by band director Andy Seguire, the high school students performed a series of energetic holiday concerts inside the gyms at Amherstview PS, Fairfield PS, Bath PS and Odessa PS as part of an assembly held at each school. Students from Ernestown’s Senior Leadership program also came along, engaging the younger students in fun interactive games.
“It’s not just us going out and showing how good we are as a band, we’re going out and showing how fun Ernestown can be and hopefully getting new students,” said Rachel Crausen, a member of the ESS band.
She recalled being inspired by a similar visit from the high school band when she was in elementary school.
“That’s one of the reasons I wanted to play flute was because of them,” she added.
The concert series is part of a band resurgence under the leadership of Seguire. The after school program has really focused on community connection this year, holding coffee house events at the school as well as performing at school assembles for holidays such as Halloween, Remembrance Day and Christmas.
“Having something to actually play at rather than just doing it makes you want to do it,” said Becky Cairns, also a member of the band.
The band consists of 14 students and meets every Wednesday in what the students describe as a welcoming environment. They recommend the program for any young student with an interest in music.
“If you don’t think you’re being good with the song, a lot of the pieces I get in my head, I don’t know how to play it. You just have to break it down and it’s like wow, I actually understand this,” said Crausen.
“Don’t over think it,” adds Cairns. “A lot of the times I’ll look at stuff and it seems a lot more complicated than it actually is until you play it or hear someone else either play it or sing it. Then you realize it’s actually nothing.”
Beyond sharpening their music ability, both students say the band has been a great opportunity to interact with other kids at the school which with they’d otherwise never cross paths.
Coming up in the second semester of school they’ll continue to play at coffee house events as well as an upcoming Evening of the Arts, which will include drama and art students showcasing their talents.