Two schools, part of the Foothills School Division (FSD), were recently recognized for their musical talents.
The Alberta High School of Fine Arts (AHSFA) Vocal Ensemble placed first overall in the Con Brio Music Festival at Sun Peaks, which took place in early May.
On top of that, they are the top high school choir for the 2024-2025 school year.
This achievement highlights the ensemble's dedication and talent.
Not only that, but the AHSFA Concert Band recently participated in the ABA Provincial Festival of Bands and earned an Excellent + rating, which is equivalent to an A-.
Under the guidance of the interim conductor, the students showed exceptional musicality and professionalism and earned high grades (A) in sight reading, musicality, and professionalism.
"The student’s representation of ÉSFCHS | AHSFA and the division was nothing short of admirable," said the Vocal Music instructor, Mathew Ellis, in a media release about these achievements.
Students at Highwood High School were also recognized recently for their musical achievements.
The Highwood High School Senior Symphonic Band was awarded the prestigious Adjudicator's Choice Award at the Alberta Band Association Provincial Festival of Bands, which made it the most outstanding group at the provincial festival, which included over 160 groups from Western Canada.
"Our students have continued the legacy of excellence in our program, a tradition that spans decades and culminated two years ago when we won back-to-back adjudicator’s choice awards in Whistler and Red Deer. To achieve this once again is truly unprecedented in the band community," explained Band Director Dylan Wiest in a media release.
Their success at the Festival of Bands is attributed to the foundation laid by the Junior High band programs throughout FSD, including the ones at Senator Riley Middle School and the High River Regional Band Program.
Through those programs, students are equipped with the necessary tools to excel while they develop a passion for music.
Wiest emphasized in the media release that while the students' hard work was paramount in winning the Adjudicator's Choice Award, the support from the feeder school programs at Senator Riley, Cayley, and Blackie schools has been crucial in their success.
"Our Highwood bands consistently being recognized as the most outstanding group at provincial and national festivals highlights that there truly is a formula for success," said Wiest in the release. "Strong junior high band programs, such as Senator Riley and the High River Regional Band Program, provide students with the tools they need to find success and become passionate about music. Success is contagious, and when you pair that with equally passionate and knowledgeable teachers, as well as strong support for the arts from school administrators, you create culture. Culture is student agency at the highest level and is the reason that Highwood has been continually recognized on a provincial and national level."
To stay up to date with what's happening at the Foothills School Division, you can go to their website.