Thursday, June 7 marks a bittersweet moment for Erik Arts.
The Grade 12 Belmont Secondary school student will be showcasing his musical talents at the school’s year-end concert – skills that he has perfected during the past four years involved with the music department.
It will also be his final performance as a senior before he graduates.
“It will be a lot of fun and I’m hoping to make this a great last concert,” said Arts, who will be performing in five different ensembles. “It’s to celebrate all the things we’ve all gone through this year and just hear some great music.”
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Arts is one of more than 100 Grade 9 to 12 students who will be performing in the school’s year-end concert. The concert will feature performances by the concert and jazz band, vocal jazz, concert choir, R&B band, drumline, and student combos.
Ensembles will perform a variety of works from traditional choral and wind band repertoire to jazz arrangements to current pop repertoire. Some bands will be performing original pieces as well.
“It’s a great opportunity for people to see youth in their community that are dialed in to creating something that’s bigger than themselves. That they’re committed to something that takes a long time to reap the rewards and this is the product of a lot of work,” said Glynis Dawson, department head of fine arts.
“Beyond that, it’s going to be a completely entertaining, quality experience.”
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Students are excited to hit the stage as well. While the school also puts on a winter concert, the spring one is always emotional and gives students a chance to say a final goodbye to seniors in the department and see what other ensembles have been working on throughout the year.
“We’re super excited. We worked super hard this year, a lot of time, commitment and dedication,” said Grade 10 student Navya Pottumutu, who will be performing in the concert and jazz band, R&B and choir ensembles. “We’re like a family.”
Belmont Secondary school’s year-end concert takes place on Thursday, June 7 beginning at 7 p.m. at the gym (3041 Langford Lake Rd.)
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and admission is by donation.
Funds raised will be used to support the school’s music department activities.
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kendra.wong@goldstreamgazette.com