From April 22 to 25, students from the Bishop Allen Academy Music Program embarked on an intensive four-day performance tour in Ottawa, led by Davide Garofalo, Steven Wojnarski, and Sara DiGirolamo. The itinerary was anchored by high-level professional development, including jazz clinics at the National Arts Centre, masterclasses with composer Victor Herbiet, and a unique collaboration with producer Sage Reynolds. Students also gained profound perspectives on resilience and artistry through a private session with Juno Award winner Kellylee Evans. Beyond the technical workshops, the ensemble acted as ambassadors for the TCDSB by performing at Sir Robert Borden High School and Ashbury College, even forming a "mass band" with local students to celebrate the spirit of musical community.
The tour balanced these rigorous performances with deep cultural immersion, ranging from an Indigenous "Feel the Heartbeat" workshop at Mādahòkì Farm to exploring Canadian heritage at the Canadian War Museum and the Senate of Canada. By moving beyond "right notes and rhythms" to explore the storytelling power of music, these student-musicians returned home with a broadened world view and a strengthened sense of discipline. This successful tour helped better prepare the student-musicians for their upcoming performance at the MusicFest Canada Nationals in Niagara Falls this May.
