A group of students with a conductor standing on stage holding different strings instruments.

Music

Strings

The String Department at Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts is a welcoming environment that produces award-winning performances and outstanding musicians.

For over 30 years, String students have showcased their talents at the highest levels in large ensembles, chamber ensembles, as soloists, in school musicals, and in collaborative performances with Drama, Dance, and Visual Arts.

Carter String students have volunteered as mentors for elementary students in the TCDSB Youth Orchestra, and have performed at many outreach events in the community.

A group of students in uniform practicing string instruments in a classroom.
A group of students playing string instruments in a concert.
A group of students playing string instruments virtually.
A group of students playing string instruments in a concert.
A male student playing a violin.
A group of students playing string instruments virtually.
A group of students playing string instruments in a concert.
3 students playing violin at an event.
7 students playing strings instruments at an event.
A male student playing a violin.
A group of students in uniform practicing string instruments in a classroom.
A male student playing a violin.
A female student playing a violin.
A group of students playing string instruments virtually.
A female student playing a violin.
5 people playing strings in formal attire

During COVID, there was an incredible output of creativity from String students in the form of virtual ensembles and composition. In 2023, CCAA String Ensembles received Gold in all categories at the Ontario String Association Festival. Throughout the decades, the Carter String program has received numerous 1st place awards from the Kiwanis Festival and Ontario Music Festivals Association in both performance and composition categories. Carter Strings have placed in the top 10 in Canada in their category for CBC Music Class Challenge multiple times. 

The Strings program at Carter has had the pleasure of bringing in professionals to work with the students recently including Aaron Chan, Daniel Hamin Go, Aaron Schwebel, and the Devah Quartet. The String Students have also had the opportunity to work with composers and musicians from the Esprit Orchestra, COC Orchestra, Opera Atelier, the National Ballet Orchestra, and the TSO. 

All of our dedicated String students have collectively made the String program a positive place like no other!

Greensleeves

The Grade 12 Strings class of 2020/2021, plus special guests from Grade 9-11 Strings, perform "Greensleeves" arr. Matt Riley, under the direction of D. Gassi.

Enjoy!

Department Staff

Daniela Gassi
Email: daniela.gassi@tcdsb.org

Darius Nargolwalla
Email: darius.nargolwalla@tcdsb.org