The Immanuel Christian School Jazz Band and Concert Band have the honour of performing at Musicfest
Canada on May 15. The recommendations from OCM (Ontario ChristianMusicfest) landed them as
finalists to perform at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
Most of the students have been playing their instrument between 3 and 4 years. It is through
concentrated effort on the part of the students that they have developed a calibre of music making that
carried them to a national stage. An additional factor is being able to come together in a way that
produces the dynamics and harmony that qualifies as great music. Making this happen requires the
concerted effort of our director Mr. Dennis Ullman. Through his perseverance, patience, and
encouragement the students were able to achieve this calibre.
The main focus of having students develop proficiency on a musical instrument is for the purpose of
performing ‘for an audience of One'. If our music making isn't primarily to honour God we miss a key
motivation for producing harmony.
An additional benefit to making music is to prime the brain for better learning. Engaging in the arts helps
develop a different side of the brain than engaging in the sciences. A balanced education should engage
the left and right sides of the brain. This increases the all around capacity to learn.
Another benefit to making music is to bring enjoyment to others. Recently the Concert Band had the
opportunity to share in a volunteer appreciation event at Hillsdale Estate. Their music making formed
the focus of the tribute to the volunteers for their senior programs. The Senior Band also had the
opportunity to share in worship at Hebron Church to highlight Christian Education Week.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Psalm 95:2
As the students participate in Musicfest Canada pray that their focus may remain on making music to
the praise and honour of God.
