STURGIS - The Good Spirit School Division band hosted its annual awards concert at the Sturgis Composite High School on June 12 featuring music steeped in tradition.
Nathan Seghers, band instructor, guided the Grade 5/6, juniors and seniors through various musical selections during the evening. Seghers spoke briefly on the highlights and accomplishments throughout the year. “During this time of the year, I am filled with a mix of emotions. It's a bittersweet moment for me as a band teacher, as I get to witness the culmination of our musical journey together,” said Seghers.
"Seeing my students grow as musicians fills me with immense pride and gratitude. Their passion for music, willingness to learn and grow, and their unwavering dedication have made this journey so enjoyable. It has been an honor and a privilege to be their band teacher. I hope they have enjoyed their year as much as I have.
“I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the unwavering support of our parents, families, community and friends. Your encouragement, dedication, and belief in our band program have been instrumental in our success. We are eternally grateful for your unwavering support,” he concluded.
The Grade 5/6 band performed a set from Midnight Suite that featured, Midnight Mission, Midnight Sky and Midnight Madness.
The junior band was next as they performed to In the Court of the King, African Festival and Celtic Air and Dance.
The senior band performed Encanto, Colenal Bogey, as well as selections from Little Suite that included Ayre, Gigue, Ballad and March, The band also performed Whispers from Beyond and the theme music from How to Train Your Dragon.
The awards acknowledged students in all the band divisions.
In the beginner category, Grade 5: Sam Korney of Preeceville received the most improved musician. Lucy Chorneyko of Norquay received the Peter Olineck Award for best first-year band student and Isabelle Kondratoff of Canora won the Canora Credit Union Sturgis branch award for most promising musician, beginner band.
In the Grade 6 category, Greta Craig of Canora received the Grade 6 most improved musician award. Eva Romanchuk of Sturgis won the most outstanding band student award and Seth Propp of Canora received the most promising musician award.
In the Grade 7 category, Hailey Spray of Preeceville and Catherine Chorneyko of Norquay received the most improved musician awards. Briley Friday, Kyla Scheller and Abby Scheller all of Preeceville received the most outstanding musician and Allie Babiuk of Sturgis won the most promising musician award.
In Grade 8, Peyton Lisoway of Preeceville and Maddy Dutchak of Canora received the most improved musician award, Bella Alblas of Sturgis received the most outstanding musician award and Simon Craig of Canora won the most promising musician award.
In the Grade 9 category, Rheana Quibod of Preeceville won the most improved musician award, Olivia Ivanochko of Preeceville received the most outstanding musician award and Joseph Chorneyko of Norquay took home the most promising musician award.
In Grade 10, Jenna Anaka of Preeceville received the most improved musician award, Yohan Quibod of Preeceville won the most outstanding musician award and Miah Ruf of Canora was named the most promising musician award winner.
In the Grade 11 category, Maicey Scheller of Preeceville received the most outstanding musician award and Chloe Pshyk of Canora won the Most Promising Musician award.
In the Grade 12 category, Callie Sznerch of Canora won the most improved musician award and Jack Craig of Canora received the most outstanding musician award.
