Alvin M. Keeling 
After a two-year hiatus, the Comox Valley Schools Band and Choir Festival returns November 14-16.
There are three days of performances with one day featuring the choir part of the festival and the other two days of music featuring orchestras.
Community members, parents and families are encouraged to come out and share their love of music and support these excellent musical performances featuring students from the Comox Valley and overseas.
“Music teachers have had to work hard to maintain healthy music programs in their schools over the past two years during Covid-19,” said SD 71 Fine Arts teacher Jennifer Riley. “Being able to come together to share again these performances with the community is a true testament to the power of music and the dedication of our students.”
Opening day includes the choral music portion on Monday, November 14 at Courtenay Fellowship Baptist Church. Performances begin at 9 a.m. and the last group sings at 5 p.m. (See the complete three-day schedule at the end of the article.) The judge for the day is Scott Leithead of Edmonton, Alta. Leithead is a well-known choir judge and clinician in North America. He is the founder and artistic director of the Kokopelli Choir Association of Canada and the TIME association.
The musical part of the festival will take place on November 15 and 16 at the Sid Williams Theatre. Bands start playing at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday mornings and end at 4 p.m. On Wednesdays, bands start at 9:30 a.m. and play until 3 p.m. Various Lower Mainland and Island groups will participate. The groups will work with Michael Brandon of
Lord Selkirk High School in Selkirk, Man. and Dr. Wendy McCallum from Brandon University, Manitoba. Both have been judges at the festival in the past and the organizers are delighted to have them return and share their expertise.
The main event sponsor is Long and McQuade Music. Other sponsors are Tapestry Music and Old House Inn and Suites.
Admission is by donation. People are invited to come and go throughout the festival to enjoy the music.
Comox Valley School District 71
