Vanier College hosts MusicFest Québec

From March 15-19, students from all around Montreal and from as far away as Sept-Îles and Rimouski, will perform in symphony orchestras, string orchestras, concert bands, choirs and classical guitar ensembles. MusicFest Québec is an unusual competition because groups don’t compete against other music ensembles, but rather against themselves. Do the best you can improve over past performances – that’s the aim of each band or orchestra.

Groups perform in front of a panel of judges who will award each group with a Gold, Silver or Bronze Mention.

After performing in one of three concert venues, students are given a workshop by one of the judges, who comments on their presentation, and works with them on improving their performance. It’s a unique opportunity for these groups to get expert outside comments and guidance on their playing and musical interpretation.

Nadia Turbide, Coordinator of the Vanier College Music Department is always impressed with the visiting students, many of whom later decide to study Music at Vanier. “For many schools, MusicFest Quebec is the highlight of their music program,” she says. “They start preparing for the competition in September and look forward to the trip to Vanier in March.”

Following the workshop, each group gathers together for a souvenir group photo then visiting students disperse to browse through the various displays of local music suppliers, have lunch, and sit in on other performances.

MusicFest Québec is a very big undertaking and takes place during spring break at Vanier when large classrooms and the auditorium are available for the thousands of visitors. As well, more than 100 Vanier and local high school student volunteers are involved as guides, security, program announcers and entertainers.

Performances are open to the public. For information consult the MusicFest Québec 2010 website. http://www.musicfestquebec.com/Accueil_anglais.html