In September North Hastings High School’s 68 instrumental music students were given the opportunity to prepare and complete Royal Conservatory of Music exams on their band instruments. This is the first time that music teacher Dianne Winmill has offered this enrichment activity to her students. Seven students took up the challenge.
McKayla Cybulski, baritone, Mathiew Childs, tenor saxophone, and Rebecca Busby, flute, each completed the Grade 1 Royal Conservatory exam for their respective instruments. Trinity Thrower and Sara Switzer completed the Grade 4 exam for trumpet. Thomas Coghlan did his Grade 1 bassoon exam, and Alexandria Mighton, completed her grade 4 flute exam.
It was a big commitment. On their own time, the 7 students practiced numerous major and minor scales, studies and solos with piano accompaniment with the guidance of Winmill and in some cases, their musical parents. In some cases, 40 to 50 additional hours of individual practice time was necessary to learn all of the material for the exams.
The exams were held in Peterborough on January 19th and the cost of the exams has been split between the students’ families, the music program, and an anonymous community donor.
Next year’s batch of instrumentalists will also be offered this opportunity. Parents of interested students may contact Winmill at [email protected] for more information
NHHS Music Students Complete Conservatory Exams
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