Much-loved North Hastings High School music teacher Dianne Winmill will be celebrated with two special evenings of music and community spirit, as she nears the end of a 30-year career that has inspired countless young musicians.
The festivities begin on Sunday at 7 p.m. with the NHHS Alumni Benefit Concert at the Bancroft Village Playhouse.
This variety concert brings together past students for a night of tribute and musical celebration.
Performers include Blue Hazel, singer-songwriter Scott Stewart, and the newly-formed 2025 NHHS Alumni Choir, made up of former students who, Winmill says, span decades
“In the alumni choir, I think we have about 10 singers that were in my first Grade 9 class that are coming. One local business person was in my first Grade 9 class and her son is in my last Grade 9 class, so they will be performing at the alumni concert.”
Winmill adds that there will be several performers who were in her very first music class 30 years ago.
“Another local business person was in my first Grade 9 class. And her son will be participating in the Monday night band concert because he’s in my music class right now, So it’s pretty great.”
An original song celebrating Winmills career will also be shared at the events. She Knew was initially created as a surprise by Winmills husband, composer Suresh Singh Ratnam, and Winmill’s ‘music bestie’, music therapist Candice Rahn. The song was crafted using memories and messages gathered from decades of students and alumni, and recorded by Blue Hazel and percussionist Ezra Shell at Toronto’s Woodshed Studio.
The orchestral and choral lyric video—featuring contributions from Windmill’s former students and colleagues—will debut at the June 1 concert, accompanied by photographs spanning her 30-year teaching legacy.
“It’s profoundly special” said Winmill.
Proceeds from the evening will support the school’s music program, including restoration of its vintage Heintzman Grand Piano. Tickets are $30 plus HST, available at villageplayhouse.ca.
Celebrations then continue the following night with Winmills final Semester Celebration on Monday, also at the Playhouse.
Students from Grades 7 through 12 will take the stage in two performances — the first at 5:30 p.m., followed by a second at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets for the Semester Celebration are $20 plus HST, and family discount packages are available. Details and ticket purchases can be made at villageplayhouse.ca.
The Juno-award-winning Winmill will retire at the end of this school year.
The two concerts will serve as a heartfelt send-off for a teacher whose impact will continue to reverberate for years to come.
