Horton Music Update: Embracing Music, Community, and Exciting Opportunities!

Greetings to all music enthusiasts and supporters of the Horton Music Department! It’s time for an update on what’s happening within our music department.

Recent Events/Achievements

• In October, a student from Acadia’s School of Education, Breton Hickey, led a workshop for all of our low brass instrumentalists. We also had Tyler McDonald lead a session for members of our Jazz Band in November. Both of these opportunities helped to further enrich our learners’ musical skills.
• Our inaugural Coffeehouse Night during parent-teacher interviews on November 22 was a hit, showcasing our talented musicians and fostering a warm and creative atmosphere. We can quickly see this becoming an annual tradition! 
• On that same evening, students Erin Driscoll and Roza Zalot joined the Acadia University Orchestra, showcasing their incredible talent.
• Many of our musicians performed with the Annapolis Valley Honour Choir this past weekend, demonstrating our students’ commitment to musical excellence.

Upcoming Events

• Mark your calendars for our first concert of the year, Winter Winds, on December 13! This extravaganza will feature performances by our Jazz Band, Grade 9 Band, String Ensemble, Choir, and Concert Band, with special appearances by former students and community members. Admission is by donation. Additionally, the Horton Music Parents’ Association will be set up in the lobby selling refreshments and raffle tickets. 
• Rehearsals for the upcoming production of The Addams Family are in full swing, with choreography sessions being led by the talented Abbey MacEachern, known for her work in renowned community productions, such as Quick As A Wink’s Mamma Mia and Stage Prophets’ Jesus Christ Superstar. Tickets for the production will go on sale in January. 
• Exciting preparations for our Boston and New York City trip are underway! Students will attend a number of professional performances, as well as participate in both instrumental and vocal workshops during this enriching experience.
• Stay tuned for two additional concerts in April and June, promising more unforgettable musical moments.

Community Engagement and Fundraising

• Our Horton Harvest Craft Fair was a huge hit! We received great feedback from both vendors and attendees and are already looking forward to our 2024 event.
• We are currently participating in the Los Primos raffle, selling tickets for a chance to win a trip for four to Cuba.
• Get ready for our Jazz Night fundraiser at Troy in Wolfville in January! Keep an eye out for more details on this exciting event.

Acknowledgements

• Special thanks to AJ Wyre for his invaluable assistance in repairing and refreshing several of our electric guitars and basses.
• Thanks to the Horton Music Parents’ Association, we’ve acquired 15 mini keyboards, enhancing our resources for further musical exploration and education.

The Horton Music Department continues to thrive, thanks to the unwavering support of our dedicated students, faculty, parents, and the wider community. Join us in celebrating the joy of music and stay tuned for more incredible events and performances!