2023 CISMF Did Not Disappoint
After four lengthy years, this much-anticipated student music festival made its long-awaited return on April 15th with splendid flourish. As a tenor saxophone player in the CISMF symphonic band, I was drawn like a moth to a flame by the allure of it all.
During the week leading up to the concert, more than 60 students from various independent schools gathered in music rooms across the GTA to rehearse at 9:30 AM sharp. Over the course of three days, the distinct sounds of every woodwind, brass, and percussion instrument were organized into a piece both delicate and lyrical, but also glorious and decisive. I worked with and met many talented fellow musicians, observed unique conducting styles, and spontaneously volunteered to attempt two foreign pieces with the symphonic band.
Waiting offstage with great anticipation, the time finally arrived for our official performance within the intimidating, yet spectacular Roy Thomson Hall. After the 1100 CISMF student musicians from 32 of the 44 CIS schools filed onto the stage, the conductor raised his arms, and the auditorium faded into distant memory. Upon reaching the imposing climax of our final piece, it became symbolic of all of our commitment and culminated in the stellar performance we delivered that day. Met with thunderous applause, this became the highlight of the symphonic band of CISMF 2023.
An experience so momentary, yet so timeless, destined to be a highlight of every student’s high school musical career. If you ask me, I can recall vividly the thrill of every note, tempo, and crescendo. But I also recall the hours of unrelenting rehearsal that demanded unwavering dedication required to make it reality. And above all, I recall every individual that transcended beyond their utmost before thousands of expectant faces.
CISMF is an invaluable voyage that all should have the honour of experiencing.
Thank you to Mr. Moore for his accompaniment, Mr. Jung for this feature, and to every supervisor and conductor for their roles in this fantastical production! Here’s to many more years of musical festivities that hopefully never come to an end.
Fun CISMF facts: 65 CDS students participated this year, Jesse Novik ‘24 and Ali Kahn ‘23 both had solos, CDS was represented in the highly competitive Jazz band, and Lanna Wappel ‘27 and Liam Gunning ‘27 had a soli in the MS Concert Band!
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
