CDS Alumni Add Exciting Element to MS/SS Spring Concert

In honour of our 50th anniversary, we thought that it would be fitting to invite our Alumni back to join our Middle and Senior Music students on stage for the spring concert. The call went out, not simply to watch but to participate, and as responses came in from near and far, we were thrilled when more than 50 alumni answered the call to participate in the concert!

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Careful planning and thoughtful repertoire selection began, and rehearsals were scheduled for both the band and choir. Anticipation filled the air as the evening approached last Thursday, May 18th. 

Our music students captivated the audience with their own impressive performances, as the Alumni anxiously awaited their moment to shine. Student performances were outstanding and the following Grade 12 and 8 students received Outstanding Achievement Awards in Music following their performances:

Reese Falkenberg '23 - Senior School Choir
Victoria Wang '23 - Senior School Jazz Band
Rayna Zhou '23 - Senior School Concert Band
Josh Griffin '27 - Middle School Concert Band
Yuna Ko '27 - Middle School Concert Band
Yuling Qian '27 - Middle School Choir
Ray Wang '27 - Middle School Jazz Band

Allyson Whitmell ‘19 and Joshua Simmonds ‘09 introduced the Alumni Choir and expressed the excitement of all those on stage, acknowledging that their second song, Hold Fast to Dreams, was dedicated to the GYs in the audience, including:

Rylee Baird, Georgia Benjamin, Tanysa Bobechko, Reese Falkenberg, Leah Gawza, Isabelle Gu, Ali Khan, Chelsea Lowe, Laura Sun, Victoria Wang and Rayna Zhou


Then it was time to hear from our Alumni who ranged in class years from 1996 to 2024 (non-grad) ... and shine they did! The Alumni showcased exceptional talent and dedication, leaving those in attendance full of pride.

The Music Department also thought it would be wonderful to honour all of the music making that has taken place at CDS since 1972 with the creation of a digital archive of music concerts and trip photos. It was so much fun to share these with everyone before and after the concert!

In addition to the remarkable musical performances, numerous heartfelt moments made this event truly unforgettable. Witnessing Andrea (Brooks) Wappel ‘98 perform alongside her daughters, Brooke ‘24 and Lanna ‘27, brought immeasurable joy. As well as the return of retired CDS Music teacher, Nick Arrigo, to conduct the Senior School/Alumni Wind Ensemble.

To the Alumni who lent their talents to the Music Alumni Ensembles, we offer our sincerest congratulations and thanks. On behalf of everyone, it was an incredible honour to collaborate with each and every one of you once again. For those who missed it, you may watch the recording here.

Special thanks to Jenna Romanowich, one of our 50th anniversary Alumni Liaisons, for making all of this happen!
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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.

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