Mr. Speaker, it was famously said, “if music be the food of love, play on; Give me excess of it...”. In the creative capital of Guelph, no one goes hungry for good music.
After an outstanding second-place finish at Musicfest, Canada's national competition in Ottawa last year, Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute's symphonic band came back home more determined than ever, and this year it brought home the gold.
Along with its conductor and GCVI teacher Dan Austin, the band blew away judges with its performances of Gale Force, Grasp the Dream and A Scottish Ballade, securing the top spot with its extraordinary musical display.
Everyone involved has my deepest admiration. It took a lot of practice, dedication, talent and much sacrifice to put together a first-place winning band.
On behalf of all members in the House, I would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to GCVI's symphonic band. We look forward to all of its future successes.