The Gimli High School Concert Band and Jazz Orchestra are preparing to take their music to a national stage — and the community is invited to help send them there.
Visit the Gimli Lakeview Hotel banquet hall Friday, Feb. 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. to support Gimli High School’s band trip fundraiser. Concert band and jazz ensemble students qualified to perform at MusicFest Canada: The Nationals this May
On Friday, Feb. 20 from 6 to 10 p.m., the Lakeview Hotel banquet hall will host the final fundraiser supporting the school’s trip to Niagara Falls. A total of 49 students in grades 10 to 12 earned an invitation to perform at the 54th MusicFest Canada: The Nationals, an invitation-only event reserved for ensembles that achieved four stars or higher at last year’s provincial festival in Winnipeg.
Organizers say the evening is meant both to celebrate the students’ achievement and raise funds toward the approximately $2,300 cost per student. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with live performances by the students, prize draws, silent and live auctions, and activities suitable for all ages, including children.
Students have spent months preparing through rehearsals and peer evaluations, refining their performances ahead of the May 12-16 festival. Organizers described the trip as a rare opportunity for a small-town group to represent Gimli nationally, perform for leading Canadian music educators, and attend workshops and concerts featuring elite bands and choirs from across the country.
They added the invitation reflects the strength of Gimli’s band program and the continued support of the community that has helped build it.
Admission to the fundraiser is free, but attendees can contribute through auctions, prize draws and donations, with organizers promising “a few surprises” throughout the night. Community members can also help through prize donations and sponsorships.
Organizers thanked band director Stephanie Marks along with local and provincial businesses and individual supporters for helping make the trip possible. Donations will continue to be accepted after the event.
For more information or to donate, contact Christina at 1-204-599-6662 or Jenn at 1-204-651-1345.
