École Selkirk Junior High (ESJH) band teacher Garren Werbicki has dedicated his career to enriching the lives of his students — and now his efforts are being recognized at the provincial level.
Werbicki received the Don Green Award from the Manitoba Band Association (MBA), which honours educators for their long-standing commitment to music education.
Named after Don Green — a foundational figure in Manitoba’s music education history — the award recognizes exceptional musical performance, leadership and dedication within the province’s band community. It celebrates educators who have made significant contributions to the growth and success of school band programs across Manitoba.
Werbicki has taught band at ESJH for 16 years and was once a Lord Selkirk School Division (LSSD) band student himself in junior high and high school.
“I started off as a terrible band student, but I kept going because part of me really loved it,” he said. He originally planned to attend law school but couldn’t resist the pull of performing. “That feeling you get from a great performance — there’s nothing else like it. That’s where the fun of band comes from. It’s about feeling good about the music you make.”
Werbicki was presented with the Don Green Award on May 9 at the MBA’s year-end reception. He said he was unaware he had been selected and initially declined the invitation due to scheduling conflicts — until repeated encouragement from the MBA eventually gave it away.
Though surprised by the recognition, Werbicki emphasized that the honour is shared.
“This isn’t just me winning this award — it’s for the whole division that continues to offer unwavering support, fueling the success of our students.”
ESJH principal Daryl Loeppky attended the reception in support of Werbicki and the school’s band program.
“His positive energy and influence engage students to develop their musical potential,” said Loeppky. “His passion for music education has influenced our local community, and students have benefited from his enthusiasm and dedication.”
Werbicki strives to create a safe and inclusive classroom environment and said he teaches more than how to play an instrument.
“Being in a band is about learning who you are, how to manage stressful situations and how to work professionally in a group,” he said. “Community is a huge aspect of band, and chipping in as a team is not always easy. But the students always rise to the occasion and go beyond my expectations. At the end of the day, it’s about them. It’s about making the band room a place where they can find a home away from home.”
Thanks to support from LSSD, Werbicki offers his students unique opportunities such as band camps and out-of-province performances, which he said help create “lifelong memories” and support growth — both for the students and himself as an educator.
LSSD accepts monetary donations to support the band program. Anyone interested in donating can contact the school via the “Contact Us” page on the ESJH website.
Community members are also invited to celebrate students’ musical achievements at the ESJH year-end band concert on Wednesday, June 11 at 7 p.m.
