The parade and entertainment are the heart of the Oak Bay Tea Party, and dedicated high school musicians help bring both to life.
Jeff Weaver, director of bands at Oak Bay High, says the school has marched in the party's parade since it first kicked off in 1962.
"About 100 kids march down the street playing instruments, some they don't normally play, but they all get involved and have a lot of fun with it."
It's a meaningful experience for the students, who are cheered on by more than their parents, Weaver said. The audience is people who care about the school and Oak Bay's culture.
"Some of them say it's the best thing we do all year because their community is really behind them," Weaver said. "There's nothing better and more fulfilling as a musician than thousands of people lining the streets cheering you on as you march down."
After the parade ends, Oak Bay High provides musical entertainment at Willow's Beach. The R&B or jazz band perform on the stage. Student rock bands, formed outside of school, are also slated on the entertainment list.
"On Fridays, we're giving these kids an opportunity to play in front of an audience on a stage with a real sound man and everything," Sandy Germain, chair of the Tea Party, said. "So it's a great experience for them. And I'm telling you, some of these kids are amazing."
Sooke Harmony Drumline will also participate in the parade this year – a first time for them, and possibly some other student groups, Germain said.
Experiences like this help shape the students' relationship to music, with some going on to have successful music careers following graduation. Weaver named several Oak Bay High graduates, such as professional jazz drummer Miles Fuller, pro jazz pianist Emmett Hodgins and Canadian bass legend Neil Swainson. There's also a band – Hillsboro – that has now gone on to tour North America.
Oak Bay High's curriculum has a robust music program, and Weaver spoke to the dedication of the students who get involved. The marching band, for instance, has rehearsals three times a week, year-round.
As per what these hard-working musicians have prepared, "That's a closely guarded secret," Weaver said. "You have to come to the parade to find out."
The Oak Bay Tea Party runs June 6-8 at Willows Park. A full list of events can be found at oakbayteaparty.com.
