Torquay Elementary School Orffestra music club has placed second in the elementary instrumental category of the nationwide CBC Canadian Music Class Challenge.
Led by music teacher Jody Onuma, the Orffestra is an extra-curricular club open to all Grade 4 and 5 students at the Saanich school. The group rehearses once a week during lunchtime, bringing together an ensemble of ukuleles, recorders, piano, string bass, drums, xylophones, and guitar.
“The students poured their hearts into this performance, and I couldn’t be prouder of their dedication and teamwork,” noted Onuma in a news release. “This achievement is a testament to their enthusiasm for music and the power of collaboration.”
In this year’s competition, the students practised and performed an original instrumental arrangement of Jeremy and Jazzy’s song You Can Be Anything from the hit children's TV show.
"Their hard work and passion paid off, earning them a top spot in the national rankings," noted the release.
The CBC Canadian Music Class Challenge – which is typically held in the fall – introduced a new spring session this year, providing more opportunities for young musicians across the country to showcase their talents. Torquay Elementary was the only school on Vancouver Island to place in the challenge’s spring session this year.
