Skip to content

Perform-a-Thon creates 'fantastic atmosphere' at Twin Lakes

'Our school and this event presents a really great opportunity for young musicians,' says Grade 12 student at Twin Lakes Perform-a-Thon

Music once again echoed through the halls of Twin Lakes Secondary School Tuesday, as students were treated to live music performed by classmates at the school's annual Perform-a-Thon.

From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., students who had signed up for 20-minute time slots, performed on their chosen instrument. There were solos, duets, trios, small groups, all the way up to large bands who took to the stage in the school cafeteria.

Music teacher Christina Bosco says the Perform-a-Thon is a way to raise awareness and money for the school’s music education programs and instruments. To perform or to watch the performances today, students were asked to raise a minimum of $25.

“We would like to buy an instrument or two with the money raised today if we can,” Bosco said. “We don’t have a fundraising goal, but we want to raise what we can.”

In past years, the Perform-a-Thon raised about $900 to $1,000. As of this morning, the event had already raised $1,200.

This is the first Perform-a-Thon event since before the pandemic and Bosco says the event was missed.

“I think music helps a lot,” she said. “The kids are always happy when they are in our music room.”

The return of music and the Perform-a-Thon helps bring inclusivity back to the school, Bosco says.

“I found kids were alone and segregated during COVID,” she said. “Now, everyone is together, and music is a safe gathering space for everybody.”

Grade 9 student Benjamin MacDonald raised $235 to play his electric guitar on Monday morning.

“It was important to me to raise this money so we can do more fun stuff as a school,” he said. “I hope this allows us to be able to play more, which also gets us out of class sometimes.”

Grade 12 student Emily Grimaldi says the Perform-a-Thon creates a “fantastic atmosphere” around the school.

“Our school is very centred around music,” she said. “This is a very large part of our high school experience.”

Grimaldi, who was playing the saxophone on Tuesday morning, says she feels "very supported" at Twin Lakes by both classmates and teachers to try new things while pursuing her music career.

“Our school and this event presents a really great opportunity for young musicians,” she said.

Grade 11 student Isabella Bachque was also playing the saxophone on Tuesday morning. She says the Perform-a-Thon helps elevate school spirit.

“It’s a super fun time because it gives us performance experience,” she said. “We get to hang out with our friends and the sense of community makes everybody feel good.”


Comments

Verified reader

If you would like to apply to become a verified commenter, please fill out this form.




Tyler Evans

About the Author: Tyler Evans

Tyler Evans got his start in the news business when he was just 15-years-old and now serves as a video producer and reporter with OrilliaMatters
Read more