New music teacher takes the lead

Charles Banhardt, the new music teacher at Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute, (VCI), taking the place of Kathleen Fraser-Collins who retired at the end of the 2008-2009 school year, is continuing where Kathleen left off by continuing the music program as well as the VCI Concert and Symphonic Bands. In terms of music, Banhardt plays piano and brass instruments. Banhardt formerly taught in Cornwall for five years, teaching a variety of classes. Banhardt is working to get every musician to be independent when playing instead of some musicians depending on the leader. Sight-reading would lead to more player independence. Also, Banhardt is leaning towards having a mix for the VCI Symphonic Band with pieces ranging from classical American marches to modern themes and numbers. The VCI Symphonic Band will be playing in the Parade of Lights in Vankleek Hill on December 4 and the music department will be holding its winter concert on December 9. The end-of-the-year trip will be to visit Halifax to perform in a concert between April 26 and May 1. There is a possibility of a change of location, as the Symphonic Band, along with Banhardt, have also considered a trip to a music festival in Toronto which would last the same duration.