On  Thursday, February 7th, a group of 25 high school Oliver/Osoyoos high school students  along with their teacher loaded on a school bus heading down to Surrey to attend the Envision Jazz Festival.

The  students part of the Junior and Senior Jazz band from SOSS and OSS under the direction of music teach Miss Lisa Ante.

After  a long five hours, a lot of giggles and “some” junk food the city of Surrey was  reached, Bell Performing Arts Centre was within sight. Students  entered this huge beautiful auditorium and settled down on their seats to watch  the evening concerts.

First  up was Jesse Cahill’s Nightcrawlers, spectacular sounds of the Hammond organ,  nine piece horn section, impressive drumming, and a upright bass that held  it all together.

Names  such as Jodi Proznick, Juno nominated, also named Bassist of the  year at 2008 and 2009 National Jazz Awards.

Brad  Turner, trumpeter, pianist, drummer and composer.  In 2008 and 2009 Brad  took home National Jazz Awards for Trumpeter of the year and Producer of the  year.

One  word Amazing!!!

It  was then time for the Junior Rep Band directed by Rob Goddard, and the Senior  Rep Band directed by Jodi Proznick. An  evening full of great sounds and great performances.

Friday  morning the group headed downtown Vancouver to enjoy some of the beautiful sites  the city has to offer. Right  after lunch back to the Bell Performing Arts Centre for more Jazz and the  students performance.

At  5 o’clock Miss Ante and her students took the stage, and after many deep  breaths, they were on their way performing on a big stage, in a beautiful  auditorium, in front of adjudicators. Three  pieces were played and well played one must say: the  Passenger, Emancipation Blues by the Senior/Junior Jazz Band, and the  Entertainer by the Senior Jazz Band.

After  their performance students had some private time with their adjudicator, whom by  the way was none other than Mr. Brad Turner, yes, the greatest  Trumpeter. Interesting  fact about Brad Turner, his grandfather was the first music teacher in British  Columbia, and guess where he taught? If you guessed Oliver, you are absolutely  right.

The  bus was loaded once again, this time it was headed to the Granville Island Stage  to watch Ride The Cyclone, a musical thrill ride. Another  great day full of many “firsts” for our students. Saturday  morning they toured the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, and visited the library  and music building.

A  trip to Vancouver without visiting the big “mall” would not be fun for a group  of teenagers,  a visit to Metrotown was a must before boarding the bus to  make their way home. An  excellent, full of music notes and brass instruments weekend.

Hats  off to the music teacher, Miss Lisa Ante, whose love for music is clearly  evident. Thank you for organizing and planning the trip.