The students and teachers of the Blakelock Music Program presented an evening with the award-winning composer, Samuel R. Hazo and his compositions. The evening featured the nationally-awarded T.A. Blakelock Senior Wind Ensemble, the Craig Kielburger S.S. Concert Choir, the Neon Vocal Ensemble and the T.A. Blakelock Varsity Choir under the direction of Samuel Hazo, Mr. Brian Vincent of T.A. Blakelock and Mrs. Kendra Chow of Craigy Kielburger Secondary School.
This was a rare and special occasion as Samuel Hazo , an American composer and resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, spent the entire day making his scores come alive while explaining and rehearsing his music with talented Blakelock musicians; a day that culminated in an amazing evening concert that included the T.A.Blakelock Drumline, the choral work of three choirs, and the original music of Samuel R. Hazo played by the Senior Wind Ensemble and sung by the combined choirs.
Mr. Hazo has been a music teacher for every grade level, including tenure as a high school and university director. He has twice been named “Teacher of Distinction” by the southwestern Pennsylvania Teachers’ Excellence Foundation. His compositions have been recorded and performed world-wide. In 2012 two of his compositions were performed at the London Summer Games.
The T.A.Blakelock High School music programs, under the direction of Brian Vincent, are constantly winning gold! For example,in 2013 the Senior Wind Ensemble and Grade 12 Percussion Ensemble both won Gold at MusicFest's Canadian National Music Festival.
According to the web-site section of “Meet the Teachers” at Blakelock High School, “Brian has worked with the HDSB since September 2003. He started with Abbey Lane Public School in Oakville, as a music instructor. In 2006 Brian took over the responsibility of Lead Music Teacher at Thomas A. Blakelock High School, and he continues in this role at TAB today. Brian has helped both schools earn multiple awards at the Provincial & National levels.”
“During his tenure at Blakelock, the music program has continued to grow each year. Some highlights include performance tours to: Boston, including a performance at the Berklee School of Music; Chicago, competing in the North Shore Concert Band Festival and earning First Place honours out of all High School Bands; Cuba, including a joint public performance with National Concert Band of Cuba; and China, where they were able to play on the Great Wall of China!”
Here is your opportunity to enjoy the music of our gifted young musicians! Save this date for the T.A.Blakelock Winter Concert! On Tuesday December 15 2015, the Winter Concert will be held at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. Tickets go on sale soon... so do not miss out! Connect with these talented students : www.sites.com/site/tablakelockmusic or on Facebook at : facebook.com/pages/T-A-Blakelock-High-School-Music-Department or comment on Twitter @blakelock_band