The 19-member Lakeside Academy All Star Band will be performing at the Gala Evening at the school on October 25 with The Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir founded and directed by Dr. Trevor Payne, C.M.
Students say this will definitely be the biggest highlight of all.
“It has taken hard work and dedication to get us to this point and playing with the Jubilation Choir will be the fruits of our labour,” said Charles Lowe, a Secondary 5 student at Lakeside.
The school’s 24-member choir is also looking forward to performing with the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir, according to Lakeside Academy music teacher Joann Blondin, a well-known musician in her own right who played drums for the likes of Robert Charlebois, Claude Dubois and the Cirque du Soleil, to name just a few.
The Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir is known as one of the world’s finest choirs and performs internationally.
This Gala Evening is the first major outreach initiative sponsored by the Gilead Jubilation Foundation and proceeds go to the Lakeside Academy music program.
Blondin, who believes that music can change lives, said instruments are needed to bring music to her students.
“It’s very fulfilling to see students grow and develop through music,” said Blondin who teaches music to all grades and founded the Lakeside Academy All Star Band as well as the Lakeside Choir, directed by John Leblanc, which will be accompanying Dr. Payne and The Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir.
“It’s a lot to do but I have great support and great students,” said Blondin.
The concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 25 at Lakeside Academy, 5050 Sherbrooke St. in Lachine. Ticket prices are $25 or $100.
For more information and/or tickets, go to: lakesideweb@lbpearson.qc.ca