OLWS halls echo with the sounds of band music

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Our Lady of the Way School (OLWS) in Stratton now has the sound of music echoing in its halls.
Thanks to the skills and the volunteer time of principal Brendan Hyatt, a 25 piece band has been struck up there.
Hyatt, who is in his second year as principal there, taught music for five years in Toronto. When he discovered that St. Francis School in Fort Frances was not going to continue with their band program this year, he asked if OLWS could use the instruments. The answer was yes and students at OLWS began practising in late October.
“I just could not see letting $30,000 worth of instruments sit idle,” said Hyatt. He volunteered his time at lunch hours to teach the band members, which are from grades 6-8, what he knows. He compares his volunteering to that of other teachers when they offer to coach teams for free. He also feels it is his duty to do this. “I am just doing what I am supposed to do – teach,” said Hyatt.
Hyatt said that he feels the arts play a key role in helping to develop well rounded students. He said that some of them had some musical abilities having taken piano lessons prior to the OLWS band. But for the most part they all started from scratch, learning to read music and play.
Hyatt noted that the band is progressing very well and has them slated to participate in the district music festival on April 19th. “I think people will be surprised at how well they play!”
The band will play a ballad called Tikal and a more upbeat piece at the festival. Hyatt said there will be five bands playing that day and his band will compete in the Beginner Band Category.
While the band has been practising outside of class time, Hyatt has been evaluating them and awarding them credit on their report cards. “The kids have really embraced it,” noted Hyatt.
In addition to the festival they also plan to hold a concert at Golden Age Manor in Stratton and at St. Francis School. “I agreed to take the band back there and play for the students there when we received the instruments,” explained Hyatt.
The school plans to continue the program beyond this year and has received word from the school board that they will be getting six more instruments, which have already been ordered. “Just because we are a small school does not mean the kids shouldn’t have the same opportunities as larger ones,” concluded Hyatt.