Columbia International College has advanced to a shortlist of finalists in the CBC’s Canadian Music Class Challenge. The Challenge, hosted by CBC Music and in association with MusiCounts, is “looking for Canada’s best music program.” Schools from across Canada were invited to submit a rendition of an iconic Canadian song selected from a list provided by CBC. Encouraging musical diversity, the CBC is eager “to hear everything from jazz bands, kazoo classes and guitar clubs, to hip-hop programs, symphonies and choirs.”
Led by music teacher Jim Lawlis, students in CIC’s “Rockestra” performed a powerful, full-band rendition of “Bobcaygeon” by The Tragically Hip.
This year’s panel of judges includes musicians Marie-Josée Lord, Zach Sutton, Scott Helman, and CBC Tempo host Julie Nesrallah.
Out of hundreds of submissions, the judges selected the top ten performances across six categories of different ages and arrangements. CIC’s Rockestra was placed in the “High School Vocal/Choral (a cappella or with band)” category.
CBC Music will announce the winners on December 16th. CIC would like to wish all participants good luck!
Watch CIC’s performance here:
See all the High School Vocal/Choral shortlist performances:
All of the shortlist performances and other videos are available on CBC Music’s YouTube channel
More information on the CBC Canadian Music Class Challenge can be found here and here.
