The students at Holy Spirit Catholic School received the recognition of a lifetime, when the school’s Steel Orchestra - under the leadership of Mr. Andre Rouse - recently had their performance of “Passionfruit”, the chart-topping song by Drake, showcased on CBC Music Class.
The Holy Spirit Steel Orchestra began as an instrumental music program in September of 2016. During this time, students learned the fundamentals of conventional music theory coupled with the skill and cultural history of the steel pan, an instrument created and developed on the twin islands of Trinidad & Tobago.
Holy Spirit students learned to play an array of music genres including jazz, classical & contemporary music, popular music and Caribbean music. The students are currently learning repertoire to perform at their Intermediate Christmas concert during the first week of December. As part of their accomplishment, the performance of “Passionfruit” has been entered into the CBC 2023 Canadian Music Class Challenge, with the winners being announced on December 6, 2023.
Both the school and the Board are extremely proud of the work from Mr. Rouse and his class on this phenomenal recognition. The entire school community at the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) are crossing our fingers and hoping the school will be one of the winners on December 6!
Good luck, team!