Dare to Dream returns to schools this week for the unique opportunity for music students to take workshops with some professional clinicians before performing for the public later this week.
Returning clinicians include trumpet player Donnie Clark, clarinet player Yvette Bos and UVic music director Michael Keedy. New this year are flute teacher Cheryl McHugh and trombone teacher Jim Tempest.
All week they have been working with students in Grade 6 and 7 band at Skeena Middle School and Grades 8 and 9 Caledonia bands.
Their days are very full as they are travelling between the elementary schools, Skeena, Caledonia, Veritas and Centennial, says Susan Brouwer, music teacher at Skeena.
These experts begin at 7:30 a.m. some mornings, workshop all day, then work with the community band after school.
It all culminates with concerts at the REM Lee Theatre this Friday and Saturday, Feb. 26 and 27. The Dare to Dream telethon is March 6, also at the REM Lee Theatre.