The Canadian Music Class Challenge is CBC Music's salute to music education in this country. This year's competition brought together hundreds of teachers and thousands of students from across the country, all harmonizing to perform their renditions of iconic Canadian songs on a diverse array of instruments. Among the finalists, several of our schools have stood out for their outstanding performances.
John D. Parker Junior School captivated audiences with their rendition of "Máhsi ts'enįwę" by Leela Gilday, while Jackman Avenue Junior Public School delivered a soulful rendition of "Flowers Need Rain" by Preston Pablo, Banx & Ranx.
Essex Public School and Hawthorne II Bilingual Alternative School mesmerized with a stirring performance of "Turning the Tide" by Luke Wallace, while Williamson Road Junior Public School enthralled listeners with "Great One" by Jessie Reyez.
The diversity of song choices was evident as Rawlinson Community School impressed with their take on the catchy tune "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen, and Bowmore Public School rocked their rendition of "If It Feels Good Do It" by Sloan.
Summit Heights Public School wowed audiences with their interpretation of "I See You" by Tyler Shaw, while Earl Haig Secondary School captivated with "Share the Land" by the Guess Who.
Not to be overlooked, Karen Kain School of the Arts from Etobicoke showcased their talent with "Turning the Tide" by Luke Wallace and earned an Honourable Mention for their rendition of "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen.
The dedication, passion, and exceptional musical talent displayed by these finalists underscore the importance of music education in our schools. As the announcement of the winners draws near, the Canadian Music Class Challenge continues to be a testament to the vibrancy and depth of Canada’s musical heritage. Stay tuned as CBC Music prepares to unveil the winners from each category this week. You can view the full list and performances here.