Feb. 16, 2024

Emily Alway – piano

  Natalie Hall – piano 

Paris District High School Symphonic Band 
– under the direction of Roger Winter

The Paris District High School Symphonic Band consists of students in grades 10, 11, and 12.  Students meet for two rehearsals each week and perform regularly at school functions, school concerts, in music festivals and the community.  Last year the band had the opportunity to perform at MusicFest Nationals in Niagara Falls, earning a silver rating.  This year, the symphonic band has grown in size and sound, and they are excited to perform this evening.

Roger Winter was born in Brantford and currently resides in Burford with his wife and 6 children. Music has always been part of Roger’s life, studying piano and trumpet from a young age.  While attending McMaster University, Roger studied trumpet with Greg Bush and Tim White, and conducting with Dr. Greg Burton and Dr. Keith Kinder.  After completing Teachers’ College at Western, Roger was hired, in 2006, by the GEDSB.  He has taught music at BCI, Sprucedale Secondary and is currently the Dept. Head of Music and the Arts at PDHS.  Roger has performed trumpet with the Brantford Symphony Orchestra and the McMaster Alumni Band.

Emily Alway is a recent graduate of St. John’s college and is currently working towards her grade 10 RCM piano.  Emily started playing piano at the age of 4 with the late Virginia Blaha and has had the privilege of working under many teachers including Deborah Welbanks, and Amy Hall.  Emily is currently on a gap year to travel and work, along with her piano studies. Emily has been accepted to McMaster university in the fall where she plans on obtaining an arts degree before attending teachers’ college.  In her free time, Emily enjoys playing hockey and rugby and is an avid reader.

Natalie Hall is a grade 10 student at North Park Collegiate High School. She began piano lessons at the age of 5 with her mother, Amy Hall.  Over the last 10 years she has also studied under the guidance of Linda McCann, Laura DeVries and Tatiana Voitovich-Camilleri.  She has recently completed her grade 9 piano exam in January. Natalie also plays the baritone saxophone in her high school band, as well as a variety of other instruments for fun. Some of her hobbies include reading, writing, horseback riding and anything to do with music. After high school, Natalie is considering programs for equine care and management, to someday own and coach a horseback riding school. 

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