Music students from throughout Vancouver Island will soon gather in the Comox Valley to perform, listen and learn as part of the annual Comox Valley Schools Band and Choir Festival, running from November 17 to 19.

The three-day festival brings together school choirs and concert bands for a unique educational and performance experience that celebrates music education and community collaboration.

This years’ festival welcomes clinicians from Manitoba and Alberta whose musical knowledge and passion for music-making is sure to inspire students.

The choral portion takes place at Courtenay Fellowship Baptist Church on November 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

On Tuesday, November 18 and Wednesday, November 19, the band portion of the festival moves to the Sid Williams Theatre.

Jennifer Riley, Festival organizer and Fine Arts Lead Teacher for Comox Valley Schools, says the festival has become an honoured tradition for many local and out of town groups.

“Education has always been at the forefront of this festival, and our mandate is to offer the students encouragement, and concrete musical ideas and concepts that they can continue to expand on throughout the year.”

The community is invited to attend the festival and enjoy performances by students from across Vancouver Island.

View the full festival schedule at Comox Valley Schools.