A Musical Journey to National Recognition: St. John Fisher Senior Strikes Gold in CBC Competition
by Marilyn Santucci
At St. John Fisher Senior, the school year begins with more than just fresh notebooks and new routines—it launches with creativity, teamwork, and national ambition. Thanks to the leadership of music teacher Mr. David Arless, students start the year by participating in one of Canada’s most exciting educational opportunities: the CBC Music Class Challenge.
St. John Fisher Senior has once again won the national CBC Music Class Challenge, in “Category 1: Elementary Instrumental” for their rendition of “A Little Bit Happy” by Talk.
“I love the CBC because you start off right in September with a project—a big one,” says Mr. Arless. “It’s a national competition. Right away, students know their work isn’t just being heard by classmates—it’s being seen and heard by people all across Canada.”
The annual competition gives students the chance to experience what it’s like to be part of a real-world music project. Whether singing, playing instruments, or recording tracks, multiple groups from the school take part in various categories. Right from the first week of school, they are immersed in the process: selecting songs, rehearsing, and preparing their entries.
Mr. Arless ensures that students of all skill levels and interests are included. Choirs, instrumental groups, and new students are all brought into the fold, creating a shared experience that’s both fun and meaningful. “It’s something that gets them locked in right from the start,” he explains. “They’re part of something bigger than just a class assignment.”
Success has followed their dedication. Over the past two years, St. John Fisher Senior has earned several CBC Music gold records, which are awarded to top-performing schools in the competition. Designed to resemble real music industry plaques, the records now hang proudly on the school’s walls. “We’ve got four of them so far,” says Mr. Arless. “They’re a real point of pride.”
In addition to the recognition and experience, the school has also received thousands of dollars in prize money, which helps support and grow the music program. Through both fall and spring editions of the challenge, they’ve earned a total of $8,500 in just two years.
More than a competition, the CBC Music Class Challenge has become a tradition at St. John Fisher Senior—a way to kick-start the year with energy, purpose, and a celebration of student talent. Under the guidance of Mr. Arless, music education here is not just thriving—it’s inspiring.
See the CBC Canadian Music Class Challenge results here.
For a bit more inspiration, check out the SJF Junior Rock Band absolutely nailing “Where is my Mind” by the Pixies:
