Spotlight on St. Thomas High School's Music Program
by Chloë Ranaldi
“My favorite part is being in an orchestra,” says Thea Koutroumanis, a 15-year-old viola player at St. Thomas High School. For Thea, while there are many after-school activities to choose from, it was the opportunity to learn an instrument that truly resonated with her. “I’ve always had a thing about music. I really like it,” she says. “It’s fun to be around people who also enjoy music, like I do.”
Fellow musician, 14-year-old Alexandra Chronopoulos, agrees and shares her enthusiasm for St. Thomas’ music program. “I think the environment is really nice here. It’s great to work with others, especially people you might not usually hang out with,” says Alexandra, who plays the trombone.
Both Thea and Alexandra are part of the school’s String Orchestra and Concert Band, two groups that recently toured local LBPSB elementary schools.
Together, about 50 students packed their instruments onto a “tour bus” and performed at nearby elementary schools for younger students, inspiring them with their music.
“It was fun,” says Alexandra. “It was nice to see the kids excited. I would have loved to see high school musicians when I was in elementary school, and think, ‘I want to do that too!’”
This band and string tour wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of the school’s music teachers, Mrs. Susan Strunc and Mr. Domenic Romanelli, who go above and beyond everyday, dedicating their time to their students.
In total, about 50 students — 26 in the String Orchestra and 26 in the Concert Band — participated in the concert tour. They visited Beacon Hill, Saint Edmund, Westpark, Dorval elementary, and hosted St. John Fisher Junior.
The performances also give St. Thomas High school students a unique opportunity to experience what it’s like to be on tour.
“It’s a stressful day — we pack early in the morning, get on a bus, but when we show up, the elementary school students are super excited,” explains Mr. Romanelli. “It’s a great experience for the kids. They feel like real performers.”
Mrs. Strunc adds, “It’s a whirlwind experience for them. They have to plan ahead, be efficient, and be professional. It’s a real-life taste of what being a musician on tour feels like.”
At each stop, the students performed, introduced younger grades to various instruments, and held Q&A sessions.
“The kids get into the rhythm, they clap, they sing — it’s really fun for them. It’s a special experience,”Mrs. Strunc says. “Our goal is to encourage young students to pursue music when they reach high school.”
“One of the highlights this year was definitely these events. It’s a collective experience,” says Mr. Romanelli. “Everyone works towards the same goal — to perform, to get recognized, and to have fun.”
Some 11 St. Thomas students also participated in the Quebec Band Association’s Honor Band, where they joined talented musicians from across the province for a day of rehearsals and a concert that same evening. A similar event was held at McGill University in January, where St. Thomas students had the chance to practice with more advanced musicians.
Passion and Future Aspirations
For 16-year-old Desmond Colbeck Salam, being part of the music program has been a life-changing experience. Desmond plays a wide range of instruments, including percussion, xylophone, guitar, bass, and piano. He recently had the chance to perform with the Quebec Band Association.
“I was very lucky to be chosen, and it was such a great experience,” says Desmond.
“I love St. Thomas music program because of all the opportunities it offers. I’m in the music band class, the orchestra for musicals, the drumline, and the symphonic orchestra.”
“Getting to do all of these things here really convinced me to pursue music and study it in the future,” he shares.
Desmond plans to continue his music education at Vanier College.
Upcoming Events
St. Thomas High School’s music program continues to highlight its students with upcoming performances:
- Junior Spring Concert: Tuesday, April 29 at 7:00 p.m.
- Senior Spring Concert: Thursday, May 1 at 7:00 p.m.
- Symphonic Orchestra and West Island Youth Symphony Orchestra Collaboration Concert: Sunday, June 1 at 7:00 p.m.
