Two schools within the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District, Holy Heart of Mary Regional High in St. John’s and Holy Family Elementary in Chapel Arm, have been named winners in the CBC Music Canadian Music Class Challenge.

“This is quite an achievement, given more than 50,000 student musicians from close to 1,200 classes throughout the country registered for the contest,” said Jennifer Stanley, NLESD’s Program Specialist for Fine Arts. “It speaks to the quality music programming offered throughout the District - in large schools and small - by innovative and talented teachers who are inspiring our students every day.”

Music is a mandatory component of the K-9 curriculum in Newfoundland and Labrador, and high school students require at least two credits in fine arts in order to graduate. The province is one of only a few in Canada which specifically allocates music specialists (with a degree in Music) to schools.

Holy Heart of Mary Regional High School's Chamber Choir, led by music teacher Robert Colbourne, took first place in the senior vocal category for its performance of Joni Mitchell's “River”. The choir will receive $3,000 in musical instruments and a gold record plaque. 

A rendition of “I's the B'y” by the choir at Holy Family Elementary in Chapel Arm took first place in the MusiCounts Passion Prize, which comes with $5,000 in new instruments and a plaque. The school's music teacher is Chrissie Byrne. 

The competition is run every fall and was set up by CBC Music, in association with MusiCounts, a music education charity. All of the winning entrants can be seen here. There is also a rendition of I’se the B’y out of British Columbia, so scroll down further to see the Holy Family Elementary submission!