Music Night In

Written By: Emma Dampier and Roxana Ghorbani

Photo By: Roxana Ghorbani

Contributors: Chloe Rovinelli and Alyssa Psaila

This year's Music Night In event at Thomas A. Blakelock Secondary School had an amazing turnout!  There were over 300 people attending and roughly $5000 was raised for the music department, including both auction items and tickets. With a theme of movie music, the night included amazing live performances from Blakelock’s bands and a delicious buffet. It was a night to remember.

Taking place at Blakelock’s school large gym on March 31st, the night kicked off at 6:15 with a flute and piano duet and later a Marimba Duet playing “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” by Randy Newman. Next was Wind Ensemble, an invite-only band with the best and brightest musicians from Blakelock, conducted by Ms. Abbott, playing the Star Wars theme and “Pixar Movie Magic”. 

A student-led ensemble called Back Row Band followed playing “Watermelon Man” by Herbie Hancock. Then, Mrs Barry conducted the school choir, singing a beautiful medley. 

At 8:00pm, Ms. Abbott's grade 9 repertoire band took the stage, playing the theme of Mission Impossible and Tantrum, composed by Matt Conaway. Symphonic winds and string ensemble proceeded, playing “Skyfall” by Adele  and “Rider of the Mountain.”

Last but most certainly not least, Jazz Band, conducted by Mrs Abbot concluded the night with a bang, playing “Caravan”, “Take on Me” and the James Bond theme song! Safe to say the entertainment was top notch!

During this evening, not only was there live music, there was also a silent auction and amazing food provided by Monastery Bakery. This buffet included a choice of pasta Bolognese or tortellini with alfredo sauce as a main; an array of pop; bread and salad as sides; and desserts like cake, cookies and brownies for everyone to enjoy. 

Additionally, a silent auction with an arrangement of many items being sold. These items included (all the way from) gift cards, coupons and spa days to even a signed Toronto Argonauts jersey. If every item put up for auction was sold at original price, we would have raised about $6000 for our music department! 

“It was so great to get everyone together again and make music! This was the first event that was canceled in 2020 so we were very happy to be able to bring it back again,” stated Ms. Abbott. 

This year's Music Night In was a smashing success! If you like beautiful music, tasty food and an overall enjoyable night, we highly recommend that you attend this fantastic event next year.