Video Game-In’: Music Department’s Annual Fundraiser 

Written by: Nino Nguyen, Alyssa Psaila

Photos by: Ms. Turnbull

Edited by: Zara Ahluwalia 

Contributor: Gloria Shi

On the evening of Thursday, April 11th, 2024, the Music Department held its annual fundraiser, Music Night In. Hosted in the large gym with around 300 people, families and students came to see their loved ones perform. 

This year’s theme was video games, with Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros available for the audience members to enjoy between performances. Numerous auction items were available at the back of the gym with the total value of all items being $8600, ranging from beautiful paintings to luxurious restaurant gift cards. 

Similar to last year, the food was catered by Monastery Bakery and included a variety of dishes and desserts for everyone to enjoy. This included different pastas, garden salad, a variety of pop, bread buns, dinner rolls, and delicious treats. "I really liked the food; like the Alfredo pasta was really smooth and cheesy, and the desserts were really delicious," commented grade 10 musician, Jill Jansen.

Opening the show were the two MC’s, Nino Nguyen and Michael Ekeng, playing a short duet of video game soundtracks on the flute and piano. Afterwards, they announced the first ensemble, Jazz Band, who played Coconut Mall from Mario Kart Wii, arranged by former TAB student, Donovan J. Roossien, and afterwards, Sticks by Mike Kamuf. 

Shortly after, Ninth Credit cut through the crowd with the Pokemon Theme arranged by TAB musician Bai Xiyuan, and Electricity by Brian Balmages. Afterwards, the Choir performed the beautiful Adiemus from “Songs Of Sanctuary.” Soon following, grade 10 rock band, Zack Attack, wowed the crowd with Iron Man by Black Sabbath, 7 Nation Army by White Strips, and Fly Away by Lenny Kravitz, featuring Mrs. Barry on vocals.

Subsequently, Symphonic Winds hit it off with Baba Yetu from the game Civilization VI and movements 1 to 3 of Bugs, by David Shaffer. Then, coming straight from the Halton Rock Band Festival in Milton, TAB’s grand Rock Band rocked out with their original song, A Fire is Coming Down, then Just a Girl by No Doubt, and From the Start by GoodKid.

Concluding the event, the magnificent Wind Ensemble amazed the crowd, starting with the hearty Steel by Randall D. Standridge. Next was an arrangement of Legend of Zelda soundtracks by TAB musician TL Sutherland. Then finally, a student composition, Prelude in C minor, by Bai Xiyuan, and finally a nostalgic medley of Minecraft soundtracks. 

The Music Department has once again hosted another unforgettable evening, showcasing their wide range of talented musicians and sharing the joys of music.