Lisgar’s orchestra is a well-known part of life at Lisgar, but its beginnings are less familiar. In 1915, when heavy casualty lists began coming from Europe, the war was starting to reveal its tragic toll. Students and staff had began gathering together in the newly built assembly hall shortly after the turn of the century for morning exercises, and it was during these exercises that these lists of those members of the Lisgar family who would not be returning home was read. 

As those familiar with the history of the First World War know, Canadian casualties were very heavy due to front-line participation in hard-fought battles. Indeed, plaques in the main hall record the names of more than 100 former Lisgar students and staff who lost their lives in the war. Coming together every morning to share their grief, a group of students requested to end morning exercises by singing some patriotic songs to honour the soldiers fighting in trenches a world away. The first orchestra was a small group of musically gifted students who could accompany the singing. Soon, it was a regular part of morning exercises. At first, the small student orchestra was augmented by older musicians for special occasions and concerts, and the addition of adult musicians gave students a chance to learn from professionals. From these humble beginnings, the idea of a permanent orchestra began to grow, and in 1917 Lisgar had the first regular school orchestra in Ontario.* 

Present Music Department

Lisgar's Music Program has a wide variety  of ensembles to participate in including 

• Concert Band (Beginner level)

• Wind Ensemble (Intermediate Level)

• Symphonic Winds (Senior Level)

• Concert Orchestra (Beginner level),

• Sinfonia (Intermediate level orchestra)

•  The Lisgar Symphony Orchestra (Senior level)

• String Ensemble

• Jazz Band 

• Flute Ensemble 

• Clarinet Ensemble

• Saxophone Ensemble

• CBC Music Class Challenge Ensemble for both Junior and Senior Musicians
  
  These ensembles annually  take part in many music festivals, including the National Capital Region Kiwanis Music Festival, and the Ontario Music Festival Association (Provincials) where Lisgar consistently obtains a very high standard, and is often invited to move on to the next level.

*Alere Flammam Spring 2012