From original ballads to Celtic fiddle, from big band tunes to sizzling rock, the Elphinstone Secondary School musical gala night Tuesday showcased a huge variety of exceptional high school talent. For the last set, one of Elphi's most famous alumna, Sarah Loverock, returned to the school to perform with her band.
First up was the Elphi jazz band under the musical direction of Janice Brunson. They played a Glen Miller tune, a big band number, then a "cool piece" by Thelonius Monk. They are working up to a good sound.
Skye Wallace has a gorgeous, clear, pure voice, and she was next to sing some ballads, including one she wrote herself. Sophie Heppell, James Law and Graeme McGilliv-ray form the eclectic musical trio Stramash, a Scottish word meaning uproar. With Law and McGillivray on guitar, Heppell sang a lovely, long ballad, Bee's Wing, then the group closed by picking up their fiddles and bringing Emily Good to the keyboards. The high energy playing revealed their Coast String Fiddler roots.
Excitement continued to build when the four member band, Kings of Rock (Cody Stevens, David Williams, Kevin Hendricks and Joel Miller-Tansley) gave homage to Led Zeppelin and AC/DC in a heavy metal performance. At one point, the guys were joined by Sophie and Skye for backup vocals on a rendition of the Dylan song, Knockin' on Heaven's Door. Despite coming unplugged, the lead guitarist gave a string-twisting solo that should propel him into high school fame. It was a great song and a great moment, complete with a belated drum solo.
The second half of the show saw the Loverock band on stage -all of whom went to Elphi at one time: Martin Brown and Danica Tardif on guitar, Michael Nygren on lead guitar and Ryan Cavill on drums. The 40-minute set gave Loverock a chance to really open up and belt out ear melting rock tunes. These weren't the polite songs she sang as a contestant on Canadian Idol; they were a beat closer to her heart. When some of the audience were moved to jump up and dance, they got the slow Loverock smile in their direction.
At the close of the two and a half hour show, teacher and gala sponsor Tom Daniels pointed out that not only were all the performers from the school, even the sound and video technicians helping Coast Cable to film the event were from Elphi.
