Posted by: Fen Woodstock
The Glebe Collegiate Institute music department consists of 10 ensembles, 3 teachers, and more than 200 students, making it one of the largest music programs in Ottawa. Every other year the Glebe music students go on an out of country trip to share their skills with other parts of the world, engage in new culture, and hone their musical abilities and passions. This year, they’re looking forward to a trip to Spain, taking place from April 2 to 10, 2026. To raise money for this experience, Glebe is hosting a concert on March 27, 2026, at Southminster United, open to anyone interested in live music. All proceeds will benefit students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to go.
The music department head is Ms. Christie, who’s been working at Glebe for the past 11 years. I caught up with her to get her thoughts on the music department, as well as ask her about the Spain trip.
How do you see the band trip benefitting the school community?
These types of trips are really special for our students’ musical development. Our music department tries to focus on inclusivity and making the experience something that our students can feel safe in. These students are able to see everything we’ve been working on throughout the year in real life, such as Spanish music that we’ve practiced together. We talk about how culture and arts are connected, and this trip allows students to experience the colours, architecture, communities, and connect it all to the music.
What are some of the experiences students are expected to have on this trip?
The chaperones and I have never been to Spain, but we always try to involve as many cultural experiences as possible in these trips. We’ll be travelling through Barcelona, Zaragoza, Madrid, and Seville. All of these areas are so different and have so many unique opportunities. We’ll be having a flamenco evening, learning how to dance and seeing shows. We’ll have a tapas lunch, as well as tours of Spanish architecture. We’ve also got at least three performances booked, where we have no idea what our audience will look like.
What has been your favourite part of working with the students at Glebe and in the music department?
I’ve taught at many different schools, and I love teaching music, but the students at Glebe are really special. They come from such diverse backgrounds, and they’re so willing to try anything new. Many of the students in the music program take private lessons, though most of them use a different instrument in the bands here at Glebe. Because of this, so much learning happens here during our practices, meaning there is so much support within ensembles, and sections. It’s very friendly, while still maintaining a high level of performance standard. The kids here take music because they love it, not because they feel like they have to, and that makes it so special.
What skills or confidence do you see the band students at Glebe take into other parts of their life?
In every end of year reflection, I ask the students that same question. The biggest thing that comes up is communication and confidence. The ensembles require so much communication to make a piece function, and they build this through countless practices. Even the quietest students grow into this confidence throughout the year. Music really transforms people. Playing in an ensemble is one of the greatest things you can do for your body and mind. These kids are some of the most likely to succeed because of what they’ve learnt from music.
Why should people come to the fundraiser?
Well, these trips are a lot of work, but so much fun. All of our fundraising money goes back to the students to make the trips more affordable for them. These experiences give students who may never be able to travel globally that opportunity. All the students on this trip are committed to the best performances possible, and can’t wait to show what they’ve learned at the end of March.
If you’re interested in hearing excellent live music and supporting the Glebe Collegiate Spain trip, please come to the fundraising concert on Friday, March 27, 2026, 7 pm at Southminster United Church, 15 Aylmer Ave. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Purchase tickets via Eventbrite (www.eventbrite.ca/e/glebe-collegiate-music-fundraiser-tickets-1980904298080).
Fen Woodstock is a grade 11 student at Glebe CI.
Featured in the March 2026 OSCAR.