St. Clair Catholic is proudly celebrating national recognition for six outstanding student groups who earned Top 10 honours in the 2025 CBC Canadian Music Class Challenge — a record-setting year for the Board in this nationwide celebration of student music-making.

Each year, the CBC challenge invites students from across Canada to learn and perform Canadian music in ways that reflect their unique voices and musical communities. For St. Clair Catholic, this year was nothing short of spectacular — with students performing in Indigenous languages, exploring non-Western instruments, and sharing their talents in ways that moved hearts from coast to coast.

Among the highlights, the Grade 5/6 class at St. Angela Merici Catholic School placed third in Canada with their vibrant rendition of Life Is by the Arkells — performed using handbells and steel pan drums.

Other St. Clair Catholic classes named to Canada’s Top 10 include:

• St. Angela Merici Grade 6 (Mrs. Cobb) – Yohahí:yo (Junior Instrumental, Grades 4–6)
• St. Angela Merici Grade 8 (Ms. Bechard) – Life Is (Junior Instrumental, Grades 7–9)
• St. Joseph Catholic School Tilbury Grade 8 (Mr. Churchill) – Yohahí:yo (Junior Instrumental, Grades 7–9)
• St. Angela Merici Music Club Grades 1–2 – Yohahí:yo (Primary Passion Prize, FDK–Grade 3)
• St. Angela Merici Grade 8 (Mrs. Ennett) – Yohahí:yo (Culture Passion Prize: Non-Western Instruments)

“This opportunity has been incredibly meaningful for our students,” said Jacquelyn McGlynn, Music Specialist at St. Clair Catholic. “They’ve grown as musicians and collaborators. These performances reflect hours of practice, creativity, and courage — and to see them celebrated nationally is a beautiful and unforgettable reward.”

Earlier in the year, McGlynn was also named the Outstanding Teacher for the fall 2024 CBC Music Class Challenge. She used the award funds to purchase steel pan drums, which were featured in several of the entries and have opened up exciting new musical experiences for students.

Director of Education Lisa Demers praised the achievement:
“We are incredibly proud of all our students who participated in this year’s CBC Music Challenge, and we are grateful for the dedicated music educators who continue to create these joyful, inspiring opportunities. Mrs. McGlynn’s leadership and passion are truly a gift to our Board, and this national success is a reflection of her commitment and of our students’ incredible talent.”

From school concerts to national spotlights, this year has been a celebration of musical growth, collaboration, and expression — a testament to the role of the arts in building confidence and community within Catholic education.

Congratulations to all of our young musicians!