NSHS band entertains at public concert

Music teacher Randy Lefrancois conducts the North Star High School band during a concert they presented in the school’s gymnasium April 30.

The 2025-26 band at North Star High School are entering the home stretch and showed their skills last week.

The band’s final in-school concert of the year took place April 30 in the school’s gymnasium. Parents, grandparents, siblings and other supporters of the band and its members were on hand to listen to nearly one hour of music that the Amherstburg public high school band has worked on all school year.

Music teacher Randy Lefrancois said it is a lot of time and effort that the students put into the band, between practices and performances. He also thanked the parents and guardians for getting the students to school for the practices.

“I’ve appreciated the band all year long,” said Lefrancois. “It’s a long year.”

Lefrancois pointed out the concert was largely about the Grade 12 students, as they are wrapping up their high school careers in the band.

The concert featured a wide range of numbers, from Taylor Swift to songs from Lelo & Stitch and more.

“I really appreciate all of you,” he said. “Four years is a long time to be in a band.”

The efforts of the Grade 9, 10 and 11 students were also recognized. Lefrancois said the year-end concert is his favourite show as he gets to honour the Grade 12 students. 

“It’s rewarding but it’s also like losing your own,” he said.

The North Star band has had shows in the school for Halloween and Christmas, both dinner shows, with this show being in the gymnasium. They have also travelled to competitions, feeder schools and made the annual band trip last weekend, this year going to Toronto. 

Lefrancois added while he always misses the Grade 12 students who graduate, the incoming Grade 9 students help replenish the band and are great to work with also.

“I appreciate the support all year long,” he told the audience.

NSHS band entertains at public concert

By Ron Giofu