Quotes From Current Music Students

"Music education is so important. Thanks to my teachers, mentors, and conductors, I found the right path and I've been set up and prepared to continue doing what I love most, which is performing. I wouldn't know what I would ever do without my teachers and all the educators I've met and worked with before."

-Christian Zolnai (Grade 11 Instrumentalist)

"Mayfield's repertoire courses have helped me and my learning in music for many reasons. One, the courses have helped me come out of my comfort zone because I did solos, and these solos that I did helped me become more brave to preform in front of big crowds. The courses have helped me learn how to use different varieties of notes during my solos because it’s all made up. Lastly they have also helped me learn the jazz rhythms and how jazz songs sound which is mainly what I wanted to learn."

"Mayfield has embraced my talent and helped mold me into a better musician. The combination of incredible teachers along with the past support of the board has created an incredible school environment and music community. I am grateful to be able to attend and hope others get to enjoy the program for years to come."

-Sebastian Beffort (Grade 11 Instrumentalist)

"Mayfield's diverse repertoire courses for jazz ensembles have provided a challenging and engaging opportunity for me to learn. It allows for personal expression and creativity and all around enjoyment with music. These courses really make music fun and it has impacted me in only a positive way, boosting my confidence and social skills, promoting time management and responsibility, and truly giving me an authentic, wonderful experience. Jazz music has always been something I have been interested in learning and the repertoire courses allow me to truly experience it and learn."

"Being a part of Mayfield's music program is an experience I'll never forget. Throughout my time here, the music program has helped me develop into a better musician. All the teachers have played a significant role in creating a positive environment which encourages me to further my learning."

-Joshua Erskine (Grade 11 Instrumentalist)

"The many repertoire courses offered at Mayfield not only impact me when I am part of it but even by observing and listening to them perform. They have expanded my musicality and has helped me apply what I learn from class to an actual ensemble. From there, I also get assessed and receive feedback from it. I also have learned a lot through the many festivals that these ensembles and choirs attend and perform at. These courses are not just learning but learning though real world applications and experiences."

"Mayfield’s courses have helped me incredibly in increasing my self confidence, collaboration skills, and work ethic. These courses are so beneficial because they teach us how to work with people with immense professionalism as well as performance ethic. Truly enjoy being in these courses so much and having fun while building new connections!"

-Anaha Bhatia (Grade 10 Vocalist)

"TBH has impacted me because I've been able to meet other students who also really like playing music and look forward to playing other genres of music such as Blues, Latin, Swing and what not. TBH has affected my learning experience because it's helped me improve on my sight reading skills."

"Ever since my brothers first MSS music night, I have come to love jazz from watching the ensembles like TBH and Blues Alley play and I would dream to be apart of one someday. Come to now playing in one, I feel that I have learned most about music playing and creation while being in a jazz band at Mayfield, because of how free the style is, how to express myself and more. And I have come to love jazz. However today, April 14, 2026 they told us that they were canceling these jazz bands. This truly breaks my heart as I will never be apart of one of these ensembles and might not play in a jazz band ever again. It truly feels like they gave me a true love for a type of music just to take it right back."

-Tyson Zolnai (Grade 9 Instrumentalist)

"Mayfield repertoire courses are the heart beat of the music program."

"Mayfield’s music ensembles have made me become a better person, the ensembles have given me a love for music that I was only able to get because of the opportunities I, and other students, were given in the program."

-Ziyaan Kaylan (Grade 12 Instrumentalist)

"These courses have made coming to school way more fun since we get to learn these cool pieces that we wouldn’t learn in our regular ensemble. I was very exited about the fact that I was going to join one of the Mayfield’s repertoire courses with all my friends next year and to think that it won’t happen anymore really makes me sad."

"Learning about music has been the most important part of my high school education. I've learned so many life skills that can be transferred in to other parts, made friends that will last a lifetime, and so many other great things."

-Elliot Bedford (Grade 11 Instrumentalist)

"My repertoire course has greatly helped me grow as a person over the years that I have been it in, helping with my confidence/stage presence issues that I would not have been able to overcome without it. The performance aspect of the course has helped me become an overall more confident and self assured person, along with teaching me how to work well with a group better than any group project has because of how the community within the ensemble becomes more fleshed out and tight knit over time."

"Mayfield Music Repertoire courses have provided me with a strong level of music education, especially through working in choirs with complex harmonies. These courses have helped me succeed in my music journey, even outside of the Regional Arts Program. Seeing this program leave will greatly affect the skills and opportunities available to future students."

-Jack Young Spice (Grade 11 Vocalist)

"Mayfield’s lunch repertoire courses have immensely impact me and my learning experience throughout high school. From performing in front of an audience to working as a group to create music, Mayfield’s lunch time ensembles have greatly and positively impacted my experience during high school and have given me many life skills that can be applied post-secondary."

"Mayfield's repertoire courses have changed my life as a musician. These courses have taught me how to adapt to different styles/genres of music. I grew up in church and coming into Mayfield, I pretty much only knew gospel music. But now I can do more than just gospel. I've learned Jazz, Contemporary music, Pop, and so much more, and I'm a more versatile musician because of it. I wouldn't be the musician I am today without Mayfield's repertoire courses."

"Mayfield’s repertoire and jazz band programs have been more than just classes, they’ve been apart of history and tradition. They are places where students, including myself and many others, build creativity, confidence, and teamwork. These courses give people a voice and a strong sense of community that goes beyond a typical classroom. Removing them would take away an important space where so many students learn, connect, and truly belong."

"I’ve learned a great deal at Mayfield. The bulk of my personal growth at school has been because of the music program. I’ve built my consistency through practicing and showing up to rehearsals. I would be a far worse version of myself today if I hadn’t done music. The support I’ve gotten from teachers is immeasurable and something I am grateful for."

-Milo Clarke (Grade 12 Instrumentalist)

"Mayfield has been such an experience in my life. I have never had so many opportunities to join bands and express myself. Without the courses, I feel this school wont be the same."

-Caleb Tan-Diaz (Grade 10 Instrumentalist)

"Mayfield’s repertoire courses have given me many opportunities to play high level jazz and become more confident with myself, outgoing, and overall gotten more out of my shell. I had experiences that I would’ve never had if these courses weren't available to me, such as strawberry jazz and having the opportunity to play along with amazing guest professional musicians."

-Chelsea Crocker (Grade 11 Instrumentalist)

"Being in a lunchtime jazz course for the past 2 years has really helped me to improve my confidence in playing my instrument and helped me to improve a lot."

-Asha Atto (Grade 10 Instrumentalist)

"Music is one of the biggest parts of my life, and it always will be. I look forward to lunch every day, knowing I get to learn and rehearse with an incredible group of musicians in Blues Alley. These ensembles aren’t just courses, they’re a community where everyone learns, grows, and feels supported. Through Mayfield's repertoire courses, I’ve developed skills like communication, collaboration, patience, time management, and so much more, which I apply in many aspects of my everyday life. But more importantly, it’s given me, and many others, a place where we belong. Taking away these programs doesn’t just remove courses, it takes away opportunities, connections, and a meaningful part of students’ lives."

-Sarah Tadesse (Grade 10 Instrumentalist)

"Mayfield's Jazz Repertoire courses are what helped me get into U of T for a Bachelor of Music in Jazz! The courses vastly improved my guitar skills and are the reason I picked up my guitar in the first place! Without these ensembles, I wouldn't be half the musician I am today!"

"I was in grade 8 watching winter music night when i saw the amazing jazz bands, and I honestly saw myself being in that position in the future. That why I came to Mayfield, and now I'm in grade 9 and they're being cut."

-Joey Lising (Grade 9 Instrumentalist)

"The repertoire courses at Mayfield have improved my musicianship in amazing ways. They’ve given me confidence, improved my collaboration skills, made me feel comfortable knowing I was with a supportive group, and overall, made practicing more engaging. These classes have had a lasting impact on both my creativity and my academic experience."

"These repertoire courses bring people together, drive people to continue on with their passion, and provide a safe space for students. The kids that take these courses are willing to sacrifice half of their lunch to do something they are passionate about. That itself shows how committed these students are to what they love. Many of my friends have been enrolled in these courses, and the community they’ve built will be cherished even after graduation. Schools need music. Schools need art. Schools need an option for those students who want to go the extra mile and explore new opportunities in music."

"Mayfield’s jazz courses have given me the opportunity to learn valuable life skills and the necessary training and skills to pursue music in post secondary."

"Mayfield's repertoire [courses] have impacted me in a certain way as it helped my well-being. This is because it had helped reduce my stress, manage my anxiety, and influence my mood. Engaging with the repertoire courses helped me increase my confidence, and enhance my emotional regulation."

-Rheya Merwar (Grade 11 Instrumentalist)

"The music courses and by extension ensembles and repertoire courses have helped me to grow as a musician, as well as grow connections with my peers and teachers. The repertoire courses have provided me many opportunities to share and refine my talents that would not be provided to me otherwise."

-Cristian Luca (Grade 11 Instrumentalist)

"Repertoire courses allow students to build experience and perform in professional environments. These courses not only build future musicians but provide the school with a source of revenue through performances."

"Mayfield's repertoire courses have impacted me by teaching proper mic technique, communication skills and a real feel for music through all the elements."

"The repertoire courses at Mayfield have helped me learn to play with different people with different strengths and weaknesses. I get the chance to work around and allowed me to learn to improve faster than I ever thought I would. The repertoire courses have boosted my confidence on the kit, improved my versatility, and strengthened my awareness. I've learned to work with everyone and I've come to enjoy music even more than I thought possible."

-Jaiden William (Grade 10 Instrumentalist)

"My participation in the Mayfield Music Program has been the highlight of my high school career so far. During the last three years, I have developed as a musician and matured both personally and socially as a result of performances and rehearsals. Being part of the music program has allowed me to express myself artistically as well as relieve stress, making me a more productive yet relaxed individual. Losing these classes will be detrimental, and I encourage you to continue the Mayfield Music Repertoire courses."

-Peyton Macken (Grade 11 Instrumentalist)