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35 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, April 3, 2009 Band to perform at major music festival Continued from page 33 The group performs a lot of original material. Most of the songs are written by Saab and Moffatt, who was the musical genius behind Girl, the winning entry for this competition. "The bass player and I are the main writers, but everyone in the band puts in their parts because they are all talented in what they do and we all bring something to the table," said Saab. "The best part is that the songs keep coming. We write about what we know, about being young and the things that happen. We write about reallife experiences because we know people can relate to that." The four guys still call Oakville home, although Courtemanche is temporarily away at school in Guelph. They are all pursuing post-secondary education, with Saab working on a general arts degree at the University of Toronto, Moffatt and McCamus studying music and Courtemanche taking a degree in hotel administration. Despite going to school and working, the four musicians are devoted to Alright Alright. Right now, they are performing gigs about once a week. During the summer, they expect to be playing at least two to three shows a week. "You have to pay for the gas and recording costs, so we all have jobs, but music is a priority," he said. "It is sometimes hard getting everyone together to practice, but we still manage to make it work. It is kind of like a long-distance relationship. This is something we are all committed to. It would be ideal if we could continue to do this for the rest of our lives." Saab said making music is the main objective of the band. "The vision is to get our music out there and for as many people to enjoy it as possible," he said. "And for us to continue to love what we are doing." "The vision is to get our music out there and for as many people to enjoy it as possible." Omar Saab Singer, Alright Alright The group is managed by Saab's brother, Ayman, who found out about Metroland's Best of the West competition and organized the entry and press information. "My brother told us we should enter because it could do a lot for us, so we're very happy that we did," Saab said. For information about Alright, Alright, go online to www.myspace.com/alrightalrightband. To learn more about Burlington's Sound of Music Festival, visit www.soundofmusic.on.ca. Students taking centre stage in public school board arts show Halton District School Board students will perform on the stage of the grand hall at Hamilton Place in front of an audience of 2,000 parents, friends and music supporters on Tuesday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. Halton Music Showcase is a 23-year tradition for elementary and secondary students in the public board. Approximately 1,500 students from Grades 4 to 12 began rehearsals in February in preparation for this annual spring concert. Performances include stage bands, concert bands, jazz groups and choirs. A highlight of the evening will be the finale featuring a performance by a 600-member student choir. "This concert is the collaborative effort of teachers and students from our schools' music communities," said Mary Baratto, coordinator of the arts for the HDSB. "The participating students are involved in music programs in their schools, whether in the school concert band, jazz band or choir." Tickets cost $10. For information or for tickets, contact Franca McCulloch at 905631-6120, ext. 422.