2025-2026 LEVEL I INFORMATION FORM
Level I Excursions are those which take students to familiar settings within the local area for daytime activities which expose students to risks typically encountered in everyday living or while at school and which involve local transportation either by walking, subway, city bus, school bus, or taxi. Examples of Level I Excursions: trips to museums, local parks, a local store or neighbourhood, a library, an art studio, a concert hall, a theatre, another school, or athletic facility Parental consent for Level I Excursions is given at the beginning of each school year
Excursion Name:
Date(s) and Times
(And Transportation Details):
Group Involved (and number of students):
Group Leader and Staff Involved:
Destination Address:
Activity Description and Educational Rationale:
CISMF Rehearsal
Monday February 2nd 2026
Pickup at The York School 1320 campus, 7:15am for 7:30am departure
Drop off in this order: Newroads Performing Arts Centre, Aurora Town Square, Villanova College, St Andrew’s College
Pickup at St Andrew’s College, 2:30pm, then Villanova College, Aurora Town Square, Newroads Performing Arts Centre
Dropoff at The York School 1320 campus, 4pm
26 students grade 7-12
Denise Simpson, Cody MacFarlane, other York School faculty as needed
Multiple schools - Villanova College, St Andrew’s College, Pickering College, Aurora Town Square
Participating in Conference of Independent Schools ensembles represents an exceptional educational opportunity that elevates students beyond our regular school program
Selective Achievement: The audition process itself teaches students to prepare independently, handle performance anxiety, and accept competitive outcomes. Earning a chair validates their musical growth and builds confidence.
Peer Excellence: Rehearsing alongside top musicians from across Ontario exposes students to higher performance standards and diverse playing styles This peer-to-peer learning accelerates musical development as students rise to match the ensemble's level.
Professional Mentorship: Working with guest conductors and clinicians provides fresh pedagogical approaches, advanced techniques, and insights students wouldn't encounter in their home program
Service Provider(s):
Prestigious Venue Experience: Performing at Roy Thomson Hall a world-class concert hall offers an unforgettable, career-defining moment. The acoustics, professionalism, and prestige of the venue elevate students' understanding of performance excellence.
Networking and Community: Students build relationships across schools, creating a broader musical community that fosters collaboration, friendship, and future opportunities
Intensive Learning: The truncated rehearsal schedule demands focus, quick learning, and adaptability skills essential for professional musicianship and academic success.
This experience represents the pinnacle of secondary school music education, combining recognition, challenge, and inspiration
Ensembles involved in the CISMF Roy Thomson Hall performance will be rehearsing at several schools listed below:
Villanova College, St Andrew’s College, Pickering College, Aurora Town Centre
The York School, Premier Coach, CISMF, Villanova College, St Andrew’s College, Pickering College, Aurora Town Square, Newroads Performing Arts Centre
Emergency Contact Information: Cody MacFarlane - cmacfarlane@yorkschool com
The York School (416) 926-1325
Approximate Cost Per Student: $0
Special Considerations and What to Bring:
School Uniform
Bagged, nut free lunch
Sheet Music
Instrument (if in an instrumental ensemble)