As professional musicians sat beside them in rehearsal, band students listened more closely, adjusted their playing, and began to hear their music differently. Small details, like slowing down, breathing together, or paying attention to balance, quickly changed how the ensemble sounded, helping them see how individual choices affected the group.

This experience was part of a VSO Connects visit, a program that brings musicians from the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra into schools to support music learning through hands-on, curriculum-aligned experiences. During the visit, musicians performed, worked alongside classes in rehearsal, and led sectional sessions focused on technique, listening and ensemble awareness.

Student reflections showed how deeply the learning landed. Many noted how breaking music into smaller parts, balancing sound across sections, and listening more closely could improve the overall performance, while others valued hearing musicians share personal stories about practice, confidence and auditions, offering insight into the dedication behind professional performance.