Nearly 800 young musicians will fill the Great Lakes Secondary School auditorium this May to celebrate the unifying power of music through a massive community performance
Great Lakes Secondary School, located on 340 Murphy Rd, Sarnia, is preparing to transform its auditorium into a massive hub of harmony on Monday, May 4, 2026. In celebration of Music Monday, the school’s music department is hosting a collaborative event featuring nearly 800 young participants from across Sarnia.
The event brings together 140 instrumentalists, 35 singers, and 42 grade 9 students from the music program, led by four dedicated teachers. Joining them will be approximately 570 students and teachers from 11 local grade schools, filling every seat in the auditorium to participate in a community musical happening.
Music Monday is an annual national initiative started by the Coalition for Music Education to encourage youth musical engagement. This year, the high school has provided practice tracks to feeder schools to prepare for a mass performance of two high-energy hits: All Star by Smash Mouth and Firework by Katy Perry.
The schedule for the day includes:
9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.: Students from selected feeder school classes arrive at the Great Lakes Secondary School auditorium.
10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: A massive rehearsal followed by a unified performance of both songs by every person in the building.
10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.: An interactive concert featuring the concert band, jazz band, rock bands, and singers, including a special Star Wars tribute for May the Fourth.
11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: A mentorship lunch in the cafeteria where younger students can connect with high school musicians.
Organizers aim to provide an uplifting event focused on community building through music. By facilitating these connections, the program helps younger students feel excited and comfortable about their future transition to high school.
