SD60 bands start campaign to raise $350K to attend national competition

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The local school district student bands are starting strong towards their goal of raising $350,000 towards attending an upcoming national competition in Niagara Falls.

School District 60’s (SD60)  junior and senior bands will attend the MusicFest Canada national competition, which is invite-only from May 11th to May 16th, 2026.

SD 60 superintendent Stephen Petrucci says the invite acknowledges the band’s talent. 

“They’re really proud of their accomplishments, to be recognized enough to be invited to national competitions is a real feather in their cap,” said Petrucci.

Since May 9th, SD 60’s junior and senior band members have been raising funds at Fort St. John businesses such as Canadian Tire, Safeway and Save On Foods on Thursdays through Sundays.

According to Sabrina Angelique Brooks, a School District 60 music teacher and organizer, thousands of dollars have been raised in May.

“It’s been about two weeks that we’ve been going at this and about five grand [has been raised] so far,” said Brooks.

“A good start, still a ways to go, but a positive start also in terms of just that moral support and kindness.”

Since starting the fundraiser, Brooks says Fort St. John has greatly supported the students.

“The community has been generous with their funds, but it’s been really nice to see all the kindness to my students, lots of people stopping to chat and it just really makes you feel good about living in Fort St John,” said Brooks. 

Brooks says the band will raise funds at the Fort St. John Rotary RibFest through cotton candy and face painting booths.

The band also wants to get involved in the upcoming Canada Day celebrations.