Here are the winners of the 2025 CBC Music Class Challenge: spring edition
Check out the winning classes from every category
The judges have officially selected the winners of the spring edition of the 2025 CBC Music Class Challenge.
Thank you to all the teachers and students who participated, and on behalf of everyone at CBC Music and MusiCounts, congratulations to our winners.
As a reminder, here are what the winners of each category will receive:
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Categories 1-9: First place winners will receive $2,500 in music instruments from MusiCounts. First, second and third place will receive plaques.
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Category 10: First, second and third place will receive plaques.
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Categories 11 and 13: First place winners will receive $1,500 in music instruments from MusiCounts. First, second and third place will receive plaques.
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Categories 12 and 14: First place winners will receive $1,500 in music instruments, plus first place plaques.
See the winning classes below.
Category 1: Elementary Instrumental (grades 4-6)
Winner: St. John Fisher Senior Elementary School from Pointe Claire, Que., performing A Little Bit Happy by Talk.
Judge's comments: "The arrangement was handled with skill by the students showing energy and enthusiasm. Your passion comes through."
Second place: Torquay Elementary School from Victoria, B.C., performing You Can Be Anything by Jeremy and Jazzy.
Third place: Nootka Elementary School from Vancouver performing Everything Is Boring by the Beaches.
Category 2: Junior Instrumental (grades 7-9)
Winner: Senator Joyce Fairbairn Middle School from Lethbridge, Alta., performing Takin' Care of Christmas by Randy Bachman and Beverley Mahood.
Judge's comment: "Great playing that really captures the energy of the original."
Second place: H.D. Stafford Middle School from Langley, B.C., performing The Returner by Allison Russell.
Third place: Lisgar Collegiate Institute from Ottawa performing Everything Is Boring by the Beaches.
Category 3: Senior Instrumental (grades 10-12)
Winner: Nepean High School from Ottawa performing Here and Now by Aysanabee.
Judge's comments: "Congratulations to Nepean High School! It was an absolute joy to watch your rendition of Aysanabee's Here and Now. Your performance was not only musically compelling, but also beautifully highlighted the many dimensions of your school and music program. What we do in music goes far beyond right and wrong notes — it's about expression, connection and life itself. You captured that spirit with heart, musicality and fun. Bravo!" — Dylan Maddix
Second place: Lisgar Collegiate from Ottawa performing A Little Bit Happy by Talk.
Third place: Windsor Secondary from North Vancouver, B.C., performing A Little Bit Happy by Talk.
Category 4: Elementary Vocal (grades 4-6) (a capella or instrumental accompaniment)
Winner: Nelson Rural School from Miramichi, N.B., performing Little Breeze by Bobs & LoLo.
Judge's comment: "Congratulations Nelson, you sing with one voice, with harmonies that add a lovely emotional feeling."
Second place: Arthur Stringer Public School from London, Ont., performing We Remember by Allan Crossley.
Third place: École Donat Robichaud from Cap-Pelé, N.B., performing Au chant de l'alouette.
Category 5: Junior Vocal (grades 7-9) (a capella or instrumental accompaniment)
Winner: École Secondaire Michelle O'Bonsawin from Toronto performing Au chant de l'alouette.
Judge's comments: "This class brought rich harmony and colourful vocal tone to their upbeat and catchy rendition of Au chant de l'alouette — definitely a jam! Fantastic musicianship and engagement from all musicians, and the instrumentalists added an intriguing textural contrast." — Kiera Galway
Second place: Betty Huff Elementary from Surrey, B.C., performing Old Love by Dominique Fils-Aimé.
Third place: Ken Danby Public School from Guelph, Ont., performing Life Is by Arkells.
Honourable mention: Nelson Rural School from Miramichi, N.B., performing Life Is by Arkells.
Category 6: Senior Vocal (grades 10-12) (a capella or instrumental accompaniment)
Winner: Huron Heights Secondary School from Newmarket, Ont., performing The Returner by Allison Russell.
Judge's comments: "I love the obvious collegiality and spirit of this group. The arrangement's different textures, slow build and overall groove were excellent. You showcased some great soloists, complemented by exceptional ensemble work." — Jeannie Hunter, 2025 MusiCounts teacher of the year
Second place: Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton CSS from Toronto performing A Little Bit Happy by Talk.
Third place: West Credit Secondary School from Mississauga, Ont., performing A Little Bit Happy by Talk.
Category 7: Elementary/Junior Contemporary Ensemble (grades 4-9)
Winner: The Centre for Arts and Music from Edmonton performing Everything Is Boring by the Beaches.
Judge's comments: "Time to take this act on the road! Spirited, even, driving meter. Rock on!"
Second place: St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School from Oshawa, Ont., performing Everything Is Boring by the Beaches.
Third place: University Highlands from Burnaby, B.C., performing A Little Bit Happy by Talk.
Category 8: Senior Contemporary Ensemble (grades 10-12)
Winner: R.A. McMath Secondary School from Richmond, B.C., performing The Returner by Allison Russell.
Judge's comments: "The ensemble playing was tight and well balanced with everyone listening to each other. Great arrangement. Congrats R.A. McMath!"
Second place: Charlottetown Rural High School from Charlottetown performing Everything Is Boring by the Beaches.
Third place: École St. Patrick High School from Yellowknife performing Everything Is Boring by the Beaches.
Category 9: Non-Live-Off-the-Floor Performance (all grades)
Winner: Eastwood Collegiate from Kitchener, Ont., performing The Returner by Allison Russell.
Judge's comments: "Thank you for this beautiful, soulful performance, with a great arrangement that supports lovely instrument tone and a stellar vocal performance."
Second place: Lambton Central Collegiate & Vocational Institute from Petrolia, Ont., performing A Little Bit Happy by Talk.
Third place: John Martin Junior High from Dartmouth, N.S., performing Reggae Party by Kirk Diamond.
Category 10: Private Schools
This category is awarded plaques only.
Winner: Rundle College from Calgary performing Little Breeze by Bobs & LoLo.
Judge's comments: "Beautiful vocal performance by the students of Rundle College. I absolutely love how they strike a balance between blend and harmonies the entire way through the performance and swiftly take us along the journey through this Little Breeze. Well done and congratulations!"
Second place: St. John's-Kilmarnock from Breslau, Ont., performing The Returner by Allison Russell.
Third place: Simusique Studios Vox from Coquitlam, B.C., performing You Can Be Anything by Jeremy and Jazzy.
Category 11: Primary Passion Prize (kindergarten to Grade 3)
Winner: Victory School from Winnipeg performing You Can Be Anything by Jeremy and Jazzy.
Second place: Nelson Rural School from Miramichi, N.B., performing You Can Be Anything by Jeremy and Jazzy.
Third place: Wolseley School from Winnipeg performing You Can Be Anything by Jeremy and Jazzy.
Category 12: Passion Prize for performance of Yohahí:yo (The Good Road) with karaoke track (all grades)
Winner: Nashwaak Valley Elementary School from Durham Bridge, N.B., performing Yohahí:yo by Shawnee Kish.
Category 13: Culture Passion Prize (all grades)
Winner: Salah's Steelpan Academy from Montreal performing Yohahí:yo by Shawnee Kish.
Second place: Senator Joyce Fairbairn Middle School from Lethbridge, Alta., performing Life Is by Arkells.
Third place: St. Angela Merici Catholic Elementary School from Chatham, Ont., performing Life Is by Arkells.
Category 14: Educator Passion Prize
Winner: Karen Bell-Young from West Credit Secondary in Mississauga, Ont.
