Westwood Collegiate is well-known for its band program. Countless students have honed their musical talents at the school over the years.

Last month, Grade 11 student Cam Cordoviz made a name for himself on the national stage as the junior grand prize winner at the 2012 Canadian National Roland Virtual Drum Competition. The 16-year old was chosen over hundreds of entrants from across the country.

As a result, he earned a $3,000 drum kit and a trip to perform at the Montreal Drum Festival on Oct. 20.

Cordoviz says he’s had a passion for drums since he was 11. You may have already heard him play. He played percussion while at Lincoln Middle School, has been active within the jazz and concert programs at Westwood for the past two and a half years and has been rattling windows with teen band Cranc since 2010.

Cordoviz credits his success to hard work, the support and encouragement of his family and teachers, and, he admits, a little teen angst.

"Drumming lets me get my anger out — it’s helped form me into the person I am," he says.
Prior to the contest, Cordoviz thought of himself as just a kid doing what he loves. Winning has helped give him a new focus.

"I can see now how I could pursue music as a career."

In addition to meeting some of his idols in Montreal, Cordoviz says a highlight of the trip was being asked to demo Roland’s prototype portable drum kit.

"That was a cool thing to do!"

Cordoviz has been interviewed on local radio, been featured in a national newswire article and will shoot a Roland Canada commercial in the spring. Our new celebrity says he gets more respect now, but he still plans to work hard in school and at band practice.

You can catch Cordoviz in action this December with Cranc at Battle of the Bands (www.TJsGift.com), and Jan. 21 at the Westwood band concert.

❑ ❑ ❑

From musical gifts to Christmas ones. The Westwood Collegiate Grad Craft Sale will be held Sat., Nov. 24 in the school gym (360 Rouge Road) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The annual event will feature a bake sale and silent auction in addition to craft tables. You’ll find a wide range of wares including handmade crafts, carvings, dog clothes, jewelry, ornaments, stained glass, sweet treats and gourmet spices to name a few. Proceeds will help fund Safe Grad 2013. Admission is free.

Sharon Pfeifer is a community correspondent for Westwood. You can contact her at sdrinteractive@shaw.ca.