The music group Mandala from Val Caron’s École secondaire catholique l’Horizon displayed the depth of its musical talent during the 2015 la Brunante music contest.
During this training activity offered to the top up-and-coming Franco-Ontarian music stars, which concluded with the presentation during public concert on May 13, Mandala was awarded the 2015 Prize of the Jury.
As the winner of the outstanding band of the evening, Mandala has earned the coveted opportunity to present on stage during the 2016 edition of La Nuit sur l'étang.
Mandala is a four-member rock band composed of students from École secondaire catholique l’Horizon: Luc Huneault, vocals and guitar; Zachary Clément, keyboards; Julien Laferrière, drums; and Nicholas Fournier, vocals and bass.
Band members met at l’Horizon when they joined the school’s music committee, which offered them the opportunity to take part in many concerts and festivals during their high school studies.
These four musicians had the experience of a lifetime less than two months ago at the Quand ça nous chante provincial music festival, where each member received the prestigious “outstanding musician” award and was named to the festival’s All-Star Team (prix Coup de cœur du parrain – Équipe Étoile).
This award is presented to students for outstanding stage presence in a musical performance during the festival.
The Horizon students were able to secure four of the eight spots on the musical All-Star Team, which is quite an accomplishment in itself.
“All of these students hailing from the Valley East community are passionate about their music and are always open to experimenting with new styles,” said ESC l’Horizon music teacher André Lachance.
“Influenced by performers like Mastik and Dayv Poulin, they want to play quality Francophone music, enjoy themselves and promote their French culture. Having a preference for jazz, Mandala is also appreciated for its alternative style.”
