Good News in
Ontario's
Catholic Schools

Pictured at right: (l-r)Alexandra Haninec (teacher, BM/TM); Walter Buczynski (Canadian pianist/ composer), Isaias Garcia (TCDSB graduate), Dr. Andrew Rozbicki, Gregory Reid (student at BM/TM), and Maria Pereira, Principal, BM/TM.

Toronto CDSB: Graduate of Bishop Morrocco/Thomas Merton Composes Piece Performed by Celebrity Symphony Orchestra

Isaias Garcia, a recent graduate of Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton (BM/TM) Catholic Secondary School in Toronto, had the pleasure of seeing an original orchestral piece he composed entitled "Bishop Marrocco Rhapsody" performed by a professional symphony at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga.  Isaias participated in the performance as well. He is only 18.

When Isaias started BM/TM in 2002 he spoke little English. Although he was born in Toronto, Isaias grew up in Argentina. Upon his return to Toronto he decided to immerse himself in music as part of the process of becoming acclimated to his city and new school at the Toronto CDSB.

To view the Celebrity Symphony Orchestra's performance of Isaias Garcia's orchestral piece, "Bishop Marrocco Rhapsody" please click on this link.

Hi Maria;

Please give my personal congratulations to Isaia Garcia for 'BISHOP MARROCCO RHAPSODY' . I listened to it twice and it is amazing what our students can create with the correct inspirational guidance. The highest pedagogical level of a master teacher is letting going and letting the student create. I loved the Latin flavour of the Rhapsody and the contrasting solo instrument/ orchestra part (especially the viola).

We are also very fortunate to have in our TCDSB teaching community Mr.Rozbicki who is a distinguished world class conductor. Keep up the fantastic work! Way to go Bishop Marrocco School for the Arts!

Krystyna Schneider Principal St. Vincent de Paul School

Hi All,

Big congrats to our Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton High School for making "Good News in Ontario's Catholic Schools" !

Such great students to be proud of . 18 year old 2008 BM/TM graduate, Isaias Garcia's mom is in Argentina, his father in Florida. Isaias was staying with his sister, now he has a small apartment over a store. Another talented young man, grade 12 BM/TM student Gregory Reid is also in the picture, together with a very supportive principal, Maria Pereira and Dr. Andrew Rozbicki who pushes students to reach their potential !

Please click on the link to hear the World Premiere of Isaias Garcia's 'BISHOP MARROCCO RHAPSODY' performed on Jan 31/09 at the Living Arts Centre.

Thank you to everyone for your dedication and hard work on behalf of our students, Barbara

Barbara Poplawski

Ward 10 Trustee

Toronto Catholic District School Board

416 241-7130

Good News In Ontario's Catholic Schools - OCSTA Website Highlight:

Toronto CDSB - Recent Graduate Composes Music for the Stage

Please click on the link below to read about this highlight: http://www.ocsta.on.ca/