Over the next few days, Halifax will host concert bands and choir students from across the country as part of the Atlantic Festivals of Music.
Over 3,500 students are partaking in the annual festival: an opportunity to be immersed in all things music.
“They see where they fit in. They also see what they can aspire to and they remember where they've come from,” says Peter Gallant, teacher and conductor.
Gallant has been attending the festival for 22 years, missing only one year since it began.
Now, after 33 years of teaching, this is his last festival as Gallant is set to retire.
“I’ve known for a long time, as a performer as well, that teaching and imparting what I know, what I can do…the experience I have to young people, there's nothing like it,” says Gallant.
Gallant is passionate about music and shares his lessons with the world.
Years ago, Gallant posted an instructional video online coaching a student how to play ‘Hotel California.’ Last week, the video intended for just one student surpassed a million views.
He’s even had 200,000 more views than the original Eagles guitarist’s online tutorial.
Still, Gallant says there's nothing like connecting one on one with an aspiring musician.
“The smile happens, the face lights up,” says Gallant.
Gallant says he loves to see how students come alive when they find their voice.
“A lot of students come through band programs and music programs and find out who they are and they learn to express themselves like that and that brings peace to their hearts and peace to their minds and I love it,” says Gallant.
“I learned a lot, he's my favourite teacher I've ever had because he's so fun,” says Anna Clark, band member. “I really like it (music) because it’s a way to tell who you are without talking.”
Although Gallant is preparing to retire, he says he’ll never stop making more musical memories.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Marie Adsett
