Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to tell you about a unique group of students that together make a sound that you rarely hear. These students are the Diamond Jenness Handbell Choir from Hay River, and the delightful sound is the ringing of handbells.
In 1997, a trio of staff members from Diamond Jenness School in Hay River had a dream: what if they could purchase musical instruments of a different sort and create a new club in the school. With a lot of hard work, dedication and fundraising, handbells were added to the music department of DJ. There has been an active group of young musicians ringing the bells ever since.
The DJ Handbell Choir has the distinction of being the only one of its kind in the Northwest Territories. They have gained appreciation and overwhelming reviews for their performances, exhibiting their skills and talent. They have performed at schools, the Woodland Manor, extended care at the hospital and for various community events such as Remembrance Day services, Festival of Trees, Canada Day celebrations and numerous other events.
Since 1997, these young choir members, with the support of the community, have set many goals and attained them. Recently, they have added a third octave of bells to their existing equipment and today they continue to rehearse and practice to perfect their skills. With the leadership of their director, Jennifer Tweedie, the Handbell Choir is planning to attend the We've Got Rhythm conference in London, Ontario in May. As the title suggests, this conference will feature the timeless music of George and Ira Gershwin. What a great experience for this young choir!
I have just received notice today that the Minister of Youth, the Honourable Roger Allen, has provided support for the Handbell Choir to attend this conference and they will be receiving $5,000 towards this initiative and I would like to thank the Minister for this contribution and for his recognition of the creativity and enthusiasm of these young Northern students.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the DJ Handbell Choir will be here, in the Legislative Assembly in the Great Hall, tomorrow. They are driving from Hay River to Yellowknife today, and will arrive here this evening eager to entertain with their handbells tomorrow. They will be playing from 12:45 to 1:15 and I urge you to either stay for lunch or return early so that you can be sure to hear them when they begin their program. Please join me in welcoming them tomorrow as they come to the Great Hall. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause