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Music Teacher Leads School Band to Perform at Toronto Jazz Festival

Posted On Tuesday July 15, 2025
USS TO Jazz 1
Ms. Amy Peck, Music Teacher, Uxbridge Secondary School

For Ms. Amy Peck, teaching music at Uxbridge Secondary School isn’t just a job—it’s a homecoming. Now in her 25th year of teaching, she’s returned to the school where her musical journey began, leading a new generation of students with the same inspiration she once received.

After building programs at O’Neill Collegiate, Donald A. Wilson, and Brooklin high schools, Ms. Peck leapt at the chance to return to Uxbridge Secondary School. “It’s such a special place,” she says. “It gave me my musical voice, and I feel so lucky to be back where it all started.”

That passion is clear in the success of the school’s jazz ensemble, the Third Avenue Jazz Band. An extracurricular group, the band earned a gold standard at a music fest in May and had the honour to be asked to perform at the prestigious Big Band Slam during the Toronto Jazz Festival—alongside top arts schools from across the province.

“This group is really like a family,” says Peck. “They’ve pushed themselves hard and created something truly special together.”

While many senior members are graduating this year, Ms. Peck is focused on celebrating the moment. “There’s something magical happening in our music room. Students are connecting, practicing, and growing—not just as musicians, but as people.”

She credits the strong arts team and supportive school community, including opportunities for students to perform in town festivals and work with guest artists. “It’s exactly what I hoped music education could be—creative, collaborative, and community-connected.”

Students Brandon Czmorek, Ewan Matthew, and Freddy Hall agree that the community feel and collaboration have led to creativeness and an unforgettable experience they have all felt as part of the music program and band over their high school career.

Brandon, currently graduating from Grade 11 says “Everything about this music community and program is great. We all help each other.”

“I wasn’t thinking about pursuing music, but hearing about Ms. Peck and the people in the program is what led me to stay in the program for the last three years,” says Brandon who currently plays the trombone and bass trombone.

Ewan, who along with Freddy will be graduating this year says he felt the community energy, and this was the reason why he became involved in the program.

Freddy agrees, stating “Ms. Peck was a big part of his getting involved in the band. He wasn’t sure if it was something he wanted to pursue, but he gives all the credit to Ms. Peck.

Freddy, like many other members of the Third Avenue Jazz Band, were really looking forward to the experience of performing at the Toronto Jazz Festival. “I think it’ll be really crowded, I think it’ll be a lot of pressure, but I’m really excited for it. it’s a pretty big honour.”

“I feel like this is our last performance with the band, and it’s going to feel different,” said Ewan prior to the Toronto Jazz Festival performance at The Rex Hotel.

Brandon will be returning to school next year and has plans to mentor newer and younger members of both the music program and the band.

Plans are already underway for next year’s various performances and student-led events, says Ms. Peck who is energized by what’s ahead. “The students have brilliant ideas, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.”