Latest news with #Aiden
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
School Jazz Combo brings home gold at MusicFest Canada
St. Anne Catholic High School students Michael Bourdeau (Gr. 12 - piano), Luiz Correa (Gr. 11 - trumpet), Julien Lewis (Gr. 12 - upright bass), Andrew Matchett (Gr. 12 - drums), Matthew Verzosa (Gr. 11 - tenor saxophone), and Aiden Williams (Gr. 12 - trumpet) have been honoured with the gold medal at the 2025 MusicFest Nationals. Running from May 12-17 in Toronto, 'The Nationals' or MusicFest Canada celebrated its 53rd year this year. For the students from St. Anne, the event marked the culmination of months of hard work and preparation. 'These students formed the jazz combo on their own, back in the fall of 2024,' explains Grant Bergeron, St. Anne's art department head. 'They were committed early-on to preparing for MusicFest Windsor at the Capitol Theatre in March. They selected their repertoire, and rehearsed as a group over and above their involvement in the St. Anne High School Concert Band and Jazz Band. They were awarded a Silver+ rating at MusicFest Windsor, as well as an invitation to perform at The Nationals of MusicFest Canada in May. They then continued to work on their pieces and used the adjudication received in March to assist with improving to the next level.' According to Aiden, the group's trumpet player, everyone in the band's music journeys were formed in the later years of grade school, when music class became a requirement. 'For myself and the others in the band, that was where our passion for music, and my affinity for the trumpet was born,' explains Aiden. 'However, when the pandemic hit, music wasn't very prominent for me, and kind of became an afterthought. When the world returned back to normal, I decided to take a music class taught by our music teacher and band director, Mr. Bergeron. He has done an incredible job as our teacher and director and has not only been an outstanding supporter of the combo, but an inspiration and mentor to us musicians as well.' Aiden says the group prepared for The Nationals with an 'incredible' amount of practice. 'For the first few months, we often rehearsed two or three times a week, around 30 to 45 minutes each day. As Nationals drew closer, we began devoting more time and energy to perfecting our craft. We started rehearsing every weekday we could, with our rehearsal times spanning from 30 minutes to several hours. While it was a lot of time, energy, and dedication, our hard work has certainly paid off.' The group enjoy their trip to Toronto, with Aiden describing it as 'nothing short of surreal', as they took in Ontario's capital city and immersed themselves in the culture - especially its rich musical tapestry. 'The whole trip was an outstanding time, but our most memorable moment took place while we were waiting to perform,' says Aiden. 'The excitement and anticipation within the band was at an all-time high, as all our practice was finally about to be rewarded.' 'For all of us, the win at MusicFest Nationals was exhilarating. Every musician in the combo had done so much to make Nationals a possibility, and to see the pure elation within the band was nothing short of incredible. From the group's beginnings in October, to receiving the highest honour on the biggest stage seven months later, it was a storybook moment for the Jazz Combo.' Julien, their upright bassist, is set to attend Humber College to pursue a Bachelor of Music degree, and the rest of the combo still have music in their hearts and, if offered, would certainly consider an opportunity to pursue music in the future. 'In 30 years of teaching high school music, it has been rare to see a group of students with such collaborative initiative to accomplish their musical goals,' states Mr. Bergeron. 'It is extremely rewarding, as a music educator, to witness the motivation and passion toward a common goal of reaching a high musical standard. I am very proud of them, as well as the entire music program at St. Anne High School.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
X Factor's Aiden Grimshaw unrecognisable 15 years since appearing on show
Aiden Grimshaw, who appeared on The X Factor back in 2010, looks completely unrecognisable now, 15 years since he wowed the judges on the popular ITV talent show Aiden Grimshaw is barely recognisable 15 years since appearing on The X Factor alongside One Direction. The fresh-faced hopeful captivated the celebrity judges on Simon Cowell's TV talent show back in 2010, when he boldly covered Kanye West's smash hit Gold Digger in his audition, without a backing track. Louis Walsh branded the then-18 year old "absolutely brilliant", Nicole Scherzinger said "I love your voice" and Simon Cowell added, "You're one of the best we've found, certainly in Manchester and possibly – in your category – throughout the competition." Progressing week by week not only with 1D but also Rebecca Ferguson, Katie Waissel, Cher Lloyd, and eventual victor Matt Cardle, gap-year student Aiden secured a respectable ninth position. Following his X Factor stint, Aiden signed a deal with record label RCA, releasing his debut single Is This Love, which peaked at number 35 on the UK Singles Chart. He then dropped his album Misty Eye, hitting number 19. In 2018, Aiden revealed he'd been using the alias Butterjack to release music, only to then steer back to his original name. In 2023 it was announced that he'd signed a new deal with a Dutch record label. Aiden now looks so different from his clean-shaven, quiff-haired X Factor days, often sporting a beard on his Instagram page and most recently appearing with a moustache and tousled hair. A week ago, he talked about writing more songs, alongside a picture of himself playing a guitar. The singer told his 19k followers: "Back to it, 20 consecutive days of sun. 13 days of coughs. 6 songs written - Nearly 2 bank holidays. 1 europa final loss. A fresh bill of health a new month - new music exciting new things. Mays been a ride." Aiden has also opened up about his regrets of not fully capitalising on the opportunity The X Factor presented him with back in the day. Speaking to the Metro, he shared his reflections, saying: "My only regrets about the show are that maybe didn't shoot as hard as I could have in some of the aspects afterwards because of trying to be cool. Now, I would just go for everything because why would you not do that? That's so stupid. But I enjoyed it." He also talked about the pressure of the show, continuing: "'There was a lot of pressure to find what to do and my not wanting to be uncool stopped me from exploring all paths and being out there." Aiden was romantically linked to Cher Lloyd during his time on The X Factor, and talked about his bromance with Matt Cardle. The pair were said to spend all their time in the house chatting and making each other cups of tea. Aiden said: "Matt and me are really good mates, he's a great bloke. We've got a really great bromance going on."
India.com
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- India.com
Step Into Style: Top Men's Formal Slip-On Shoes from Zalora
By the right shoe, everything changes: how you look, how you walk, how you are perceived. That is why we have in Zalora the best collection of men's formal slip-on shoes. These shoes are also dress shoes, for the office, meetings, and special occasions. Bye-bye fiddly laces—just slip and step up. Below, we've rounded up four top picks that blend premium style with all-day wearability. Let's find your next favorite pair. 1. The FLEXX Men's Aiden Slip-On Leather Business Shoes (Black) Image Source- Order Now Class meets comfort with The FLEXX Aiden Slip-On Leather Business Shoes. These polished black shoes are crafted for the modern gentleman who needs to look sharp without compromising comfort. Key Features: Genuine leather construction for a refined, durable finish Cushioned insole develops pillow-like comfort A simple design is ideal for professional environments Flexible sole to ensure smooth movement Slip-on ease for quick and fashionable dressing Slightly more expensive than others 2. Louis Cuppers Slip-On Business Shoes (Black) Image Source- Order Now Timeless style for affordable men, Louis Cuppers' Slip-On Business Shoes are ideal for men who need classic style without spending a lot. Simple lines and conservative black make them work-ready in an instant. Key Features Polished synthetic leather for a finished appearance Streamlined slip-on design for effortless wear Subdued stitching detail for a high-finish appearance Lightweight construction for all-day comfort Not real leather, which might impact long-lasting durability 3. Dr. Cardin Pillow Foam Formal Slip-On Loafer (Black) Image Source- Order Now If comfort is your top priority, turn to Dr. Cardin's Pillow Foam Loafers. With their cushioning inner foam and stylish finish, they're the ideal option for long days on your feet. Key Features: Pillow foam insole with the best cushioning Easy-to-clean faux leather upper Roomy fit for maximum comfort Classic, easy-to-coordinate design works with all outfits Great value for work or everyday formal events Faux leather could crease with repeated wear over time 4. ALDO Heriot Loafers (Brown) Image Source- Order Now Introduce a touch of luxury with the brown ALDO Heriot Loafers. Their deep and stylish finish is the perfect solution for men who desire fashion and tradition in one shoe. Key Features: Elegant brown finish to bring extra sophistication Polished touches to attain a high-end appearance and feel Slip-on design for effortless, fashionable wear Best suited for semi-formal and formal occasions Brown color might not complement every color of a suit In men's fashion, the shoes are the focal point. For a boardroom or black-tie event, these slip-on shoes by Zalora are a perfect blend of style and functionality. From the lush sensuality of The FLEXX to the affordability of Louis Cuppers, there is something here for each guy. Slip into ease, stride into confidence, and walk in style. Zalora brings high-quality shoes right to your doorstep. Elevate your formal shoe game today with one of these chic pairs. Your wardrobe—and your feet—are worth nothing but the best. Disclaimer: At IDPL, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. It should not be construed as an endorsement to buy. IDPL may make a very small commission from its sale if one chooses to buy the product from any of the links in this article.
STV News
26-05-2025
- Health
- STV News
Police-themed play park named after young officer who died suddenly
The parents of a young police officer who died aged just 28 say he would have thought the police-themed play park that will bear his name was 'absolutely brilliant'. The Aiden Joyce Community Park in Bantaskine will officially open on Saturday, thanks to the efforts of the Bantaskine Residents Association, who pushed to get much-needed facilities for the area. The group's chair, Jacqueline Hannah, says that community police officer Aiden was very supportive of the project, and it is very fitting that all of the good work he did in the area is being remembered in this way. Not only did locals get behind the project by voting for it to get £80,000 of Community Choices funding from Falkirk Council, but another vote confirmed that they wanted it to be named in Aiden's honour. Residents were also involved in voting for the colourful design by Hags, with its special police theme. Aiden's untimely death, on March 7, 2023, came as a total shock to everyone who knew him. A fit and healthy 28-year-old, his death was caused by an undiagnosed anomaly of the coronary artery, and now his parents actively campaign to raise awareness and funds to get young people tested every year. Their charity's banner will be proudly displayed as the playpark is officially opened by Aiden's grandparents on Saturday. LDRS Campbell and Lorraine Joyce (Aiden Joyce's mum and dad) with Bantaskine Residents Association's Jacqueline Hannah and Rhona Webster His mum and dad, Lorraine and Campbell, will be on holiday, so they will join online. But they got a preview of the colourful new park and were in no doubt that Aiden would have given it his approval as they 'cut the ribbon' to mark the occasion. They were also able to hear from Jacqueline just how much their son had meant to the community. During Covid, a group of residents got together to talk about a number of issues facing the community, and Aiden made it clear that he wanted to help and support them. One of the most pressing issues was the fact that there is 'nothing in Bantaskine for the kids to do'. Aiden – along with local councillors Lorna Binnie and Euan Stainbank, who is now an MP – was encouraging 'right from the start' and even helped them fill out the paperwork to get funding. It has taken four years to get to this point, and while the process has sometimes been frustrating, Jacqueline now says the park is 'more than we could ever have hoped it would be'. 'We were just looking for some swings and maybe a wee roundabout, but it is absolutely amazing!' she said. It not only has play equipment for children – including inclusive equipment for children with disabilities – there is also gym equipment that adults can use and a seating area for older people. 'There's something for everybody!' said Jacqueline. There will also be 24-hour CCTV to make sure that it is looked after. Dad Campbell said the family feels 'honoured and privileged' that the park will bear their son's name. 'He just loved his job and being involved with the community,' said Lorraine. The opening event, which starts at 2.30pm, promises to be a real community celebration with snacks for the children, local musicians playing and Police Scotland have promised to be there too. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
26-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Young Falkirk cop who died suddenly has police-themed playpark named after him
Aiden Joyce was just 28 when he died suddenly in 2023, and local residents wanted to so whatever they could to honour his memory and the work he did helping local children. The parents of a young police officer who died aged just 28 say he would have thought the police-themed playpark that will bear his name was "absolutely brilliant". The Aiden Joyce Community Park in Bantaskine will officially open on Saturday May 31 thanks to the efforts of Bantaskine Residents Association who pushed to get much-needed facilities for the area. The group's chair, Jacqueline Hannah, said community police officer Aiden was very supportive of the project and it is very fitting that all of the good work he did in the area is being remembered in this way. Not only did locals get behind the project by voting for it to get £80,000 of Community Choices funding from Falkirk Council, another vote confirmed that they wanted it to be named in Aiden's honour. Residents were also involved in voting for the colourful design by Hags, with its special police theme. Aiden's untimely death, on March 7, 2023, came as a total shock to everyone who knew him. A fit and healthy 28-year-old, his death was caused by an undiagnosed anomaly of the coronary artery and now his parents actively campaign to raise awareness and funds to get young people tested every year. Their charity's banner will be proudly displayed as the playpark is officially opened by Aiden's grandparents on Saturday. His mum and dad, Lorraine and Campbell, will be on holiday so will join online. But they got a preview of the colourful new park and were in no doubt that Aiden would have given it his approval as they 'cut the ribbon' to mark the occasion. They were also able to hear from Jacqueline just how much their son had meant to the community. During Covid, a group of residents got together to talk about a number of issues facing the community and Aiden made it clear that he wanted to help and support them. One of the most pressing issues was the fact that there is "nothing in Bantaskine for the kids to do". Aiden - along with local councillors Lorna Binnie and Euan Stainbank, who is now an MP - was encouraging "right from the start" and even helped them fill out the paperwork to get funding. It has taken four years to get to this point, and while the process has sometimes been frustrating, Jacqueline now says the park is "more than we could ever have hoped it would be". "We were just looking for some swings and maybe a wee roundabout but it is absolutely amazing!" she said. It not only has play equipment for children - including inclusive equipment for children with disabilities - there is also gym equipment that adults can use and a seating area for older people. "There's something for everybody!" said Jacqueline. There will also be 24-hour CCTV to make sure that it is looked after. Dad Campbell said the family feels "honoured and privileged" that the park will bear their son's name. "He just loved his job and being involved with the community," said Lorraine. The opening event, which starts at 2.30pm, promises to be a real community celebration with snacks for the children, local musicians playing and Police Scotland have promised to be there too.
