May 8, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Communications Department Girls at Loretto Abbey sing a new tune at 80 Sheppard Avenue East North York, Loretto Idol Competition M2N 6E8 Ten finalists will be chosen to compete at the Loretto Idol grand finale evening on May 17, 2006, in the school’s auditorium, located at 101 Mason Blvd., North York. Canadian Media Contact: Idol’s will be one of the key judges. It was actually Werner who came up Emmy Szekeres Milne with the idea for a Loretto Idol competition when he was invited to speak to the students 416-222-8282 Ext. 2356 about his successful and diverse career in the music industry. [email protected] Loretto Idol is organized by Loretto Abbey Music Parents Organization (LAMPO), Information: students from the school’s Band Council and Dr. Victor Mio, Loretto’s new Head of Arts, Loretto Abbey Music and is a fundraiser for the school’s Music Department. Loretto Abbey, which has an Department enrolment of close to 1,000 girls in grades 9 through 12, has one of the largest music 416-393-5510 programs in the Catholic District School Board (TCDSB).

The -born Werner has worked in almost every aspect of the music industry. In addition to being ’s most dazzling and outspoken judge, he is president of Venus Corporation (Venus Records and Management), He comes to the table with a special understanding of musical artists, having been lead vocalist in the rock band Thick as Thieves during the 1990s.

Loretto Idol’s preliminary auditions are being judged by four students from the school’s Band Council and Dr. Mio. At the finale, two of these students will join Werner, Brian Byrne of I Mother Earth, and Dr. Mio in determining the winner and two semi-finalists.

“Loretto Idol has generated a great deal of excitement at the school,” says Dr. Mio. “We’re very pleased with the response. The school also greatly appreciates Zack Werner’s involvement.. Even though he is extremely busy right now with Canadian Idol, he’s been very helpful and generous with his time. We can’t thank him enough.”

Tickets for Loretto Idol are $15 for adults and $10 for students/seniors.

The Toronto Catholic District School Board educates close to 90,000 students from diverse cultures and language backgrounds in its 201 Catholic elementary and secondary schools and serves 467,692 Catholic school supporters across the City of Toronto.

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