As students arrive back in the classroom, school music education across the country is in a critical state of disrepair. Many school music programs are under-resourced as they try to adapt to the evolving needs and interests of students.
MusiCounts, the music education charity associated with the JUNOS, has announced it is awarding $1 million to 74 schools across the country for instruments, equipment, and gear. 58 of the 2024 MusiCounts School Funding recipient schools identified that the success of their program hinges on receiving a MusiCounts grant. Though MusiCounts is proud of the positive impact it makes in schools across the country, it’s only able to support about 1 in every 5 schools that applied for help this year.
Among the recipients are two Port Hardy schools, Eagle View Elementary School and Port Hardy Secondary School. Port Hardy is a rural town on Vancouver Island comprised of many low-income households, so children in the area don’t typically have access to music education outside of school. This funding will refurbish the existing band program at the high school to allow more students to take part, and the elementary program will establish a brand new program to get kids access to the power of music from an earlier age.
“MusiCounts is thrilled to welcome students back to school and back to music with the investment of $1 million worth of much-needed instruments and gear,” said Kristy Fletcher, President of MusiCounts. “As students return to the music classroom, they’ll not only find guitars, drums, horns, and turntables, they’ll also find a safe space in their school where they can connect with their peers, build their confidence, and find their voice. Congratulations to all of the MusiCounts School Music Program Recipients!”
MusiCounts is Canada's music education charity associated with CARAS and the JUNO Awards. MusiCounts' vision is to ensure that all youth in Canada have access to music education through their schools and communities. This vision is realized through grant programs that invest directly into schools and communities across Canada that put musical instruments into the hands of kids who need them the most. Additionally, MusiCounts creates educational resources for teachers and students; empowers young people to pursue music as a career; and celebrates teachers, artists, and philanthropists who champion music education. Since 1997 MusiCounts has awarded over $18,000,000 in support of music education in Canada.
