Holiday Greetings from the Chair of the Board

As 2018 is drawing to a close, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on what I consider was a significant year in the history of the Coalition for Music Education.  In many ways, 2018 was our year of transition and growth as we extended our reach with our two signature programs: Music Monday and Youth4Music. Working closely with our funding partners, we increased engagement in both programs to more than one million participants, and based on recent analytics of our social media campaigns, we are continuing to build momentum as we look forward to 2019.

With growth in our programs and projects, we expanded our team, and we are proud of the amazing work they continue to do. On behalf of the Board and our growing network of supporters I want to thank Patricia, Sabrina, Ashley, Nancy, Victoria, Sharon, Aimée and André for their dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to the Coalition.  In addition, we have an incredible group of Youth4Music ambassadors who are creating youth hubs across Canada, and raising awareness for the importance of quality music education for all students in all schools through their own advocacy efforts. The youth are truly an inspiration to all of us.

Building on our strategic plan, Vision 25:  Finding our Collective Voice, we forged new partnerships with like-minded organizations in 2018 and paved the way for a national research initiative that will describe the state of music education in every province and territory.  Early in 2019 we will announce the research team and begin the challenging task of gathering accurate data. We know that if we want to continue to make a difference and to become change agents, we must do more advocacy work at the policy level to ensure that Ministries of Education across Canada enthusiastically support music in schools with adequate resourcing. The national study will become a critical piece for that goal.

As we plan for 2019, we are looking forward to an exciting Music Monday with Oscar Peterson’s Hymn to Freedom as our anthem.  Already early registrations have surpassed our expectations, and you can look forward to more news about our plans in the coming months.

Recently we have heard from many of you requesting advocacy materials.  We are currently in the process of reviewing our existing materials and early in 2019 we will be revising them and creating new materials in both French and English.  Stay tuned for more information.

Finally, on behalf of the Board I extend heartfelt greetings to each you, our loyal supporters. The world is in a precarious position as we welcome in a New Year, but through music in our lives, we can bring harmony and joy to what is sometimes perceived as a low point in humanity's history. May the holiday season sparkle with optimism and hope, and may each of you enjoy much peace, health and happiness in 2019.

Eric Favaro, Chair

Consider giving the gift of music this holiday season!

As we move into the busyness of the holidays, the Coalition encourages you to consider giving the gift of music this year! Struggling to find a perfect present for the person who has everything? Trying to move towards a more minimalist lifestyle? Dedicated to buying local? There are options for every shopper!

From experiential gifts like lessons and concert tickets, to sheet music, magazine subscriptions and recordings; from instruments and music store gift cards to donations to your favourite arts organization....there’s something for everyone on your list.

To support the Coalition, visit Canada Helps

Wise Voices for Music

On November 13th the Coalition visited Brampton, ON for a  Wise Voices for Music meeting, in collaboration with the Junior Elementary Music Makers (JEMMS), a group that offers professional development for music teachers in Peel Region. During the animated roundtable discussion, music teachers from the Peel District School Board described their successes and the challenges faced by their school music programs. The group also shared strategies and ideas for addressing challenges, and emphasized the need for more music advocacy in their community and province. A sincere thank you to Jennifer Luxmore-Begin, for inviting us to hold this meeting at Cherrytree Public School, and to everyone who participated in the discussion and shared their perspectives.  

NUFSICISUM: Applications open February 1st!

On February 1st, applications open for the 2019 NUFSICISUM awards! NUFSICISUM (read it backwards!) recognizes outstanding youth leaders across the country who are creating positive change through music. If you know a passionate young person who deserves recognition for their dedication and support of music in their school and community, consider nominating them! Winners and their school each receive $200 in prize money, and exciting leadership opportunities as a Youth4Music Ambassador.

There are so many phenomenal Canadian students who are living and breathing music every day: Supporting their classmates, inspiring their teachers, strengthening their communities. Many don’t realize the impact that they’ve had, but a NUFSICISUM nomination is a wonderful way to acknowledge their efforts, and shine a spotlight on their good work.

Just ask 2018 NUFSICISUM winner Jacob Murray:

“I still can’t really believe it. I don’t feel like I’ve done anything extraordinary, music is just a large part of my life. I think it’s regular to put effort into something you care about...When it was announced that I won a prize and was one of six laureates, my teacher was incredibly excited for me!”

Learn more here, and nominate students starting February 1st!

Youth4Music News/Youth4Music IN the News

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Check out coverage of Youth4Music’s event at Nipissing First Nation and screening of Cole Forrest’s My Grandfather was a big drum in the Anishinabek News.

Youth4Music is also excited to welcome Conchordium to our Toronto Hub. Conchordium is a not-for-profit organization led by high school and university students dedicated to music advocacy and innovation. Their latest initiative is the Music in the Curriculum Campaign, which encourages students, parents, and teachers to speak up in support of music education during the Ontario Ministry of Education’s public consultation period. Visit the Conchordium Facebook page to learn more about their past and upcoming projects.

Eduarts Hub, Coming Soon to Montreal

On January 19, 2019 the Canadian Network for Arts & Learning (CNAL) is bringing an Eduarts Hub to Montreal. CNAL’s Eduarts Hubs connect local artists, arts educators, and arts administrators in order to share information and network within the community.  Montreal’s Eduarts Hub will be held at the Musée des Beaux-Arts Montréal (Montreal Museum of Fine Arts) and will feature a presentation about the museum’s EducArt program, which offers interdisciplinary resources to teachers in Quebec. Youth4Music Ambassadors from the Montreal Hub will be on hand to conduct a focus group in French on CNAL’s Map of Arts & Learning, which is an interactive database of artists and arts educators across Canada. Visit CNAL’s events page for more information and to register for the Montreal Eduarts Hub.

Community News

CBC music class challenge: Top Ten Finalists Selected!

Carl Orff Canada: Chapter workshops are coming up soon!

As you begin to build your 2019 calendar, make sure to check out the fabulous events that Carl Orff Canada has planned this year! There are dozens of local chapters holding workshops in the next few months, on a wide array of topics: From “Treasures of Literacy” to “Morph with Orff” and everything in between, there’s bound to be an interesting event happening near you. Learn more here.

Canadians Nominated for Grammy Awards!

Canadian artists were recognized for their achievements in the field of recording arts, as the Grammy’s announced their 2019 nominees. Canadians were nominated for dozens of awards in a variety of categories; from classical to rap, pop and folk, Canada will be well represented at the awards ceremony, which take place in Los Angeles on February 10th. Among those nominated are James Ehnes, Young Spirit, Les Violons du Roy, Diana Krall, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Marc-André Hamelin, Gerald Finley, and Drake. See the complete list of nominees here.  

Thank you • Merci • Miigwech • kinana'skomitina'wa'w

We are able to do all of this awesome work because of the support from many groups. For a full listing of this support go to www.coalitioncanada.ca