Celebrating Music Month in LRSD

St. Vital

Manitoba has a rich history of producing nationally and internationally recognized musicians, and today it continues to foster a vibrant, diverse, and celebrated music community. That journey often starts in our schools.

Through visits across the division, I have enjoyed getting acquainted with staff, students, and school communities, and seeing first-hand the variety of music education opportunities available. From the developmental foundations of Orff to guitar programs and jazz ensembles, our students are supported in exploring their interests and developing their talents.

We are fortunate to have very hard-working, dedicated, and inspiring music educators who have developed outstanding programs, as research has consistently demonstrated the benefits of music education.

“Music really does help to bring out the best in young people. It nourishes self-esteem, keeps them engaged, and creates a respectful community,” Norman Mould and Ingrid Whyte wrote in the spring 2011 issue of EdCan Network.

Student success in music is not only measured by performance. I believe that the health of a community is reflected in the arts it produces, and we have very healthy school communities.

Music education plays an important role in our schools, and in fostering the profound benefits of musical engagement brings to individuals and communities. This impact is personal to me – my children have benefited immensely from music programs at Highbury, Dakota, and Glenlawn, and continue to find joy in creating and performing across the city.

The Coalition for Music Education has long been an advocate of quality music education, describing it as “a cornerstone of a well-rounded education, nurturing creativity, enhancing academic performance, building emotional resilience, and fostering social connection.”

We have a lot to celebrate across LRSD schools, as many of you have attended winter concerts, musical theatre productions, band concerts, and other student performances will know.

May is Music Month in Manitoba, and there will be a couple of unique opportunities to enjoy LRSD students performing at the Manitoba legislature. As part of Music Month celebrations, weekly performances will be held at noon on the grand staircase. Featured LRSD performances include Collège Jeanne-Sauvé and École Howden on May 20 and Glenlawn Collegiate on May 27.

All Music Month concerts are being live-streamed on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@mymmea.

There are so many events at our schools to celebrate this spring, including concerts and folk-dance celebrations. I encourage you to visit and enjoy these programs. Thank you again to the teachers and administration who make these programs happen, the parent councils, band boosters and the volunteers who assist with the performances and the students for sharing their talents.