Students and staff at Glen Williams Public School rejoiced with excitement after learning their school will receive $13,000 from the Canadian music education charity organization
MusiCounts.
The MusiCounts Band Aid Program provides up to $15,000 to school music programs for musical instruments, equipment and resources. Grants are awarded in allotments between $5,000 and $15,000. Funds from the MusiCounts Band Aid Program may be used to support any approach to music education and purchase any kind of musical instruments. Glen Williams PS was one of 21 schools in Ontario to receive a grant at the end of April.
Teacher Sarah Ranstoller, who led the Glen Williams application process, is thrilled the school will have access to more instruments to continue supporting students’ musical endeavours.
“Every student will have the opportunity to use and be impacted by every instrument, accessory, and resource that we receive,” she says, noting the school's Grade 1-5 students love music as they prepared a song and livestreamed a performance this year to a local retirement home. “It is my goal that each student have the opportunity to play and experience each of the musical gifts received.”
With the MusiCounts grant, Ranstoller says the school will purchase a digital piano, stand and bench, 25 music stands and a music stand cart, 32 tubano hand drums, 60 pairs of drum sticks, a wide assortment of Boomwhackers and handbell/deskbells, 30 glockenspiels, a bass metallophone and two alto metallophones.
The criteria to receive a grant includes assurance that a strong plan is in place to ensure the instruments and equipment will be regularly used by students and what the potential impact would be on the school’s music program with the grant.
Anna Drummond, Principal at Glen Williams PS, says the school is excited for when they can safely return to school to use their new instruments.
“I can't wait to see what the future holds for all our lucky students,” she says.
