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CBC
20 hours ago
- Business
- CBC
Band program cutbacks in Regina public elementary schools worry parents, students, educators
Social Sharing Students, parents and educators are worried about the future of music education in Regina in light of cutbacks announced by the local public school division. Regina Public Schools (RPS) says it's undertaking a restructuring of its elementary band program for the upcoming school year, with 4.5 of its 14 elementary band teaching positions affected and those teachers being reassigned to other positions. Mark Haarmann, RPS's director of education, said it comes as his division works through a deficit of more than $2 million. He said RPS is scrambling to finalize its budget, which was delayed by the new Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation contract. With more money in the contract dedicated to classroom size and complexity, Haarmann said other budget items must be trimmed. "It'll be a question of doing a little bit more with less, but that's something we're seeing across the division," Haarmann told CBC News Monday. He said it's not just band facing changes — he pointed to the closure of an intensive support classroom as one example — but that band is offered to students "above complement" and teaching resources are needed elsewhere. "So you have daily programming and band takes students out above that in elementary," Haarmann said. "The removal of 14 teachers means larger classrooms for other teachers across the system." Willam and Alex Carlson are both in band at Sheldon Williams Collegiate in Regina. The brothers — who started in band in Grade 6 — worry what the restructuring will mean for future band students. "If they want to … be in band, then it's going to be harder for them to do that if they don't get enough attention from the teacher, because they need to teach a bunch of other kids," Alex said. "A lot of my friends in band love music so much," Willam said. "They want to be part of this wider music community we have in Regina and I feel like a starting point for all of that … was back in elementary school when they first got to pick up an instrument." Elementary band 'where the magic starts,' educator says Brent Ghiglione, director of bands for the University of Regina, taught in Regina public schools for years. He said elementary band is crucial for developing future musicians. "We teach them all the fundamentals of playing a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument," Ghiglione said. "That's where the magic starts." Ghiglione met with Haarmann recently to discuss the band program changes. Ghiglione said he doesn't see a viable plan for the program once the restructuring is done. "I know once we cut, it'll never come back," he said. "It's going to hurt our community for years and years and years." Suzanne Gorman, CEO of the Saskatchewan Band Association, said the changes could impact not just musicians, but also community music groups and people who attend music events. Gorman said band has benefits for kids that go beyond the classroom. "It strengthens their results in English, math, some other sciences," she said. "They have higher attendance rates and they have a higher rate of continuing on into post-secondary education." Gorman said band teachers work hard to be as inclusive as possible for all students — from those with complex needs to new Canadians finding a way to fit in. "Band is a really great encompassing environment for that." Petition, school board meeting among advocacy efforts Willam and Alex Carlson's mother, Christina Carlson, has also seen the impact band has had on her boys. "My kids actually thrive in other academics because they have these outlets of these program," Christina said. "It allows them to have a safe space to experiment and to fail and to try things new." Carlson, president of Sheldon Williams Area Music Parents, is rallying with other elementary band parents across Regina to present their case at the Regina Public Schools board meeting on June 10. "There seems to be a lot of confusion around how this has been communicated, so we would really like some clear messaging," Carlson said. Taryn Luterbach started an online petition calling for the changes to be reversed. As a bassoon player who was in the U of R's wind ensemble for more than 10 years, she said music helped her start her own artist management agency. "Over the past year, I've had the amazing opportunity to travel all over North America and meet influential people from some of the best orchestras," Luterbach said. "I never would have been able to be in this position if I wouldn't have participated in band." As of Tuesday afternoon, her petition had nearly 4,500 signatures. Luterbach said the situation is starting to garner international attention, including from artists she represents through her agency. "If it's OK for music education to be cut here, then everyone's at risk," she said. Haarmann said some consultation was done with principals and other division staff about the changes, but that it's impossible to speak with every band teacher ahead of time. He said work is now underway to support the remaining elementary band teachers. He also said it's worth reviewing the program to see what larger changes might need to happen. "We have somewhere around 40 per cent of Grade 6s that are in the band program," Haarmann said. "By the start of Grade 8, that's about 17 per cent.
CTV News
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- CTV News
79-year-old piano teacher accepted to Oxford and Cambridge music programs
Susan Evans has been teaching piano to students on the North Shore for decades. She now might get the chance to go back to school herself at Oxford or Cambridge. (Courtesy: Abby Luciano) A lifelong love of music is reaching a crescendo for a passionate piano teacher at the age of 79. For more than 25 years, Susan Evans has been teaching little ones piano in North Vancouver's Lynn Valley. Last year, the piano teacher returned to school to get a master's degree in music theory at the University of British Columbia. As she wraps up, the aspirations for Evans don't stop there as she's been accepted to master's of philosophy of music programs at University of Oxford and Cambridge University for the fall. Studying music at one of those premier universities in the U.K. has been a lifelong dream of hers. 'Just being accepted is a big thing all by itself. Even if I don't manage to get to go, it pleases me hugely that they want me to go,' Evans said. Music has always surrounded Evans. Her mother played the piano and sang to Evans in their home in Wales. Her father was also musically gifted, playing piano and clarinet in a jazz band. By the time she was five, Evans asked her parents for piano lessons. Evans worked on mastering her craft, spending hours gliding her fingers over the white keys. In high school, she continued honing her skills while also learning to play the cello and joining the choir. Her cello skills eventually led her to play in the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. She then went on to study cello, piano and composition at the Dartington College of Arts in Devon, England. 'There was a lot of music going on all the time,' she said. But then Evans decided to change career direction to work in film, another passion of hers. She went on to complete a masters degree in film and television production in London, later becoming one of the film editors on Led Zeppelin's award-winning 1976 concert movie, The Song Remains the Same. She then took on a new career challenge, becoming a freelance writer in Tokyo, Japan, writing restaurant and theatre reviews, cultural and local-interest features for an English-language weekly publication after backpacking through Asia. In 1981, Evans and her family moved to the Vancouver area, eventually settling in North Van. Evans returned as a student 15 years later, starting at Capilano University's music program then transferring over to UBC completing a bachelor's in music after putting her career on pause to raise her family. After finishing school, she began teaching students in her home near Princess Park. As she started to gain attention for her lessons, she was able to secure her own commercial space for a studio in Lynn Valley, teaching dozens of children for more than two decades. 'I love teaching on the North Shore,' Evans said. 'It's just been wonderful because the families there have been so supportive. I just felt so valued, and I enjoy teaching, it's my favourite activity. That's why I've been doing it for so long.' She has fond memories of teaching students, watching them go on to pursue careers in music or otherwise around the world. Now living in Vancouver, the piano teacher took a small hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic and rented a home in Nova Scotia, allowing a colleague to take over her teaching business. But now the piano teacher teaches again at the Lynn Valley studio once a week. Attending Oxford or Cambridge to study music theory has always been a goal of hers, and she applied on a whim just to see if she would be accepted. 'When I was at school, I really wanted to go to Oxford or Cambridge and my marks weren't good enough. It's a lifelong dream to go, and to be able to go is kind of fulfilling something I've wished [for] my whole life that I didn't.' 'If I don't go now, it's going to be too late. I've been wanting to do that for ages, and this is my very last chance to do it,' Evans added. Evans said she wants to complete a master's in philosophy in music theory from either university, with a particular focus in mid-20th century French composers, a topic that isn't widely available here. 'I wanted to specialize in music theory. I've been teaching piano for a long time, and I really enjoy music theory, and I'm very curious about where music comes from, how does it work, what's the structure of musical pieces and all that,' she said. As Evans ponders her decision, a big factor is money, she said. Her husband, Barry Rueger, set up a GoFundMe in May to try and help raise funds for her tuition. 'The challenge for us is to cover the costs,' the post reads. 'Although we own a small home in Nova Scotia, and have pensions and savings, the reality is that as an international student Susan will be charged more than £40,000 in registration fees for each year. That is, simply, just beyond our reach.' Evans said she might sell a piano she has in Nova Scotia or her car in Vancouver to make up some of the tuition money. But even if Evans doesn't go, she is thrilled to be accepted to both institutions. 'My main goal is that I'm really curious. There are things I don't know … and I want to learn more about the structure of music, the centre of music, the core of music,' she said. 'This is such an opportunity, it seems too big to miss.' Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
CBS News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Commack High School's legendary band teacher retiring after 40 years
Commack High School has many standout features, including its teachers! Over 30, including the principal, are Commack High graduates. As teachers, they're now making an impact on the students' lives, especially Dr. Frank Hanson, the legendary band teacher. Commack's legendary band leader retiring Like many at Commack High, Dr. Hanson made his mark on his students. The ease with which he teaches music and his experience are legendary. "It's special because we have this teacher here, Dr. Hanson, who, he's played with Barbara Streisand, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra. He does Broadway shows in the pit, and he still does it with teaching. He's phenomenal," senior Forrest Meyer, said. "I think the kids really just want to know that you care about them. They really don't care about what you've done or what you do," Hanson said. "Every once in a while, I might say something because something that we do here might remind me of a professional situation that's gone on, and I might tell a story like that, but it's never to brag ... I was on the road with Tony Bennett, then 'who's Tony Bennett,' you know?" Hanson is hanging it up after 40 years, including 28 years at Commack High, where he helped orchestrate the musical paths of countless students. "You learn that a lot of times they just want to be seen. They want to be listened to, they don't want to be talked down to you, which Hanson never did. So it's a healthy balance between, hey, you've got to do this, but also, I get that you're still getting comfortable with this instrument," Meyer said. "Forrest is a great musician," Hanson said. "He's in our Jazz Messengers, and the Jazz Messengers is a very small jazz group, about five, six, seven, eight musicians that I handpick. So in order to be in that ensemble, you have to be of the very best in our department. So he's one of our best." Hanson is also one of the best. At the spring concert, his final as the conductor, over 60 former students returned to say thank you and job well done. "I have nothing but gratitude. I'm really, it's just an honor to get to be here every single day with these kids," he said.
CBS News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Billboard-topping saxophonist "pays it forward" with program for young musicians in Boston
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester have offered music instruction for decades. But band instruments were not in the lineup, largely because of the cost. "It only works with instruments that we can share with as many kids as possible," explains music director Carleton Burke. "I can teach 20 kids to play piano on one piano. I can teach 20 kids how to play guitar on one guitar. I can't teach 20 kids to play trumpet on one trumpet." Brass, woodwind instruments, and drums were prohibitively expensive... until Billboard-topping saxophonist Elan Trotman chose the clubs as the Boston site for his Headstart Music Program. Headstart Music Program Trotman, who is also an associate professor at Berklee College of Music (his alma mater) established the Never Lose Your Drive Foundation to support the next generation of musicians. The foundation funds the Headstart Music Program which provides new band instruments and instruction to kids. He launched it in his native Barbados and added the Dorchester site in November 2024. "Music brings people together," he says smiling. Saxophonist Elan Trotman CBS Boston On a spring night in May, music also brings families to the Dorchester Avenue clubhouse for the kids' first recital. Six months after receiving the instruments, the performers--ages 10 to 17-- are ready to play. Elan arrives just as the event starts, fresh off a flight from California where he performed the night before. "Thank you for making room for us and giving us a home," he tells the crowd. He thanked his two instructors, Stephan Papandrea and Akili Jamal Haynes who teach the students several times a week. "You guys have two wonderful teachers who love music." Trotman's inspiration for the program was born years ago when, as a Boston Public School teacher at Mozart Elementary in Roslindale, a VH1 "Save the Music" grant purchased band instruments for beginner students. He left the school in 2012. But the idea stayed with him. "I knew that once I could get access to instruments and instructors, I had a curriculum-a vision for a curriculum-and how it works," he said. Companies donate the instruments and components. The single biggest donor is Utah-based Cannonball Musical Instruments. Other donors include Needham Music, Theo Wanne Mouthpieces, and Legere Reeds. Elan hosts two fundraising golf tournaments-one in Barbados and a newer tournament in Greater Boston-to pay the program's instructors. Burke, who accompanies the kids on guitar during the recital says, what was impossible now couldn't be easier. "Elan coming here just took all the issues-all the barriers-away from being able to do a concert band," Burke said. Students showcase talents For students Ellis Maynard, Dakhari Jones, and Jaralaney Ruiz, the program provides an opportunity to showcase their budding talents. As they perform the Herbie Hancock classic "Cantaloupe Island" audience members, including Elan, bob their heads and tap their toes to the rhythm. Earlier in the month, the trio performed for hundreds of people at the club's main fundraising event, the New England Women's Leadership Awards. Jaralaney says, partly because it is so challenging, it feels "amazing" to play trombone. "I just feel that I am heard through music," Jaralaney said. Young musicians perform during at the Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester. CBS Boston Trotman can relate. He says he has always expressed himself through music and the arts. As a child, music and science, he says, were not his strengths but creative pursuits were. His music teachers, even early on, saw that he had a gift. His first instrument was piano. He fell in love with the sound of the saxophone as a teenager and never looked back. His full scholarship to Berklee made it possible to pursue his passion and graduate from the school debt-free. He does not take that good fortune for granted and says, "I want to create those opportunities for other people." Hope and happiness Thirteen-year-old Dakhari, who proudly belts out the Miles Davis classic "So What" could not be more thankful. He says that, without the program, he probably would not be able to own a trumpet. Playing makes him feel confident and grounded. It's a stress-reliever. Dakhari eventually wants to be a music producer. Asked what music means to him, he smiles. "Hope," he says and adds, "Happiness." Happiness also sums up what people feel listening to Trotman play the saxophone. His talents as a sought-after smooth jazz artist take him all over the world to perform. It seems that he is living his dream as a professional musician, educator, and philanthropist. Nurturing young musicians is central to his mission. "I see a lot of potential in some of our students," he says proudly. "There's one or two of them in each group that have that 'x factor,' that special thing." In addition to the 17 kids in Dorchester, he connects with high school students in Boston who participate in the five-week Aspire Program at Berklee. In 2023, his foundation provided scholarships to the program for two students from Barbados. Skilled and supportive, Trotman takes special pride in seeing--and listening to--the young people who'll be making music we all listen to in the future. "That's the hope. Plant the seeds and let them blossom." Elan Trotman upcoming tour dates Boston, June 22 (City Cruises) Martha's Vineyard, July 19 Boston, July 26 (House of Inspiration Family Music & Arts Festival) Cambridge, July 27 (Cambridge Jazz Festival)
CBS News
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
DJ program at school in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood is inspiring kids' passions
A staff member at a school in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood is known for keeping the kids safe during the day — but after school, he is teaching them what it means to be a top-notch DJ. And his program could be in jeopardy. It's not every day that students find their rhythm between school and life. But Terrion Swell and Isaac Harris — both sixth graders at Parker Community Academy, 6800 S. Stewart Ave. — are on the right track. CBS News Chicago met the boys as they hooked up a Numark Mixtream Pro DJ console. As the boys got the system going, Robert Blissitt made sure they knew the proper names of the cords they were attaching and the steps to get the system started. Blissitt is a security guard at Parker, but the is much more to students like Terrion and Isaac. He is their note of inspiration — a DJ mentor they call Mr. B. Four days a week for two hours after school, Mr. B, a professional DJ himself, teaches students like Terrion and Isaac how to beat-match, mix, and cue on a controller. The lessons are part of a program sponsored by Youth Guidance. In return, the students get so much more. "The DJ program is, I think, working because it is transferring over into the classroom," said Blissitt. Mr. B said a year ago, Terrion was high-strung and a regular in detention. That's all changed. "I had goosebumps the last time I DJ'ed," Terrion said. Now, Terrion is more confident and focused, and aceing classes. "Terrion is not beating on lockers anymore," said Blissitt. "Terrion is actually, if you ask him, he has become more popular." But there is a chance that Mr. B's DJ program could be cut. The program is possible right now thanks to a state funding grant, but with budget cuts threatening afterschool programs across Chicago, Mr. B's lessons could be dropped next. "If anyone is listening to this, this is a program you want to keep in a school — because kids love music already," said Blissitt. For Terrion and Isaac, they wouldn't be in the program if Mr. B didn't see their potential. "It's pretty cool," said Isaac. "He's a chill guy. He's a chill teacher." "I'm still learning, yeah," added Terrion. "I've only been here for like a year and half, I believe." And the boys' eagerness to learn is the perfect mix to keep the beat going. "Sometimes, we've got to reach out on the other side, and see who they really are outside of the books," said Blissitt. Terrion and Isaac will perform Wednesday night in front of hundreds at the Youth Guidance Gala. Mr. B said there are a dozen other students who want to participate in his afterschool program too.
