York Catholic school board invests in elementary music

YorkRegion.com
April 30, 2014
By Chris Traber

The halls will soon be alive with the sound of music.

The York Catholic District School Board approved a motion Tuesday for a capital plan that will, subject to Education Ministry approval, see $2.5 million invested into the delivery of the elementary music program.

The board is seeking approval from the Ministry to allow the use of its proceeds of disposition funds for the program. It has also allocated a total of $800,000, $200,000 annually for four years, for the purchase of new Orff instruments and music material for this initiative. This infusion of money is part of the board’s four-year plan to support the elementary music curriculum by designating and retrofitting a classroom in every elementary school for music that may include soundproofing and storage for instruments.

An integral part of our four-year plan includes high-quality learning spaces for the music program to be delivered successfully, board chairperson Elizabeth Crowe said.

“Our goal is that staff is supported with resources that are equitably allocated to each of our schools,” she said.

Currently, the board employs music specialists in its schools delivering 40 minutes of music education in grades 4 and 5, and 80 minutes to students in grades 6 to 8 each week.

“Music education is very engaging for all students, providing rich and varied experiences for them to perform, create and enjoy all types of music,” education, curriculum and assessment superintendent  Diane Murgaski said.

“Regardless of their abilities, all students can succeed in this music program,” she said. “Students grow in 21st century learning skills, such as creativity and collaborative teamwork. Math learning is also enriched by the critical thinking and concentration that music education provides.

“The York Catholic music initiative is a win-win situation for everyone.”

The investment in music underscores the board’s commitment to student achievement and quality learning for all students, Ms Crowe said. Two years ago, the board approved a motion to establish a music committee to develop a vision for the music curriculum delivery. After research into options and costs, the committee recommended to the board, a four-year plan that includes the purchase of Orff instruments for all schools, as well as professional development and networking opportunities for its music teachers.

York’s Catholic board delivers educational programming to more than 55,000 students in 103 schools throughout the York Region.

For more information, visit ycdsb.ca