Meet the NUFSICISUM Winners: Shania Raina

On May 4 this year’s six NUFSICISUM Youth Leadership Award winners were announced during the Coalition’s Music Monday @ Home webcast. With a record-breaking 108 nominations for some truly outstanding young people, this year’s selection process was more difficult than ever. This month we’d like to introduce the first of our Intermediate Division winners, Shania Raina of Brechin, ON! Here’s Shania in her own words, on music education, leadership, and the songs that always put her in a good mood

Spotlight on… Kara Heckford

If you follow Youth4Music on Instagram, you’ll recognize clarinettist Kara Heckford from her #MakeNoise4MusicEd video submission in which she spoke about the power of music to bring people together and build community - two things that Kara understands well. Earlier this year, while missing the joy of making music with others, Kara took to her popular @karanets_memess Instagram account, and put out a call for youth to join a virtual orchestra.

The result was Karanet’s Army, an ever-growing group of young musicians from around the world, working together to create monthly virtual ensemble videos. We spoke to Kara about music education in the time of COVID-19, youth leadership, and what’s next in her virtual ensemble series.

COVID-19 Resources

The Coalition for Music Education in Canada is pleased to continue its leadership role as the voice for music education with a new collection of resources related to teaching music during the pandemic. Our list includes research studies, provincial and territorial recommendations for music instruction and performance, and resources from partner organizations. 

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and it should not be considered professional advice from the Coalition. Always refer to public health guidelines before implementing any new policies in your classrooms and studios. Our list will be updated as more information becomes available. To submit additional resources please contact info@coalitioncanada.ca.

Women’s History Month

October is Women’s History Month in Canada and it’s the perfect opportunity to learn about the many contributions women have made to Canadian music. The Coalition has several resources dedicated to women in music, including our Women’s Empowerment Through Music catalogue and teaching modules, and our most recent Music Monday Learning Guide on female Canadian singer-songwriters.

CBC Music’s annual Canadian Music Class Challenge is back! As always, music teachers are invited to submit a video of their class performing one of the 2020 song choices, as long as videos can be made in accordance with public health guidelines. For those who are unable to submit videos this year, CBC has partnered with MusiCounts to introduce the first ever Canadian Music Playlist Challenge. Special Playlist Challenge resources are available here. The deadline to submit your videos is November 24, and the deadline to submit your playlists is November 30.

MusiCounts Band Aid Applications Are Open

Every year, the MusiCounts Band Aid program provides up to $15 000 worth of musical instruments, equipment, and resources to school music programs. All public, separate, and First Nations schools in Canada are eligible to apply in support of an existing music program, or to build a new music program. The application deadline is November 19, and applications received before October 20 will be entered into an early bird prize draw.

Canada Music Week® E-Festival

CFMTA is pleased to offer a Canada Music Week® E-Festival! During this time of uncertainty in the world, we want to create a safe space for music students from coast to coast to coast to share their music. 

We encourage all students currently studying with a Registered Music Teacher to record a video featuring either their performance of a Canadian composer’s work, a cover of a Canadian artist, an arrangement of a folk tune or something of their own creation either composed or improvised. You'll have a chance to win a $100 Long & McQuade gift card, and your video may be featured on social media. 

We want to celebrate the breadth and diversity of all Canadian music, culture and the students and teachers who make up the mosaic. Register online by Thursday, November 19th, 2020.

This month’s playlist is for all your fall enthusiasts out there! Whether you’re into apple picking, hayrides, carving pumpkins, or jumping in piles of red and gold leaves, we’ve got the perfect soundtrack for your fall activities. Our October playlist is full of songs that will wrap you up like a cozy blanket on a crisp fall day. So grab yourself a pumpkin spice latte (hot chocolate or apple cider are acceptable, too) and press play on the Youth4Music Playlist: Sweater Weather Edition! Happy listening!