A Message from Holly Nimmons, Executive Director

Friends and Colleagues,

After careful consideration, I have decided to move on from my position as Executive Director for the Coalition effective July 31st.  Considering the Coalition’s program cycles, this timing seems best for leadership change.  We just completed a special heritage celebration of Music Monday, and we’re between anthem launches. Several successful Youth4Music projects are underway with excellent leaders.  The organization is strong and sustainable, with an incredible team of skilled people.  

It was a difficult decision, yet I leave feeling so proud of our collective achievements and knowing that a new leader will strengthen the momentum of those achievements. It has been an honour to serve the Coalition’s mission and build programs to achieve the vision.

To me, the Coalition is like a meeting place for all people and groups that care about music education for children and youth in Canada.  Like a town piazza, the Coalition can be that public square where people and businesses congregate to support each other and collaborate to build a strong future.

During my time with the Coalition, I feel like I’ve learned to better understand Canada through our music and our communities, and especially through the perspective of our youth.  There have been such delights! I’ve been given opportunities to meet truly remarkable people from various parts of Canada.  Through music, I’ve discovered parts of Canada that will always now resonate within me.  

After six years with the Coalition, I feel that we are “stronger together”. As I prepare to leave, I am overwhelmed with heartfelt gratitude for all the partners, volunteers, Board directors and team members with whom I’ve worked for the Coalition’s vision. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to work with Sabrina Moella (Communications Coordinator) and Ashley Boychuk (Program Coordinator). Such a delight to work with these gifted, skilled, joyful and compassionate women!  

I've been motivated by wise advocates across the country, especially the remarkable music teachers who change lives every day. For the Coalition’s future, I'm most inspired by youth leaders who want to make a difference for music in their schools............. and make a difference for Canada through music. We are in great hands!

peace

Meet the National Youth4Music Advisory Council!

We are pleased to announce the inception of the National Youth4Music Advisory Council! This Advisory Council is comprised of Youth4Music Ambassadors from across the country who care about music and music education in Canada for all children and youth.This Advisory Council brings together members of diverse musical backgrounds, all working in their own way to promote positive change through music in their community.

The primary role of the National Youth4Music Advisory Council is to make recommendations to the Coalition’s national Board of Directors.  The  Advisory Council will oversee the work of Youth4Music including communications and outreach, policy & research, nurturing creativity, professional development, relational development, as well as many other exciting actions.

We are thrilled to be working with truly incredible youth and will be introducing them to you via our social media channels soon! Read more about the National Youth4Music Advisory Council members by clicking here.

First Nations Métis and Inuit Project

The Youth4Music First Nations Métis and Inuit Project focuses on the importance of music and music education in Indigenous communities in Canada with a special focus on Ontario. A youth-led focus and process, the Coalition for Music Education in Canada works collaboratively with Indigenous leaders and organizations to help strengthen music in communities. Working with you by hosting Youth4Music events, research projects, a video series, outreach and connection, we recognize the importance of the First Nations Métis and Inuit cultures as they relate to music, and desire to strengthen youth voices who advocate for the making of music for future Indigenous generations in Canada. Project lead, Cole Forrest is an Ojibwe artist who is passionate about advocating for the future of Indigenous youth. The first installment of the drumming video ‘Strong As A Nation’ premiered on Music Monday 2017. Click here to watch the video and learn more about the project.

‘Sing It Together’ added to the 2017 CBC Canadian Music Class Challenge!

The 2017 Music Monday Anthem, ‘Sing It Together’ by Marc Jordan and Ian Thomas has been added to this year’s Canadian Music Class Challenge, hosted by CBC. It’s a great opportunity for your school’s musical group to learn and create music by Canadian composers. It’s also another EXCELLENT opportunity this year’s Music Monday advocacy by singing for ‘truth’, ‘freedom’ and ‘joy’. Click here for more information.

Choral Canada Research

Choral Canada recently conducted research into the choral involvement of over 2,000 Canadians aged 18 years or older. A Choral Census by Hill Strategies Research revealed some key factors for those who choose to participate in a choir and make music. The research has been created into an infographic representing four key areas: musical activities in school, music education, choral education by age, and choral education by gender and income.

Music Monday Registration Winners!

Thank you to everyone who registered their 2017 Music Monday event. The winners of our registration incentive prizes have been selected with an announcement coming soon. Stay tuned!!

Have a great summer!!

Another year has just flown by! On behalf of the Board of Directors and Coalition Team, we want to wish you a wonderful, safe, and musical summer! We can’t wait to bring you news of all we’re composing for this fall - it’s going to be an incredible year ahead!

Thank you • Merci • Miigwech • kinana'skomitina'wa'w

We are able to do all of this awesome work because of the support from many groups. For a full listing of this support go to Coalition, Youth4Music and Music Monday.