Presentations
Halifax High School Celebrates With Home-Town Hero, Joel Plaskett
Renowned singer and songwriter, Joel Plaskett, celebrated the impact of a MusiCounts Band Aid grant at J.L. Ilsley High School, in Halifax. With over 800 students, staff, and special guests at the event, Joel spoke about the impact music has had on his life and also treated those in attendance to a powerful yet intimate performance. Students showed off the new instruments purchased with the $10,000 grant, providing first hand evidence that the grant has helped students realize their musical abilities by increasing the school’s inventory and quality.
2009 JUNO Award Nominees The Trews Kicked Off JUNO Awards Weekend
Terry Fox Secondary School helped kick-off JUNO Awards Weekend by celebrating their Band Aid musical instrument grant with 1,700 students, staff and special guests. The school’s Jazz Band performed If I Were a Bell, while the Rock Band did an amazing rendition of Rockin’ In The Free World. The Trews thrilled the students with a special performance.
Seven-time JUNO Award-winner Feist joins festivities in Toronto
More than 800 high school students and staff at Harbord Collegiate Institute gathered as seven-time JUNO Award-winner Leslie Feist celebrated Toronto’s landmark school as the recipient of a 2008-2009 MusiCounts Band Aid Grant. Feist also spoke about her strong feelings toward music education.
Iconic Canadian Producer Bob Ezrin Attends Year-End Concert In Support Of Music Education
Iconic Canadian producer and MusiCounts Committee member, Bob Ezrin and Srinka Wallia , Executive Director, MusiCounts celebrate with 2007-08 Band Aid grant recipient Deer Park Public School ’s Grade 8 band and music teacher, Nancy Banks at their year-end concert in Keswick on May 14, 2008.
Special Presentation At Band Aid Grant Recipient School Kicked Off Juno Weekend
JUNO Award winner, Jully Black, spoke to over 500 students, teachers and special guests about the power of music and thrilled them with an electrifying performance. eTalk host Tanya Kim emceed the celebration at Ernest Morrow Jr. High School, a recipient of a $10,000 Band Aid musical instrument grant. Rob Farina (left), Vice-President, Programming, CHUM Radio, a Division of CTV Inc, announced an unprecedented contribution of $2.3 million from CTVglobemedia to MusiCounts. CARAS President, Melanie Berry (right) and Ernest Morrow students Becca Bull and Bryce Motley (center) joined Farina at the cheque presentation.
Deep, Bluesy and Soulful, Serena Ryder Celebrated Musical Instrument Grants with Peterborough Area Schools
Band Aid Grant recipients Prince of Wales Public School and Warsaw Public School showcased their musical talents on their new instruments for Peterborough-native Serena Ryder and Srinka Wallia, Executive Director, MusiCounts at a special MusiCounts presentation in Peterborough on February 29, 2008.
Ryder, a 2008 JUNO Award nominee for Best New Artist of the Year, thrilled the students in a packed gymnasium with an extraordinary performance of her self-penned hit single, Weak In The Knees.
“She is a real inspiration to girls and a positive role model,” said one 12-year-old student, who proudly held a new saxophone purchased with the grant money.
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Canadian Country Star Brad Johner Celebrated Musical Instrument Grant with Saskatoon School
The School Band and African Drumming group at Pope John Paul II Elementary School proudly showed off their musical talents on their new instruments to fellow Saskatoon native, Brad Johner at a special MusiCounts presentation on Thursday, January 31st, 2008. The grant was the result of a generous donation from EMI Music Canada, who raised the proceeds at their post 2007 JUNO Awards party in Saskatoon.
Johner, who was recently named 2007 Male Artist of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Awards, delighted the entire school by performing I’ve Got It Good, and Last Saskatchewan Pirate.
In speaking about the importance of music in young lives, he stated it is just as important as reading and writing to me.
From L to R, Brad Johner, Paul Shaver, VP Marketing & Promotions, EMI Music Canada, Melanie Berry, CARAS President, Nancy Sparling, Music Teacher, and Todd Brandt, Chair, 2007 Juno Awards Host Committee pose with the school's African Drumming group.
Sarah McLachlan Celebrates First-Ever Vancouver MusiCounts Presentation With Vancouver-Area Schools
Award-winning singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan celebrated the first Vancouver MusiCounts presentation at the Commodore Ballroom on January 30th. The event was hosted by Rena Heer, Canada AM’s new Western anchor and attended by almost 300 music students, special guests and the media.
McLachlan reminded students that Music education is such a gift; a way for expanding, exploring and connectiveness with young people,” and treated those in attendance to a memorable performance of her best known songs, Building a Mystery, Push, and Angel. Daniel Woodward Elementary School performed Rock to the Max, Mr Sax, while the Gladstone Elementary School Jazz band played Boogie
Woogie Bugle Boy. The students surprised Sarah by singing Happy Birthday to her.
JULLY BLACK
DRIFTWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOL - Model Schools for Inner Cities Project, Toronto, ON
December 2007
Students, teachers, parents and special guests celebrated a $ 30,000 MusiCounts grant that will support music programs in 7 schools in the Jane and Finch community, at a special presentation hosted by Tanya Kim, Co-Host of CTV’s eTalk, and featuring Canadian R&B superstar, Jully Black.
Stephnie Payne, Trustee, TDSB, the Honourable Aileen Carroll, Minister of Culture, Verna Lister, Superintendent, TDSB, Sheila Cary-Meagher, Co-Chair of the Inner City Advisory Committee, Randy Lennox, President & CEO, Universal Music Canada and Srinka Wallia, Executive Director, MusiCounts spoke at the presentation emphasizing the value of music education and the important role it plays in a child’s development and community spirit.
Al Foster, Community Music Director conducted a student and, adult Steel Pan band, delighting the audience with Jingle Bells, Carol of the Bell and Nah Going Home.
Jully asked the students to always believe in themselves, to dream big and to be proud Canadians, and invited them to join her in a poignant rendition of O Canada.
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DALA (Sheila Carabine & Amanda Walther)
MARY WARD CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL, Scarborough, ON
November, 2007
Universal Music Canada’s recording artists, Sheila Carabine and Amanda Walther, the silky-voiced duo known as Dala, returned to the school where they originally met to celebrate the impact of the recently awarded $ 10,000 Band Aid grant on the school’s music program - the very program that brought them together.
The school’s colossal 80-member School Band, accompanied by the Dala girls and conducted by Head, Performing Arts, Richard Jatiouk, gave an excellent rendition of a piece entitled, “Tsunami.” Sheila and Amanda then collaborated with the school’s Stage Band for a wonderful duet-version of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” and delighted the school with their own “Marilyn Monroe”.
Dala also talked about the importance of music in their lives and explained that without music education, there was a good chance that they would never have realized their true potential.
CARAS President, Melanie Berry highlighted the impact MusiCounts is having on music programs from coast to coast, while Universal Music Canada’s President and CEO, Randy Lennox spoke of the inspiration that artists like Dala provide to generations of young Canadians.
It was a heart-warming event not only for the teachers and students , but also for the artists who finally got a chance to say thanks to the school that helped them unlock their talent and cultivate their creativity!
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MURRAY LIGHTBURN (The Dears)
HAROLD NAPPER SCHOOL, Brossard, QC
June, 2007
Murray Lightburn, the charismatic frontman and vocalist of the Juno Award-nominated band, The Dears, returned to his elementary school, Harold Napper School in Brossard, Québec to celebrate the impact of the Grant on the school’s graduating class.
The school’s amazing Rock Choir and School Band under the direction of James Stadnyk, Richard Naidoo and Valerie Leslie performed for Murray and Director, MusiCounts Srinka Wallia.
Murray had a chance to give the young graduates some words of encouragement and share with them how much music has meant to him. The home-town hero finished with a very special performance for the students, teachers and families who were in attendance.
Murray Lightburn delighted students of Harold Napper School with a very special performance.
BILLY TALENT
Chaminade College School, Toronto, ON
May 2007
CARAS President Melanie Berry, Steve Kane, President, Warner Music Canada, and local rock heroes, Billy Talent, were in attendance at Chaminade College School, Toronto to celebrate the school’s recent Band Aid Grant. Billy Talent band members Ben Kowalewicz, Ian D’Sa, Jon Gallant and Aaron Solowoniuk spoke about the power of music education as well as impact of music in their lives.
The over 70 member Chaminade Concert Band was on hand to show off their new instruments and give their rendition of Poet and Peasant Overture to a gymnasium packed with the over 800 students who attend Chaminade College.
“The school is very committed to its music program,” says Principal Mike Wallace, “The hard work of our dedicated music teacher, and incredible community support has resulted in overwhelming recognition and pride among our young musicians.”
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CANADIAN IDOL EVA AVILA RETURNS TO GATINEAU TO CELEBRATE WITH LOCAL SCHOOLS
Symmes Junior High School / D’Arcy McGee High School, Gatineau, QC
February, 2007
Band members from Symmes Junior High School/D’Arcy McGee High School performed for Eva Avila at a special presentation, attended by over 1,000 students. Director, MusiCounts, Srinka Wallia spoke of the mission and goals of MusiCounts in this 10th anniversary year and, Principal, George Singfield and music teacher, Rahnieds Rose reminded students of the importance and value of music education.
Both Symmes Junior High School and D’Arcy McGee High School give hundreds of children the opportunity to experience various aspects of music education. Every student at Symmes takes part in the music program and together both schools boast two Concert Bands, two Jazz Bands and even a band program for parents.
Avila, joined by Band mates, Dane Hartsell & Colin Bartlett, thrilled the students with a surprise performance of Meant To Fly!
Largest Band-Aid presentation kicks-off MusiCan’s 10 Year Anniversary!
Hard Rock Cafe, Montreal, QC
January, 2007
Band members from 8 different Quebec area schools gathered at the Hard Rock Café in downtown Montreal to celebrate their Band Aid grants with CARAS President, Melanie Berry, Srinka Wallia, Director, MusiCounts, eTalk’s Tanya Kim and Quebec-based superstar and 2007 JUNO Award nominee, Gregory Charles.
Schools attending included:
Verdun Elementary, Verdun
John Grant High School,Cote-Saint-Luc
Good Sheppard School, Brossard
Springdale Elementary, Dollard Des Ormeaux
Lakeside Academy, Lachine
Riverdale Public School, Pierrefonds
Laval Jr. High School, Laval
Chateauguay Valley Regional High School, Chateauguay
The presentation featured a great performance of Louis Louis by the School Concert Band from Verdun Elementary School and a live African drumming performance by students from John Grant High School.
Charles also surprised and delighted the students with a very special rendering of I Put my Trust In You.
“Being part of a band, of a choir, is like being part of a community, a society whose goal is to create beauty.”
- Gregory Charles
 Chateauguay Valley RHS
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 John Grant High School
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 Good Sheppard School
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 Lakeside Academy
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 Laval Jr. High School
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 Springdale Elementary
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 Verdun Elementary
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 Riverdale Public School
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Adelaide Hoodless School, Hamilton, ON
May, 2006
Senior Band members celebrate their Band Aid grant with CARAS President, Melanie Berry and Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy.
“It is always rewarding to witness first-hand a school band that has new instruments, to see how happy they are and how valuable the experience is.”
- Jim Cuddy
Greenwood Academy, Campbellton, NL
March, 2006
500 students and parents from seven rural communities attended a special presentation that featured a performance by the Senior Band as well as a duet by 2005 Canadian Idol, Melissa O’ Neil and 2006 JUNO Award nominee, Rex Goudie.
“Music is the one thing in life that touches and affects everyone worldwide.”
- Melissa O’Neil
“MusiCounts gives today’s youth a real chance to study and play music.”
- Rex Goudie
“This Grant will open the door for ALL students to become involved in the band program regardless of their financial situation.”
- Ellis Pope, Greenwood Academy
Smithfield Middle School, Rexdale, ON
December, 2005
Music Teacher, Daniela Kedowicz and Jelleestone join Bob Ezrin, MusiCounts Committee member, Melanie Berry, President CARAS, Randy Lennox, President & CEO, Universal Music Canada and members of Smithfield Middle School’s Strings Section to celebrate a special Band Aid Grant contribution from Universal Music Canada.
“Music kept me out of trouble during turbulent times in my life, giving me something else to do, think about and somewhere else to go other than the streets.”
- Jelleestone
Centennial Secondary School, Belleville, ON
November, 2005
2005 Juno Award Winner, Sarah Harmer and her Band, seen here with music teacher, David Reed and Srinka Wallia, Director, MusiCounts, perform with members of the Centennial Choir and Woodwinds.
“Many of our students were playing the same old instruments that their parents played 30 years ago when they were students here. Now they have pride in the new instruments!”
- David Reed, Centennial Secondary School
Howard S. Billings Regional High School and Harold Napper Public School, PQ
June, 2005
2005 JUNO Award nominee and 2003 Canadian Idol finalist, Audrey de Montigny makes a special presentation to two Montreal-area Band Aid Grant recipient schools.
“The CARAS Band Aid program gives students a chance to not only learn an instrument, but also an appreciation for music as an outlet of expression.”
- Audrey de Montigny
“The Band Aid grant has been such a huge blessing!”
- Cheryl Ann Gundry-White, Howard S. Billings
CB Stirling Public School, Hamilton, ON
March, 2005
2005 JUNO Award nominee Keshia Chanté speaks about the importance of music education to students at C.B. Stirling Public School, Hamilton, ON.
“Music is the most powerful interpretation of life and art. The creative possibilities that it can inspire are endless.”
- Keshia Chanté
St. George School, Winnipeg, MB
March, 2005
Chris Thorsteinson, Dave Wasyliw and Murray Pulver of CCMA award-winning group, Doc Walker delighted students at St George with a special performance and autograph and photo session.
“By allowing every child to have access to instruments and instruction is a huge step in the right direction. CARAS has become one of the leaders in that direction and has allowed more and more children to discover and participate in the world of music.”
- Chris Thorsteinson, Doc Walker
Athens District HS & South Crosby PS,
Kingston, ON
February, 2005
2004 Canadian Idol winner, Kalan Porter took time from his cross-country tour to make a special presentation to students and music teachers, Jim Palmer of Athens District HS and Amy Whalen, South Crosby PS in Kingston.
“Music education has been a huge part of my life from a very young age.”
- Kalan Porter
“CARAS has changed the outlook of instrumental music… two years ago instruments were unheard of in our small, rural school and now they are heard loud and clear throughout our corridors.”
- Amy Whalen, South Crosby P.S.
AJ Smeltzer Junior High School, Halifax, NS
January, 2005
Nova Scotia recording artist, Matt Mays, with music teacher, Meg Ferguson, at a special presentation in Halifax.
“By pairing students who are inspired by music, with accomplished Canadian artists, we find that kids open their eyes to the meaning music has in their lives.”
- Melanie Berry, President, CARAS
H.J. Alexander Community School, Weston, ON
May, 2004
Hawksley Workman presented brand new instruments to young music students at H.J. Alexander Community School.
“Had somebody told me that $10,000 worth of brand new musical instruments would make their way into the hands of every student in my school, I would have told that person they were dreaming. Thanks to the generosity and vision of CARAS, it’s now a reality.”
- Tim Stiff, H.J. Alexander C.S.
Timmins High & Vocational School, Timmins, ON
November, 2004
International superstar, Shania Twain, delighted students with a surprise visit to her High School, presenting them with new instruments for their music program.
“It’s amazing to have Shania visit the school. It’s great to see she hasn’t forgotten her roots. This grant was desperately needed, and will provide instruments to students who wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to play.”
- Tony Ciccone, Timmins High & Vocational School
Butler Elementary School, Bedford, PQ
June, 2004
Music students from Butler School had an opportunity to celebrate their recent donation from CARAS with multiple 2004 JUNO Award winner, Sam Roberts.
“The value of music education extends far beyond learning how to play an instrument - it’s good for the heart, the mind, and the soul.”
- Sam Roberts
Hawthorne Public School, Ottawa, ON
June, 2004
Canadian singer/songwriter Kathleen Edwards returned to her hometown of Ottawa to join CARAS at a special presentation at Hawthorne Public School.
“Holding the JUNO Awards in Ottawa was a fantastic experience for us, and we’re extremely pleased to be able to give back to the community that gave so much to us over JUNO weekend.”
- Leisa Peacock, CARAS
“I know for certain my life would have taken a very different path had I not studied music.”
- Kathleen Edwards
Colborne Public School, Colborne, ON
June, 2004
2003 Canadian Idol, Ryan Malcolm joined CARAS in presenting a BAND AID grant to launch a new music program for Grade 5 to 8 students at Colborne Public School.
“We are truly grateful for the wonderful gift given to us by CARAS. Our music program has given many students focus, and a reason for wanting to come to school.”
- Michelle Noble, Colbourne P.S.
Rideau High School, Ottawa, ON
April, 2003
Ottawa’s own Alanis Morissette delighted music students at Rideau High School with the presentation of new instruments for their music program.
“It is astonishing to see the transformational power of music and we remain committed to enriching young minds through music education.”
- Melanie Berry, President, CARAS
Nicholas Gatineau High School, Gatineau, PQ
2003
French singing sensation Dany Bedar, recently filled the halls of Nicholas Gatineau High School with music, as he performed a mini-concert for over 3,000 students and staff, signed autographs and handed out new instruments.
“Music is and always has been a big part of my life. Band Aid grants provide an opportunity for people to have access to it and I am proud to be a part of this event.”
- Danny Bedar
St. Clare/Ben Calf Robe Native Elementary/Jr. High School,
Edmonton, AB
March, 2003
Students at St. Clare/Ben Calf Robe Native Elementary/Jr. High School were taken by surprise when Canadian singer/songwriter Jann Arden dropped in to present brand new instruments to the grade 4 and 5 music class.
“The future just got brighter and we are very grateful!”
- Sean McGuinness, St. Clare/Ben Calf Robe School
