There’s a growing chorus of boo over government’s decision to nix music programs in our schools.
Music teachers in the secondary system see band and choir as vital components in the growth of young people, and now Memorial University’s School of Music is urging the provincial government to backtrack.
Students at Holy Heart recently posted a video explaining the importance of choir. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, government has ordered the cancellation of band and choir.
Following Health guidelines and student safety will always be top priority. Finding alternate ways to deliver this ensemble curriculum is what we are asking- NOT a postponement. These passionate students deserve this consideration. @BrianWarr3 @CMOH_NL @Johnrockdoc @PremierofNL pic.twitter.com/0tQQXmdRtg
— HHM Choral Music (@hhmchoral) July 16, 2020
Ian Sutherland, the dean of the School of Music, says to simply postpone such important learning opportunities because of challenges denies students fundamental experiences in learning and development.
He believes one thing we have learned during the pandemic is the necessity of music and arts in our lives.
Sutherland says that was no more apparent than through our own school system that brought us the Newfoundland Labrador English School District virtual choir signing “O Canada.”
