Dec. 17 & 18: Lively District S.S. hosts concerts for Joan Mantle Music Trust

Lively District Secondary School, one of this year’s recipients of new instruments from the Joan Mantle Music Trust, will host three Christmas Concerts next week, featuring performers from Lively District Secondary School. 

The first concert will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 7 pm for the entire community of Walden. This concert will feature four of the school’s musical ensembles – the Grade 7 Concert Band, the Grade 8 Concert Band, the Intermediate Hawks Rock Band, and the Senior Hawks Rock Band. There will be a collection at the door with all proceeds going to the Joan Mantle Music Trust. Admission will be $5 to a maximum of $10 per family.

Two concerts for students from Rainbow Schools will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2014. Both concerts will feature the Lively District Secondary School bands. The first concert, at 9:30 am, is for students from Walden Public School. The second concert, at 12 pm, is for students from Lively District Secondary School (Grades 7 to 12). Parents/guardians are welcome to attend these performances, however, seating will be limited.

“To date, over $140,000 has been raised for the purchase of new instruments in Rainbow Schools,” said Rainbow District School Board Chair Doreen Dewar. “The community’s ongoing generosity in support of music education will allow Rainbow students to reap the rewards for years to come.” He added: “We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported and continues to support the Joan Mantle Music Trust, enabling us to revitalize music programs in our schools.”

Leslie Mantle, Principal of Lively District Secondary School, said they welcome the opportunity to showcase their talented students. “Music teacher Cory Ross and the Grade 8 band are working towards the goal of qualifying for the national music festival,” she said. “We invite everyone to join us and share in the festive spirit.”

The Joan Mantle Music Trust was established in the fall of 2008 to help refresh, modernize and revitalize school music programs in the Rainbow District School Board.

“These concerts are our way of saying thanks to the community for its generous contributions to the Joan Mantle Music Trust and to raise money for the Trust so schools can continue to benefit from the purchase of new instruments for students in Rainbow Schools,” said Rainbow District School Board Arts Education Co-ordinator Ralph McIntosh. “It is also a wonderful opportunity for Rainbow Schools in our community to come together and share their music with one another.” He added: “We invite the community to make a donation to help support music education in Rainbow Schools.”

The Joan Mantle Music Trust allocates funding for musical instruments and equipment to schools on a rotating basis. The Trust also accepts donations of new and used musical instruments. This ensures that there is an ongoing improvement in the condition of musical equipment throughout the Board, allowing for students to achieve more in their musical studies together.

Joan Mantle dedicated many years to music education in Rainbow Schools. She passed away on June 9, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer.

The Rainbow District School Board provides students with opportunities to increase their musical literacy and develop their creative and critical thinking skills by engaging them in activities that lead them to learn in, about and through music. Musical literacy is the ability to read, write, create and perform music, as well as analyze, interpret and appreciate music from a variety of cultures and historical periods.

Learning in, about and through music is part of a well-rounded education that reinforces academic skills and nurtures life skills. Participating in musical activities also improves self-esteem and confidence, promotes teamwork and fosters an overall appreciation of the arts.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,

Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,

Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7217.