December 11: Espanola High School hosts community Christmas concert

Espanola High School, one of this year’s recipients of new instruments from the Joan Mantle Music Trust, will host a community Christmas concert on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 6:30 pm in the BI Gymnasium. The concert will feature the Espanola Junior and Senior Jazz Bands, and several small group performances. There will also be a bake sale at intermission. The suggested admission price will be $5 to a maximum of $10 per family. All proceeds will be donated to the Joan Mantle Music Trust.

“To date, over $140,000 has been raised for the purchase of new instruments in Rainbow Schools, ranging from flutes and clarinets to saxophones, trombones, guitars and more,” said Rainbow District School Board Chair Doreen Dewar. “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.”

The concert will feature a blend of popular Christmas songs as well as a preview of what is to come for the music festival season. “Everyone is welcome to attend our community concert and share in the holiday spirit,” said Espanola High School Principal Marty Punkari. “On behalf of Espanola High School, we would like to thank the Joan Mantle Music Trust for supporting music education. We welcome this opportunity to give back to the community with this showcase of student talent.”

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. The 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 improve self-esteem and confidence and promotes teamwork and an overall appreciation of the arts.

-30-

Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,

Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,

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