December 6: Manitoulin Secondary School hosts Island Schools Concert

Manitoulin Secondary School, one of this year’s recipients of new instruments from the Joan Mantle Music Trust, will host an Island Schools Concert on Thursday, December 6th, 2012. The concert will take place at 7 pm in the Manitoulin Secondary School cafetorium, 107 Bay Street, M’Chigeeng. There will be a silver collection at the door with all proceeds going to the Joan Mantle Music Trust.

Close to 170 students and staff will come together to produce the concert, which will showcase the Manitoulin Secondary School Junior and Senior Bands and Vocal Group, as well as performances from Assiginack Public School and Lakeview Public School. The concert will feature a blend of popular Christmas songs as students rejoice in the sounds of the festive season.

“The concert will appeal to all ages and will get everyone into the holiday spirit,” said Manitoulin Secondary School Principal Laurie Zahnow. “On behalf of Manitoulin Secondary 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 and showcase our talented students.”

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 Joan Mantle Music Trust allocates funds to school music programs in Rainbow District School Board, one school at a time.  This ensures that there is a tangible improvement in the condition of equipment in an entire department, 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. Learning songs and rhythms develops literacy skills. Making connections between songs, language and movement encourages creativity and critical thinking. Music also improves self-esteem and confidence, and promotes teamwork and 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.