Making music at Notre Dame

Image of Nick Seebruch
By Nick Seebruch
Making music at Notre Dame
Fourth Grade Notre-Dame students Malyx Bergeron-Dinelle, Isabelle Pilon and Valerie Plouffe with some of the school's new instruments (Nick Seebruch/ TC Media).

CORNWALL, Ontario – École élémentaire catholique Notre-Dame has received a $15,000 grant to purchase new instruments for their music program.

The money came through the MusiCounts program which is funded by the Junos Music Awards.

With the funding, Notre-Dame was able to purchase new keyboards, xylophones, headphones, drums, microphones and more. All of the instruments were provided by Melody Music in Cornwall.

“We want to give a big thanks to Kim at Melody Music,” said Melanie Bouchard, Arts teacher at Notre-Dame. “He helped us so much.”

With the new equipment, Bouchard plans on growing the music program.

“Having new instruments is such a privilege for the kids, she said. “You get to discover different talents and some are interested in lessons now.”

Principal Pascal Lalonde explained that he applied for the program because he believes music encourages a stronger educational environment.

“Having a student that is interested in being in school is a student who wants to succeed,” he said.

Bouchard said that with the new instruments she is hoping to hold more concerts throughout the year.

“We’re bringing back concerts, they’re kind of a dying art form,” Bouchard said.

The school had already purchased about two dozen new ukuleles, which will be used to play Amazing Grace at this year’s Grade 6 graduation.

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