Music for All Children

Pamela Chan, BCFamily.ca/ Editorial

Recently, I had a discussion with a family member about where he could make a donation for a friend, in lieu of sending flowers for a funeral. This donation would be in memory of someone who was a talented musician – pianist and singer – and loved music. It didn’t take me too long to think about the St. James Music Academy.

Saint James Music Academy believes in the power and the joy of music to change lives.

Music is a language that everyone speaks.
Music is a joy that everyone feels.
Music is a doorway to a better world.

 

SJMA teaches classical music at no cost to children living in Canada’s lowest income urban neighbourhood. And the music does its magic. The children find joy. They discover the deep riches of their own potential and find new self-esteem. They learn about the beauty and the necessity of collaboration with others. They improve their intellectual and other skills. They learn to overcome barriers they did not make. In a word, they become empowered. For the good. Saint James Music Academy brings social transformation to the community, one child, one song at a time. (St. James Music Academy website)

The St. James Music Academy operates an afterschool music programme in downtown Vancouver for students in grades K to grades 12. If you, or someone you know, would like to make a donation to an organization that helps children, there are both arts and sports programmes in the province that support youth who otherwise wouldn’t be able to enroll due to financial barriers.

The Academy supports choral and instrument lessons, making it a perfect fit for people who have different musical passions and want to support a music programme. I feel fortunate that with the support of family members, my own children are able to participate in arts programmes such as piano classes and dance lessons. While I don’t have a personal connection to the SJMA, it is heartening to know that these types of programmes exist.

Which arts or sports programmes for youth do you support in British Columbia? You can comment about this posting in the comment section below or on the BCFamily.ca Facebook page. Your contribution matters so don’t be shy!

Related:

Where does your donation to SJMA go? (video)

How to donate to SJMA.

SJMA Facebook page

SJMA on Twitter