École New Era School gets $12,000 MusiCounts grant

École New Era School has received a $12,000 grant from MusiCounts, Canada’s ‘largest’ music education charity.

The funding will allow the school to replace broken instruments, expand its inventory, and create an inclusive music program that reflects the diversity of its student population.

The grant was awarded through the MusiCounts Band Aid Program in honour of Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee Loreena McKennitt, who was born in Manitoba. This year, MusiCounts is investing $1.1 million into 85 schools nationwide — the largest single-year investment in the charity’s history.

The funding is more than just about buying new instruments, the school’s music teacher Wing Chow told the Sun.

“Music is literacy. It’s not just fun or extra,” she said. “Just like math, language arts, or social studies, music is essential. It builds teamwork, confidence, creativity and even supports mental well-being. Too often, music is the first program to be cut when budgets are tight, and I want to challenge that mindset.”

When Chow joined the school in 2023, she found the music program struggling. Most instruments were either broken or unusable, and her annual budget was only $200. With support from then-principal Jaime Lambaert, she restarted the program with recorders and ukuleles but knew it wasn’t enough. That pushed her to seek external funding, leading to the successful MusiCounts application.

The $12,000 grant has already transformed the classroom. With the money, Chow purchased 28 tubano drums — a full class set — as well as new handbells, jingle bells and castanets to replace makeshift or broken instruments. Previously, students played on buckets donated from local businesses.

Drums, Chow said, are particularly important for both cultural and educational reasons.

“In almost every culture, drumming has played a role in communication, celebration, and identity,” she said. “For our students — many of whom are newcomers or from immigrant families — playing a drum from their culture is a powerful moment of connection and belonging.”

She recalled one memorable lesson with her Grade 1 class: “I showed them drums from around the world and one student came up to me and said, ‘That’s my culture. That’s my drum.’ He had never played it before. Seeing his pride and excitement made me realize how much more our students need access to instruments that reflect who they are.”

Drumming also makes music accessible to students with special learning needs, who sometimes struggle with stringed or barred instruments. “It’s direct and intuitive,” said Chow. “You play, you hear the sound, and you feel the joy. Every student can succeed.”

Beyond cultural inclusion and accessibility, Chow said the program shapes well-rounded learners. “Music helps children learn co-operation, social interaction, and discipline. It gives them a voice, a sense of belonging, and supports their emotional growth,” she said.

Chow expressed gratitude to MusiCounts for believing in the power of music education. “Their generosity has given our students opportunities they might never have had. It’s not just about instruments — it’s about shaping confidence, inclusion, and joy in the classroom. MusiCounts is helping us build the future.”

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

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