Sarah McLachlan School of Music programs expands, adding 50+ more Surrey students
The Sarah McLachlan School of Music (SoM) is expanding its program offerings with Surrey Schools, creating space for more than 50 students to attend the after-school program at Lena Shaw Elementary. (Photo from the Sarah McLachlan SoM)
The halls of Lena Shaw Elementary are filled with music, thanks to the expansion of the Sarah McLachlan School of Music (SoM) program, offering more than 50 students the opportunity to learn music in its ongoing partnership with Surrey Schools.
In the past year, the SoM raised a significant amount of money for school programs, and the board of directors supported the addition of Lena Shaw Elementary. The after-school program also runs at Forsyth Road Elementary and is open to Grade 3-12 students outside of these schools, including those from Old Yale Road Elementary and Kwantlen Park Secondary.
“There’s been a lot of advocacy about how important music is for kids’ social and emotional learning, and the School of Music has really pushed for change in Surrey as a unique place that really needs that additional support,” said Meredith Verma, manager of the district’s Community-Schools Partnership (CSP) department. “We know that music programs are very expensive and music lessons are really costly outside of school.
“We really have opened it up to be a community music program, where students who wouldn’t have the opportunity to develop the love, passion, skills and ability to read and play music now have access and supports from the program, as they bring their expertise and music to our community.”
Established in 2016, the partnership between the district and SoM provides weekly after-school music classes with five SoM instructors and numerous CSP outreach team workers throughout the school year. Students learn to play drums, guitar, keyboard, recording, as well as sing and write their own songs, and harness their creative abilities in many ways.
“The instructors bring all of the instruments, they provide snacks and food for the students, they coordinate all of the different events,” said Verma. “Even during the pandemic, their staff delivered instruments to students’ homes so they could perform together online. It really is amazing.”
Students are divided into a junior group (Grades 3 to 5), senior group (Grades 6 to 7) and secondary group (Grades 8 to 12). The program encourages the development of musical and interpersonal skills as well as building confidence and self-esteem.
With the expansion already underway for the school year at Lena Shaw, Verma said she has a deep gratitude for the work of everyone at the School of Music, who ensure students have the opportunity to engage in a passion for music.
“We’re just proud and thankful for our community partner and absolutely overjoyed that this expansion will reach more kids, more schools, and provide access for the students,” said Verma. “When we think of true partnerships, it really is just a phenomenal partnership.”
While the program is currently full, the district is considering options for the program in the future.
For more information on SoM, visit sarahschoolofmusic.com
