Students in Rainbow Schools continue to receive new instruments thanks to generous donations to the Joan Mantle Music Trust.
The trust has reached $200,000 in total funds raised since it was launched in the fall of 2008, as local businesses and individuals continue to make donations for the benefit of students in Rainbow schools.
“All of our secondary schools have been allocated funds from the Trust twice,” said Rainbow District School Board chair Doreen Dewar. “We are now in the second year of the third round of funding. What a tremendous contribution to music education and the students in Rainbow Schools.”
Chelmsford Valley District Composite School, Lasalle Secondary School and Lively District Secondary School will receive funding in the 2016-2017 school year. Barrydowne College, Lockerby Composite School, Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School and Manitoulin Secondary School received funding in 2015-2016.
“There is an ongoing need to revitalize music programs in our schools and we certainly appreciate the continued support,” said Director of Education Norm Blaseg. “Our students will reap the rewards for years to come as we continue to replenish the inventory of instruments in our secondary schools. We thank all donors.”
The money raised to date comes from individual donations, corporate contributions and special events, including $11,000 from the International Dinner and Silent Auction held last spring. Members of the community have also donated a variety of musical instruments including woodwind and brass instruments, guitars, drum sets and pianos.
