Since it began in 2008, the Joan Mantle Music Trust (JMMT) has “modernized” the music departments at seven out of nine local high schools in the Rainbow District School Board (RDSB).
By the end of this year, it will have updated the instrument collections at every secondary school in the board.
Sudbury Secondary School music students, from left, Teal Corelli, Steve Durocher and Isaac Lehman practice during class. Photo by Marg Seregelyi
On Feb. 12, the board will host its first international dinner in support of the program.
“It’s an opportunity for the nine Rainbow secondary schools to come together, to work on something,” Ralph McIntosh, chair of the JMMT, said. “Sometimes, when you think about school music departments, they are in competition, but this is an opportunity to work together co-operatively and raise funds for this worthy cause.”
McIntosh said the JMMT has raised about $66,000 so far.
The idea to hold an international dinner came from JMMT committee member Bela Ravi.
Ravi hosted a similar event in support of Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School’s music program about five years ago.
Serving donated culinary dishes from around the world, the group raised $11,000.
Ravi said this event will follow a similar format, and the menu will include recipes from France, Italy, Greece, India, Finland, Mexico and China.
Music students from Lockerby Composite School, Sudbury Secondary School, Lasalle Secondary School and Lo-Ellen Park will provide entertainment, and a silent auction will be set up throughout the evening.
The JMMT was named after the late Joan Mantle, who was a music educator and principal in the RDSB for almost 40 years. “She was very active in the music and education circles in the Sudbury area, and a band director of award-winning bands,” McIntosh said. “The trust was established in her name to honour her legacy and contributions to music and education.”
Tickets to the international dinner are now available. Individual tickets cost $50 per plate, and come with a $30 tax receipt. Tables seating eight people can be purchased for $400, and come with a $240 tax receipt. Tickets are available at the Sudbury Theatre Centre, 705-674-8381. For more information, phone McIntosh at 705-674-7551 ext. 6850.
