(Photo: Sistema NB Facebook page)
Up to $8.2 million over four years for Sistema New Brunswick.
The provincial government announced the grant yesterday to assist in the expansion of the free after-school music program, and their 10,000 children campaign.
Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Bill Hogan says every child deserves this opportunity, “With the help of this program, these children and their families are given a brighter future, not only learning orchestral music but also by being provided the support and growth they need.”
Sistema New Brunswick launched 11 years ago in Moncton and has now expanded to nine centres across the province, serving 1,100 children, who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The mission of the program is to inspire youth to achieve their full potential through learning and performing orchestral music three hours a day, five days a week.
“They’re learning focus and discipline. They’re learning respect for others, they’re learning empathy, and how to cooperate as a group, as a team. These are values that are essential to the orchestra but are also essential if you’re going to have a successful life, and the results are profound,” MacLeod says. “Parents and teachers report higher levels of focus and discipline among the children, improved behaviour and academic performance, and greater confidence and self-esteem.”
MacLeod adds that the first graduates of the program, are now in university pursuing a variety of paths including astrophysics, medical science, linguistics, social work, music and more.
