The Manitoba government is proclaiming May as Music Month. The province will highlight student accomplishments through the 2018 Celebrating Music in Manitoba Schools: Music Month Concert Series at the Legislative Building.

“Music plays a significant role in our schools, enriches the lives of our students and contributes to the well-being of all Manitobans,” said Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart. “The creative achievements of student musicians are worthy of notice and celebration. We are fortunate to have vibrant music education programs in our schools and we want to recognize the hard work of Manitoba’s wonderful music educators.”

The talents of Manitoba’s young musicians will fill the halls of the Legislative Building each Monday in May as students perform on the grand staircase. Manitobans are invited to attend performances at the following times:

  • 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Monday, May 7 (includes mass singing of Music Monday anthem);
  • 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday, May 16;
  • 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday, May 23 (French concert); and
  • 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday, May 30.

The 2018 Music Month Concert Series will feature 20 schools from across Manitoba.

“The Music Month Concert Series provides a memorable musical experience for members of the legislative assembly, government staff, community and family members,” said Wishart. “We welcome the students to share their skills, accomplishments and love of music, and we admire their hard work and dedication to develop their musical potential and interests.”

The minister acknowledged the key contributions of members of the Manitoba Music Educators’ Association (MMEA) in co-ordinating this year’s concert series in collaboration with government staff.

“The Manitoba Music Educators’ Association believes that every student has the right to a high-quality music education that engages learners of diverse backgrounds, abilities and experiences in music making,” said Karen Tole-Henderson, president of MMEA. “We believe music education helps students create meaningful relationships with others. Music education has the potential to build a sense of community within a school as well as create connections in the wider community. This concert series is an example of how the gifts of music education can be shared across Manitoba.”

Success of Music Month concert series is measured by a post-concert survey sent out to all participating schools and a summary report submitted by the MMEA. Data indicates 2017 Music Month concert series was positively received by students, teachers, school administrators, parents and guardians, and local communities.

The tradition of Music Month began in Manitoba in 2004.