St. Paul CES Lakefield Receives $16,000 Grant For Music Program Growth

Students at St. Paul Catholic Elementary School in Lakefield will have more opportunities to explore, create and learn through music thanks to a $16,000 grant from MusiCounts, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

The grant application was developed last year by then-Principal Jennifer DeMaeyer and music teacher Elena Johnson.

The funding was used to purchase a variety of musical instruments and materials, provide safe storage for the equipment and support a music program subscription for the current school year and next year. As a result of the application, St. Paul may also be eligible to apply for a secondary grant in the coming years. 

Jean-Paul St-Amour, St. Paul principal, says the new resources will give students opportunities to explore music through hands-on experiences while introducing them to a wide range of instruments, musical traditions, and creative tools. 

“These tools will provide hands-on experiences that deepen students’ understanding of rhythm, melody, and cultural traditions. Instruments like egg shakers, xylophones, and bells will introduce basic concepts and allow for interactive rhythm exploration,” he said. “Recorders serve as an accessible entry point for wind instruments, while bucket drums make practicing drumming patterns enjoyable. Drumsticks will enable students to explore various percussion techniques and ukuleles will promote collaboration through learning chords and strumming.”

He adds that the investment will help St. Paul CES continue building a music program where students can develop musical skills while experiencing the creativity, collaboration and cultural learning that music can bring to the classroom. 

“Incorporating Indigenous drums will diversify our program and enhance our cultural context. Additionally, integrating music software will foster creativity and composition skills. We would also like to invite Indigenous Music leaders to share their knowledge and lead us in Indigenous music workshops,” explained St-Amour. “Together, these resources will create a vibrant, hands-on music program that would inspire creativity and a lifelong love of music among our students.”

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