Lena Shaw Elementary in Surrey expands music learning with new instruments and tech after receiving an $18K MusiCounts grant.
Surrey School Expands Music Opportunities
Lena Shaw Elementary in Surrey has strengthened its music programming after receiving an $18,000 grant from MusiCounts, a national music education charity. The funding was part of MusiCounts’ largest-ever disbursement of $1.1 million to 85 schools across Canada this school year.
Grant Supporting Cultural and Technological Growth
The grant was awarded through the Slaight Family Innovation Fund, which prioritizes music programs that reflect cultural diversity and support technology-integrated learning. For Lena Shaw Elementary, this meant bringing in instruments and equipment that better represent its student population.
Teacher’s Vision Sparks the Initiative
Music teacher Siobhan Waldock pursued the grant after noticing strong student enthusiasm for music but limited available resources. She said many students at the school come from African backgrounds, and she wanted instruments that would honour and celebrate their cultures.
Instruments and Technology Now in Use
With the grant funds, the school purchased authentic Zimbabwean marimbas, new microphones, speakers and beat-making equipment. These tools now support classroom lessons, choir practice and student-led music-making, including hip-hop and rap, which are popular among learners.
Growing Student Interest and Participation
The expanded resources have already encouraged high participation in extracurricular music activities. More than 50 students registered for the music club at the start of the school year, prompting Waldock to create additional practice times during lunch and recess to meet demand.
Community Support and Broader Impact
Waldock expressed gratitude for the support of principal Natalie Roberts, vice-principal Jessy Sandhu, and MusiCounts for championing access to music education. MusiCounts has supported several Surrey schools in recent years, including drumming and contemporary music programs at École K.B. Woodward, Old Yale Road Elementary and Kwantlen Park Secondary.
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