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Students across Guelph came together in the name of music to jam out to some of their favourite songs for Music Monday.
Music Monday is a national event put on by the Coalition for Music Education in Canada to celebrate music and its importance in classrooms.
On Monday, 300 Guelph Grade 1 to 8 students from Paisley Road, John Galt, Jean Little, Rickson Ridge, Ken Danby, Mitchell Woods, and Guelph Lake public schools performed at the Guelph Farmers’ Market.
This was the first joint Guelph public schools event for Music Monday. “This is our first, but we're hoping that it'll be the first of many. We would like to get even more schools involved,” said Kelly Stronach, Mitchell Woods music teacher and event co-organizer.
There were choirs, concert bands and cover bands that performed rock, alternative and classical music.
Stronach hopes the Music Monday event to bring attention to the work being done by music teachers in Guelph. She hopes the students had fun since the event is about enjoying music without judgment, evaluation or competition.
“It shows that not just adults can be good at music, also kids can have the opportunity to play, maybe just as good as adults, or even better,” said Alex Hoddinott, Mitchell Woods Grade 7 student and musician.
Research shows students who play music are better at math, language, have increased brain function and confidence, said Stronach.
The reason why teachers enjoy music education is because they can see the difference it makes for their students.
“It changes the school culture, and it changes kids' lives, and we get to see that firsthand,” said Stronach.
She believes music, for some students, is a reason to come to school. It gives them an opportunity to do something they enjoy and make social connections.
“It’s my favourite thing about this, when you see those kids that finally get a chance to excel and shine at something, and you can just see their esteem … their confidence just explodes,” said Stronach.
A student rock band performing a Metallica cover
John Galt band performing Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes
Ken Danby choir performs for Music Monday
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Guelph students unite for first-ever Music Monday celebration – Guelph News
