Watch above: The University of Saskatchewan’s Wind Orchestra is frustrated with the Prairie Spirit School Division’s decision to phase out band classes. Amber Rockliffe reports.
SASKATOON – Over the past week, many have taken to social media to express their frustration with the Prairie Spirit School Division’s decision to phase out band classes. Members of the University of Saskatchewan’s Wind Orchestra are taking a stand against the decision and hope to prove how integral band programs are.
Andra Wist is a percussionist in the orchestra, and was enrolled in Saint Joseph High School’s band program. She said the experience made her the person she is today.
“It was my favourite part of school,” she explained.
“It’s incredibly important for the growth of people as individuals, as well as academically. It supports literacy, it supports numeracy; it also supports interpersonal relationships.”
READ MORE: Student takes action after Prairie Spirit moves to cut band program
The orchestra’s president, Anna Wheeler, said cutting the program is going to hurt Saskatchewan’s growing music scene.
“I was very disappointed. That’s a huge loss to lots of students, and it’s a huge loss to our province,” Wheeler said.
“It’ll really change things for a lot of different students. It takes away some opportunities.”
The U of S Wind Orchestra has earned an invitation to one of the most prestigious wind music conferences in the world – the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference, which will be held in San Jose this summer.
Students have set up a Rocket Hub crowdfunding campaign to raise money for the trip.
“We get to play beside some of the top bands throughout the world, and so to be recognized alongside them is a great honour,” explained saxophonist Megan Bauman.
A type of pride they worry will be lost to Prairie School Division Students when their program is phased out.
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