May is “Music Month” and the Manitoba Music Educators' Association has planned a lunchtime concert at the Legislature to celebrate all the joy, creativity and benefit music can bring.
“We’re really excited to have an in-person concert,” says MMEA Vice-President and Seven Oaks School Division Teacher Team Leader for the Arts, Tyler Yip.
Made up of four associations of music educators (Manitoba Band Association, Manitoba Choral Association, Manitoba Classroom Guitar Association, and Manitoba Orff Chapter), the MMEA strives to build community and connection while also engaging in advocacy and awareness.
Taking place in-and-around the grand staircase in the Legislature’s rotunda, the concert is the first staged by the MMEA since 2019 and features 5 school groups representative of different genres of music education, including band, guitar, choral and Orff groups.
Recognizing the importance of music, the creative achievements of student musicians and the outstanding work of music educators, the Province of Manitoba proclaimed May “Music Month” in 2021.
“There’s no entitlement for music education,” says Yip. “I think everyone understands how important it is in a child’s life.”
The concert begins at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31 and is, unfortunately, not open to the public. However, future events look to welcome a broader audience, notes Yip.