Lori Mackedenski begins a new role this fall at La Verendrye School, teaching clothing textiles for Grade 7 and 8 students. As part of the division’s industrial arts program, students rotate through four sections: sewing, metalworks, foods and nutrition, and graphics.
Mackedenski spent the last six years, though, as a music teacher at Yellowquill School, where the idea for her latest project first began. While applying for the Kathleen Bjornsson Fund through the Community Foundation of Portage and District, a colleague asked if she had small instruments available for a student who could not attend regular music classes due to scheduling conflicts.
The request led her to assemble a kit of extra instruments and recognize the potential of creating a program that would make music more accessible.
“Kids who aren’t able to join the regular class still respond so well to music,” notes Mackedenski. “They really love it, and it helps them open up.”
With support from the fund, Yellowquill received $1,700 to purchase five sets of small instruments. Each kit contains seven or eight items, including ocean drums, rain sticks, shaker eggs, and wrist bells, designed to provide multi-sensory experiences.
“Ocean drums not only give the sound of drumming but also the swirling of beads inside, while rain sticks allow children to hear and feel the sound of rainfall,” says Mackedenski. “These instruments give kids a chance to explore in different ways.”
Building on a track record of support
The Kathleen Bjornsson Fund for Music is specifically dedicated to purchasing items or developing programs in the district. Mackedenski previously secured support through the same grant, allowing Yellowquill to obtain a full class set of soprano ukuleles.
“The fund is very specific to music, which is why I turned to it again,” adds Mackedenski.
Community choir introduces new voices
Alongside the instrument kits, a secondary project is also taking shape. The Prairie Sounds Community Choir, led by director Janine Waines, is planning to launch a junior choir for students in grades 5 to 8.
Waines, who teaches music at Arthur Meighen School and guitar at Portage Collegiate Institute, is helping lead the effort.
“A junior choir is an exciting way to bring younger students into community music,” continues Mackedenski. “It gives them another avenue to grow in confidence and creativity.”
The initiative reflects a broader push in Portage la Prairie to strengthen arts opportunities for youth, both in the classroom and in the community.
With files by Jared Thiessen.
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