Achi news desk-
Aria Sheppard, a Grade 5 student, had many words to describe the band that performed at her school in Cape Breton on Friday.
“Fun to watch, cool, inspiring, and I liked how they were very active,” Sheppard said. “We got up and danced with them and felt the beat and it was really cool to watch.”
Backhouse Brass, a university music group, visited several Cape Breton schools this week to put on shows and encourage kids to try out for band programs.
“We’re trying to inspire some of these younger kids to continue with the band or join a band and show them that playing wind instruments can be just as cool as pianos and guitars,” said Nathan Grosset, a member of Backhouse Brass.
Backhouse Brass plays at a school in Cape Breton. (Source: Darryl Reeves / CTV News Atlantic)Keli Brewer, an arts education consultant, said school music program enrollment dropped in the Cape Breton region during the COVID-19 pandemic, but has been able to bounce back.
“Our region’s band registrations are excellent,” Brewer said. “Now with our elementary band programs, 53, 54 percent of Grade 5 students are enrolled in a band program and this now carries over to our middle schools and high schools.”
“Music teaches a lot of creativity, a lot of discipline and I really enjoy it,” said Grade 5 student Kyrah Haddad.
Grosset said that music played a vital role in his life.
“I have a relatively severe anxiety disorder and it has been a good coping mechanism to help me in times of need,” she said.
“Music is key to creating a positive culture in education and really in our communities,” Brewer said.
