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For more information
contact John Loosemore at
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[email protected]
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Reaching Out Through Music
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acknowledges theT support of The Ontario
Trillium Foundation, an agency of the
Government of Ontario
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Reaching Out Through Music is
a unique approach to community
building. Through the universal
language of music, Reaching Out
Through Music provides musical
and social opportunities for children
in one of North America’s most
densely populated and ethnically
diverse urban communities,
St. Jamestown, in the heart of
downtown Toronto.
Music enriches children’s lives. It facilitates the development
of self-esteem and provides an avenue for self-expression.
Choral singing, an integral part of Reaching Out Through
Music, allows children to experience the warmth and fun
of being part of a team. Through individual voice and
instrumental lessons, available to all participants regardless
of age or level of ability on entry, children derive a sense of
joy and accomplishment. A lifelong love of music is virtually
guaranteed for these children.
St. Jamestown is a diverse and vibrant community, yet
many of its residents face the challenges of poverty, single
parenthood, crowded living conditions and the anonymity
characteristic of many highrise complexes. Nevertheless,
participation in Reaching Out Through Music’s programs
builds on the tremendous potential found there.
Music enriches children’s lives.
It facilitates the development
of self-esteem and provides an
avenue for self-expression.
Kirkland Adsett was the Founding Artistic Director of
Reaching Out Through Music and played a central role in
shaping the organization until his move to Ottawa to take
a senior Music Director position. Mr. Adsett, a graduate of
Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada and Westminster Choir
College in Princeton, is on Reaching Out Through Music’s
Advisory Council and continues his involvement through
providing valuable advice based on his many years of
experience as a conductor of children’s choirs and teaching
piano to young people. On his departure, Kirk’s role as choir
director was assumed by Deborah Griffin. A vocal music
specialist with the Toronto District School Board, Deborah
taught elementary school music for 22 years, including ten
years at Rose Avenue Public School in St. Jamestown.
Deborah has been a private piano teacher (A.R.C.T.), as well
as the director of award winning children’s choirs. During her
teaching career, Deborah taught countless children how to
sing, read music, create Orff presentations, and do creative
movement and dances. At the same time she directed many
musicals, wrote curriculum and made presentations at music
teacher workshops.
Reaching Out Through Music, its staff and board of directors
are supported by an Advisory Council that draws upon
the expertise of a large number of people from a range of
disciplines including neuroscience, early child development,
music, broadcasting, social science, law, education,
architecture, community development and human rights.
The Advisory Council provides strategic advice and inspiration.
Reflecting its dedication to excellence, diversity and
enjoyment, Reaching Out Through Music holds an annual
fundraising evening that includes professional musicians
with musical styles ranging from classical to jazz to native
drumming. The Reaching Out Through Music children’s choir
and some individual students have experienced the thrill of
performing on the same program as these musicians.
Reaching Out Through Music provides private and group
lessons in voice, piano, violin, guitar and recorder. Teachers
are working together to introduce ensemble work both
internally and in partnership
with other children’s music
organizations.
Reaching Out Through Music serves over 75 children.
The choir has given performances in homeless shelters,
at community events, in seniors’ homes and in May 2012
performed in a public concert with the Bell’Arte Singers
and the Riverdale Collegiate Chamber Choir.
The approach of using music as a tool for connecting
community members to each other has potential for
growth in St. Jamestown and replication in other places
in Ontario, in Canada and around the world.
Board of Directors
Advisory Council
John Loosemore,
Founding Director
and Chair
Joy Bullen
Gina Dineen
Janet Forstner
Sharon Hampson
Spencer Higgins
David McPherson
John Snell
Kirkland Adsett
Sally Armstrong
Lee Bartel
Charles Coffey
Joanne Davies
Ron Davis
Evelyn Dempsey
Tim Elliott
Mohamed Gilao
Catherine Graham
Bill Graham
teachers
Supporting Artists
Deborah Griffin
Choir Director
Jenny Cohen
Assistant
Choir Director
Marjorie Weins
Piano Accompanist
Andrea Budgey
Recorder
Amanda Penner
Violin
Halyna Popenko
Piano
Jamie Ruben
Guitar
Michael Berkovsky
Adi Braun
Nancy Cardwell
Ron Davis
Brooke Dufton
Leonard Gilbert
Moshe Hammer
Nicolas Hernandez
Linda Ippolito
Jordan Klapman
Teng Li
Patti Loach
Daniela Nardi
Emma Meinrenken
Patricia Parr
Ross Pearson
Barbara Hendrickson
Linda Ippolito
Matthew Jocelyn
Timothy Murphy
Patricia Parr
Stephen Petherbridge
Frances Sanderson
Hugh Segal
Jean Stilwell
Lynn Williams
David Wipper
Kathleen Penny
Katharine Scavone
Meredith Shaw
John Sheard
Red Spirit Singers
Jean Stilwell
St. Simon’s Choir
Julia Sunay
Gryphon Trio
Alejandro Valdepeñas
Joaquin Valdepeñas
Laurence Wiliford
Hazel Wipper
Teresa Zaleski
Patricia Zentilli
Annie Zhou