H.J. Alexander Community School has $10,000 worth of new musical instruments, and the students have the Band Aid program to thank. One of the key elements of the CARAS (Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Scientists) Music Education program, Band Aid provides grants to schools whose music programs are in need of funding.

Hawksley Workman, the Canadian singer/songwriter, was on hand to present the instruments, on May 13.

“Until now, I have been teaching units on rhythm using a class set of detergent pails as drums so that my students can experience the joy of music,” said Tim Stiff, the Toronto school’s music teacher. “Had somebody told me that $10,000 worth of brand new musical instruments would make their way into the hands of every student in my school, I would have told that person they were dreaming.”

Past artists taking part in the presentations include: Alanis Morissette, Remy Shand, Jully Black, members of The Tragically Hip, The Moffatts, and Nickelback.

(pictured left to right: CARAS Manager of Awards and Events, Leisa Peacock, Music Teacher – Tim Stiff, Hawksley Workman, CARAS President, Melanie Berry)






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