Students who typically wouldn’t have access to an instrument will bring the sound of music to their family, friends, and community members in Peterborough this holiday season.
For several years, the Kawartha Youth Orchestra (KYO) has been offering free musical experiences for children and youth through its Upbeat! program. Young musicians in the program will bring their talents to the stage at their “Carol of the Bells” recital at 6 p.m. on Thursday (December 12) in Peterborough.
Concert-goers can make a donation of any amount at the door to support this program, and “help keep music affordable, and make a difference in the lives of Peterborough’s youth,” said Samantha Haggstrom, KYO administrative assistant and Upbeat! program coordinator.
KYO needs continued support from the community members to help the non-profit charitable organization keep the program alive for Peterborough children and youth. While Upbeat! was initially supported by an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant, that grant ended in June.
“The program has been sustained so far this year by the support of some personal donors, and a couple of smaller grants, particularly through the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough,” Haggstrom told kawarthaNOW.
“We are still in the process of raising more much-needed funds in order to keep the program running through the rest of this year and (in) the years to come.”
Upbeat! is a subsidized after-school music program for children and youth aged eight to 14 who face barriers to music education. Participants learn to play violin, viola, and cello in a fun, ensemble-based program. Kids also get to learn music theory, and experience a wide range of musical genres with guest performances. A nutrition program addresses food insecurity by providing children with a healthy nutritious meal.
“Upbeat! helps students not only learn music but find a sense of belonging and community in a safe and exciting environment,” a media release noted.
Last year “Stay Upbeat!” was launched — a campaign to raise funds to ensure Upbeat! continues to run for years to come.
“It’s such a joy to see our Upbeat! musicians’ excitement about their musical achievements as the concert draws near,” said program manager Colin McMahon in the release. “They’ve all worked so hard at their instruments this year and it shows — December 12 is going to be Upbeat’s greatest concert yet.”
Admission is by donation at the door, with proceeds supporting the program.
“The hopes for the event are two-fold,” Haggstrom said. “One, we want our Upbeat! students to have the experience of playing for their family, friends, peers, and community members. Two, we hope to raise more funds for the Stay Upbeat! campaign to help continue to fund the program.”
The Upbeat! concert is KYO’s second offering of the season, with the KYO marking 200 years since the release of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony during its “Ode to Joy” holiday concert at 6 p.m. on Sunday (December 8). Admission is also by donation at the door, with proceeds supporting the KYO.
According to the release, “KYO’s December concerts are always a fun time with a variety of wonderful music, and this year will be no exception, with performances by all of the youth orchestras and ensembles that are a part of the organization.”
The Ode to Joy concert also features the first performance with KYO’s new lead conductor, Murray Lefebvre, an experienced musician and conductor.
The December 8 and 12 concerts both take place at All Saints Anglican Church at 235 Rubidge Street in Peterborough.
