Musicounts Calls for Applications to 2015-2016 Band Aid Program $600,000 in Funding Available for Schools across Canada

September 11, 2015

$5,000 IN MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR KENNETCOOK DISTRICT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CELEBRATED WITH SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY JESS MOSKALUKE

The country music community came together earlier today at Halifax’s World Trade and Convention Centre when MusiCounts, Canada’s music education Charity associated with The Canadian Academy of Record Arts and Sciences and the Canadian Country Music Association, celebrated $5,000 in new instruments awarded to Kennetcook District School. The reigning CCMA Female Artist Of The Year, Jess Moskaluke, put on a special performance for the rural Nova Scotia students bussed into Halifax, who represented a handful of the youth supported by the MusiCounts Band Aid Program province-wide. To date, MusiCounts has given a total of $430,000 in instruments to Nova Scotia-based music education initiatives alone.

“I was 15 years old before I first picked up a guitar so all you music students here today already have a great head start,” said Jess Moskaluke. “I hope you continue to pursue music and dream big! I can’t wait to see what you do next with your new instruments.”

Vanessa Thomas, Director, MusiCounts and Don Green, President of the CCMA, were in attendance to embrace the spirit of Country Music Week and help kick-off the opening of the 2015-2016 Band Aid Grant Program request for applications. The CCMA and Canadian country music community continue to be avid supporters of MusiCounts, who will be presented with the 2015 Slaight Music Humanitarian Award during this weekend’s CCMA Awards celebrations in Halifax.

“The outpouring of support we have received from both the artists and industry representatives within the country community has been incredible. Much of this started when we first made our formal alliance with the CCMAs four years ago,” said Vanessa Thomas, Director, MusiCounts. “It’s only because of on-going support like this that we are able to announce an additional $600,000 worth of musical instruments that schools across Canada are able to apply for, starting today.”

“The CCMA is a proud supporter of MusiCounts; and we’re thrilled to be here in Halifax, celebrating the Canadian country music industry of today, while fostering excitement with those that will grow into the industry of the future,” noted Don Green, President of the Canadian Country Music Association. “CCMA members often comment on how their love of music started at school, and so it is our privilege to fan the flame of the burgeoning musical talent that runs so rich in Atlantic Canada.”

This celebration marked the official opening of the MusiCounts 2015-2016 school year Band Aid Program. Schools across Canada have until November 13th to submit an application.

NT5