A Wood Buffalo Narrative

The Legacy Children's Foundation

Since 2006, The Legacy Children’s Foundation has been working hard to create all-inclusive music programming in Alberta that engages financially challenged families and at risk children and youth. Through music programs such as The Instruments of Change mentoring program in Wood Buffalo, The Legacy Children’s Foundation has witnessed the powerful draw that music has for young people and how significant this type of programming has been in shaping the lives of this community's most vulnerable populations.

Instruments of Change provides musical instruments to under privileged children and youth while also supplying them the financial resources to pay for lessons from local, first-rate musicians, and various music-related workshops that introduce them to the many career options available to them through the music industry.

"I like that song!"

That is what Morgan, a student at Anzac school said with a big smile, when we learned Phyllis Sinclair’s song "Minoh Awasis" this fall. Phyllis is a songwriter and writes in Cree, and Morgan has connected with this song which has traditional aboriginal percussion.

We adapted Phyllis' song to guitar, using a percussive style on a simple Chord progression. The student is taking Cree in school and is pleased to hear songs can include Cree. 

 

Morgan has a one half hour lesson per week with her mentor.  Morgan sets up her music space with enthusiasm and focuses intently on the frets and always wants to know the next step. Morgan keeps her own notes.

Morgan was referred to Instruments of Change Wood Buffalo by her music teacher Kelli Northrop at Anzac School. Morgan has expressed her joy in music, playing ukulele and some guitar with Grandfather in the past.

Students in Wood Buffalo experience success in so many ways, and now through the Music Arts!

If you would like to support The Legacy Children’s Foundation, Instruments of Change program please make a donation today. They accept gently used and new instruments and place them into the hands of local children.  Donations can be dropped off at Campbell's Music, 10011 Franklin Avenue or at Timberlea School, 107 Brett Drive.

If you have any questions or would like more information on the Instruments of Change program please contact Instruments of Change Coordinator, Dave Martin at dave@legacyfoundation, twitter: @instrumentsof, or phone 780-881-6869.