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. 

Timberlea School, Second Annual Benefit Concert

                                       

                                

Come and enjoy some great music while helping your community at the Timberlea School Second Annual Benefit Concert, Friday, October 2, 6pm - 9pm. Timberlea School will be collecting monetary donations for their Breakfast Program and gently used instruments for Instruments of Change program run by the Legacy Children’s Foundation. As a fun and interactive addition to the Benefit Concert there will be a song circle or "round robin" in the atrium at the end of the concert where audience members can bring their own instruments and participate.

Timberlea School Breakfast Program is run by parent volunteers who provide healthy breakfasts to hungry students, ensuring they get a great start to the day and are ready to learn. This program costs approximately $6,000 per year and relies on donations.  If you are interested in supporting this amazing program, please contact Jessica Balsom or Rick Thorne at (780) 743-5771.

The Legacy Children’s Foundation focuses on supporting financially challenged, at risk, children and youth providing them with musical instruments and the financial resources to pay for lessons from exceptional, local, musicians. Participants also receive various music-related workshops that introduce them to the many career options available to them in the music industry. Instructors are selected not merely for their musical talents but for their ability to mentor and form positive relationships with their students. The primary objectives of this program are to assist youth to complete their education and to stay on a positive life path. The Legacy Gift of Music programs are an amazing opportunity for youth looking to explore the world of music, form new friendships, and realize their potential as human beings. To learn more about the Legacy Children’s Foundation and ways for you to get involved please visit www.legacygiftofmusic.com