December 6, 2021
City officially launches Harmony for All with instrument drive December 18
Burnaby, BC – Residents are encouraged to dig out any unused musical instruments and donate them at City Hall on December 18, as the City of Burnaby officially launches Harmony for All, a new program to provide instruments and musical instruction free of charge to Burnaby residents.
“Expressing yourself through music is one of life’s greatest joys, but the financial cost of renting an instrument and paying for lessons puts music out of reach for too many people,” said Councillor Joe Keithley. “Harmony for All will ensure that all Burnaby residents have the opportunity to explore their musical talents. Learning music is a wonderful way for our kids to connect, make friends and overcome cultural barriers."
Councillor Keithley and Burnaby firefighters will be at the City Hall main parking lot from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, December 18 to collect instrument donations of gently used instruments in working condition from community members. Residents who donate an instrument will receive a tax receipt.
Donated instruments will support the launch the first phase of Harmony for All, which will be an instrument lending program to provide underserved Burnaby children access to musical instruments. It is expected to start in spring 2022.
Future phases of the program will include eliminating barriers to musical education, with the City coordinating low or no-cost music programs for people who may not be able to afford lessons. The City also intends to develop grants for Burnaby residents to pay for music programs.
At its November 8, 2021 meeting, City Council agreed to contribute $72,000 to establish Harmony for All as a City-operated program, and on November 18, 2021 the Burnaby Fire Department’s charitable organization pledged $10,000 and committed to contribute a further $10,000 every year for the next 10 years.
Learn More:
Harmony for All
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