Mississauga church runs low-cost youth music program

Creative ways to love our neighbours

Abigail Morson, music school director, shares:

The Salvation Army has a tradition of teaching music to kids. The program has always existed in this congregation with the current model dating from 2015–16.

When we were looking at opportunities to expand our outreach, having a more extensive music school was something we figured we could do. Brass banding has continued to grow within the church. Many people in our congregation have musical gifts and are public school music teachers. Last year we had 85 students in the program.

We have a team of 15 volunteer teachers leading three bands and a choir. Registration day takes place each fall in mid-September where students show up and register for music lessons at $50/year. It’s heavily subsidized by generous donors.

We have a term from September to December that ends with a Christmas concert, and another term January to late May with a spring concert. Choir happens on Thursday evenings from 6:15 to 7:00 and band from 7:00 to 7:45 pm.

We want to make sure the kids know this is a place they belong and can come to know Jesus.

We serve students from Grades 1 to 12. We’ve never turned anyone away and offer refreshments during each session to encourage fellowship.

If another church is thinking of doing something similar, I’d start with leveraging your strengths. The reason we run a music school is we sat down and thought, What can we offer our community and do well? Whether other churches are planning on running a sports program or crafts or tutoring, leverage your strengths. Before music, we want to make sure the kids know this is a place they belong and can come to know Jesus. —SAMMY KYEREME

Do you have a story to share about your church’s community outreach? Contact our editors at editor@FaithToday.ca. Read more stories at FaithToday.ca/CIC. Photos: The Salvation Army Mississauga Community Church