Music News

Fundraiser for the Regent Park School of Music in Toronto

Crescendo 2016

By Elisa F.G

It was just another day at Islington Green School in north London, when a music teacher thought it’d be a great idea to let his class sing on a recording for, what would later be described as, one of the greatest rock operas ever composed.

Imagine that! You think you’re just some regular kid in a regular school on a regular day, then all of a sudden you’re the kid shouting “We don’t need no education/We don’t need no thought control” on the original 1979 recording for Pink Floyds Another Brick in the Wall, the most famous anti-conformist anthem of all time. Those children were a part of a movement, a chart-topper and history all in one shot! – not to mention the street credit they must have scored too. Quite the confidence boost for a kid.

Regent Park School of Music believes in giving kids from ages 3 to 18 a similar opportunity. No, they don’t have kids laying down tracks for English progressive rock operas, but they are providing kids with a musical education that sets them on path to be rockstars in their own right.

It’s becoming common knowledge these days, that music can not only heal, but it speaks, soothes, connects, enriches, expresses and the list of benefits go on and on, so imagine what it can do for a growing child rockstar.

For 16 years, Regent Park School of Music has been helping kids succeed through music by offering highly subsidized classes to youth living in high-risk neighborhoods across Toronto.

“Our students have access to over 70 dedicated music teachers and an array of musical options and instruments.  They learn everything from classical piano and violin to turntablism and electronic music.” says executive director Richard Marsella.

On Wednesday April 20th, over 400 people will come together in an effort to raise money for RPSM at Crescendo 2016, a fundraising event in the city hosted by ET Canada’s Sangita Patel, with live performances by The Devin Cuddy Band, JUNO award winner Andy Kim, Alex Pangman and her Alleycats, Karl Wolf, and many more entertainers, including students from RPSM.

“A sensational evening of music, cocktails, canapés and good fun” promises the Crescendo 2016 Committee. Their goal is to raise $250,000 that night, so if April 20th looks wide open on your calendar, visit http://rpcrescendo.org/ to purchase your ticket, and help give future showstoppers an opportunity to take centre stage.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 38040 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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