Nova Scotia Band Association
Advocacy Tools
2020 has been a year of unprecedented challenges for the NSBA and its members. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the performing arts and arts education world in previously unimaginable ways. The NSBA’s priority throughout has been to support its members in whatever way possible. In spite of the obstacles presented by the pandemic our band directors and teachers have demonstrated incredible resilience, determination and creativity in finding ways for band to continue.
The NSBA contributed to development of the Nova Scotia Department of Education protocols for teaching music in schools during COVID-19. This enabled a safe return to in-person band music making in our public schools in the fall of 2020. Additionally the NSBA developed a set of protocols, based on the most current research, for community bands and honour ensembles. This document was distributed by the NSBA as a set of guidlines to facilitate a safe return to in-person music making.
We all hope that with the passing of the pandemic and the easing of restrictions, band and band education will resume normal operations and rebuild- stronger than ever. The NSBA strongly believes that performing arts (band specifically) is needed by our Nova Scotia students and community members now more than ever.
We need you (band parents, community band members and supporters of the performing arts) to raise your voices in support of community bands, school bands and school music programs in Nova Scotia. If you are aware of cuts in time and/or funding for school band programs or community bands in your area, it is vitally important that you express your opposition to such cuts to these vitally important programs.
The best way to make the government listen is to receive communication from multiple sources expressing concern. It is important to have our voices heard -not only for the NSBA to speak on your behalf, but to have band parents, community band members and arts supporters also write to the appropriate school and/or government officials citing your own stories, thoughts, suggestions for improvements, concerns, and struggles. The more often the government hears your concerns, the more likely they will be to respond. The more we offer ideas and solutions, the more likely they are to take those ideas into consideration.
Before you speak up, get informed! Here are some resources speaking to the value and importance of music education:
The Benefits of Music Education – Anita Collins
Music needs to be a core part of curriculum, not an extra – Geoff Johnson/Times Colonist