Donation Pitch Perfect for Simcoe Composite School’s Music Program 

THURSDAY, DEC. 15, 2022

T

he music program at Simcoe Composite School is starting the year off on a high note, thanks to a donation pitch that struck all the right chords, and will make an instrumental difference for learners pursuing music education in the years to come. 

Music puns aside, the impressive $17,300 donation is the result of a pitch by School Council member Melissa Mummery, made to the Norfolk chapter of 100 Women Who Care back in August. In that pitch, Mummery built a case around the mounting costs associated with running a successful music program, from replacing old instruments to purchasing sheet music rights to funding field trips in order to take part in festivals, competitions and performances. It all adds up; a new French horn, for example, can cost a school about $2,500. 

But what really sealed the deal was Mummery’s ability to convey the less tactile but very palpable aspects of belonging a music program can provide to learners. 

“Many of these kids will find a home here; they will find acceptance and friendship, a place to belong and be themselves,” Mummery explained as she built her case. “Music does that.” 

Mummery, a Grand Erie parent and former ‘band kid’ herself, also used her platform to sing the well-deserved praises of music educator Shawn Beal, who goes above and beyond to provide students with opportunities to pursue music. Junior and senior band practices begin bright and early three days a week before school starts, and lunch hours are often used to oversee the jazz band, vocal band or student/teacher band, in addition to the music classes he teaches throughout the day. And then there are the costs… mouthpieces for wind instruments alone need to be replaced regularly, and are typically between $18 - $34. Students and families will often pay out of pocket, but Beal makes sure this doesn’t become a barrier to taking part if they can’t. 

“As a parent chaperone to many events, I’ve been fortunate to see firsthand how hard Mr. Beal works to develop future musicians’ abilities,” said Mummery. “And I’ve also seen how frugal and selective he needs to be with spending.” 

The music program has become adept at doing a lot with a little, and that dedication has paid off. Last year, the school band played a number of events and festivals including the Golden Horseshoe Music Festival in Ancaster where they earned an invitation to the Nationals, and ended up placing third in their category there. It was an impressive first for the school, so Mummery figured the time had come to pay it forward for the music program, and 100 Women Who Care agreed. 

“We are very grateful to 100 Women Who Care for this extremely generous donation, and to Melissa Mummery for making it all happen,” said Beal on behalf of the school and its music department. “It is awesome having a parent at our school who devotes so much to improve the educational experiences of our students.” 

The money will mainly go towards the purchase of new instruments to replace the school’s aging inventory, many of which are 20 to 30 years old. What it means for learners is teamwork, comradery, belonging and a skill development that’s often pivotal to success in other academic areas such as mathematics and languages. Thanks to the dedication of music students, Mummery, Beal, and the support of the Simcoe Composite School community and the wider Norfolk community, it’s a true lesson in learning, leading and inspiring.  

If you’re a Grand Erie parent/caregiver who’s interested in learning more about how you can make a difference in your child’s school, visit the School Council Guide or check out the Grand Erie Parent Involvement Committee (GEPIC).