A donation to public school music education

Nov 12, 2009

FOTMC founder and organizer Joan Shepherd presents a cheque to Frank Girard, principal at PCPS in Verona for their junior music program

On Nov. 6 Joan Shepherd, founder and organizer of the Frontenac Old Time Music Championships (FOTMC), presented a $500 cheque to Frank Girard, principal at Prince Charles Public School.

Part of the mandate of the FOTMC is to fund music programs in the schools, thereby providing young students with an opportunity to study music.

The $500 donation was raised through sponsors and various events held during the annual FOTMC held in August this past summer at Piccadilly Hall. The funds will go towards providing music education to the primary students in kindergarten to grades three at PCPS.

Shepherd explained, “We all know that school budgets have been cut and we feel that school music programs can really use some support.”

Frank Girard, pleased with the donation, said, “We knew the funds were coming so we picked out musical instrument kits that would complement our existing music curriculum. We mainly focused on the primary students but the kits we have purchased can be used by older students as well. He added, “We’re always thrilled to have someone offering funding to supplement our resources.”