Former Dieppe School to Become Central Hub for Regina Public's Revamped Band Program
Regina Public Schools has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its elementary band program, with the former Dieppe School set to reopen as a centralized music education hub this fall. This innovative solution comes in response to widespread discontent following budget reductions last summer.
A New Model for Music Education
Following an extensive review process, school board chair Adam Hicks revealed that Regina Public will implement a new band program model that centralizes music classes for grades 6 through 8 at the Dieppe School facility. This strategic shift represents a significant departure from the previous decentralized approach.
"This new model will provide every single child the chance to touch an instrument and to see if their passions align," Hicks stated during a news conference at the Dieppe School location. "We are truly excited to be taking a bold new step in music education."
Curriculum Integration and Expanded Access
The revamped program includes a major expansion: band classes that were previously optional will now become part of the required arts curriculum for all Grade 6 students within the public school division. This change is expected to bring approximately 400 additional students into the music program.
Director of education Mark Haarmann emphasized that this restructuring fulfills promises made during the last budget cycle, which saw $450,000 cut from the program. "This really is everyone's voice being heard, and us coming up with what we think is a very unique and innovative solution," Haarmann explained.
Addressing Equity and Accessibility Concerns
The creation of a centralized music center aims to make band education more equitable and accessible across the entire school division. This move directly addresses concerns raised by students, parents, and teachers who worried that funding cuts would limit music education opportunities.
Haarmann noted that the new approach also resolves several issues present in the previous program model:
- Elimination of participation fees for sixth graders
- Reduced disruption to other classes by consolidating instruction
- More consistent scheduling with half-day sessions at the music center
Overcoming Previous Limitations
The decision to restructure comes after concerning participation data revealed significant declines in student engagement. Under the old model, only 40 percent of Grade 6 students enrolled in band programs, with participation dropping to just 17 percent by eighth grade.
"The old model was clearly unsustainable, inequitable and it had some diminishing outcomes," Haarmann acknowledged.
While band will remain optional for students in Grades 7 and 8, the new system allocates half a day per week for instruction at the Dieppe School music center, providing more structured and consistent learning opportunities without the scheduling conflicts that previously disrupted other academic subjects.
The transformation of the former Dieppe School into a dedicated music education facility represents Regina Public Schools' commitment to maintaining and enhancing arts education despite budgetary constraints, creating what officials describe as a more inclusive and sustainable model for future generations of students.
