Music Organizations Demand Regina Public Schools Pause Elementary Band Restructuring
Eleven prominent music organizations have united in calling for Regina Public Schools to halt planned changes to its Grade 6-8 band program, arguing that more community consultation is essential before implementing the new model scheduled for this fall. The Saskatchewan Band Association, alongside groups like the Saskatchewan Music Educators Association and Regina Conservatory of Performing Arts, has formally requested the school board delay the restructuring.
Concerns About Participation and Implementation
Saskatchewan Band Association CEO Suzanne Gorman expressed significant concerns during a Wednesday news conference, stating that while the school division's objective to grow band participation is commendable, the proposed changes might actually hinder student involvement. "Their objective is to grow the band program, which is fantastic, but we're not sure that the moves they're making will help make that happen," Gorman emphasized.
The organizations have sent a letter to school board chair Adam Hicks, who announced on February 24 that the division would centralize music classes at the former Dieppe School beginning this fall. The plan includes making Grade 6 band mandatory through the arts curriculum while eliminating fees for that grade.
School Division's Response and Rationale
Regina Public Schools responded with a prepared statement defending the changes, asserting they resulted from dialogue with educators and the board of trustees. The division highlighted several benefits of the new approach:
- Students will receive regularly scheduled music education time
- Classroom teachers can adapt lesson plans around consistent band periods
- Children won't miss important literacy and numeracy instruction
- Music education becomes accessible to all Grade 6 students regardless of background
- Band fees for Grade 6 are being eliminated
The statement noted that "a team of experienced system leaders is finalizing details for implementation for the start of the 2026/2027 school year," with specifics on fees for higher grades to be included in the final plan.
Existing Program Success and Future Focus
Gorman questioned why changes are being made when current participation rates show relative success. According to Regina Public Schools CEO Mark Haarmann, 40% of Grade 6 students currently sign up for band, though this drops to 17% by Grade 8.
"Fix where you think the gaps are," Gorman suggested, indicating that resources might be better directed toward maintaining participation in higher grades rather than restructuring the successful Grade 6 program. She also raised questions about the nature of band programming that Grade 6 students will receive through the arts curriculum.
When asked for clarification, the school division stated the updated band program "will be in addition to the existing Grade 6 Arts Ed teachings." The music organizations maintain that without proper consultation and consideration of potential impacts, the changes could undermine rather than strengthen music education in Regina's elementary schools.
