A new season, a new instructor,
and new challenges to grow!
As season seven of SONG gets underway, we have marvelous new growth problems! We have students that have been in the program all seven years, and now they are going into high school…but still want to sing and play with SONG. Solution: create a new Senior choir section…and many of those students have returned. But not only are they participating, some of them are starting to mentor younger students! It is incredibly heart-warming to see those who have been mentored now become the mentors!
In the midst of this program growth, we introduce Hailiah Knight, our new Cobourg choral instructor. Marie continues to be Artistic Director of the organization, but Hailiah now steps in to add a new dynamic and a different energy to our Cobourg classroom.
As a former SONG classroom volunteer and a member of La Jeunesse under Marie many years ago, Hailiah brings incredible skills and talents to our program. The remainder of this article is Hailiah’s own words about her journey to this point:
“I grew up immersed in the waters of music. She began her musical training at St Peter’s church as an active member in their choir & hand bell choir, then went on to join La Jeunesse choirs at the age of 11, competing with them in Spain in 2007. Hailiah was part of their full girl’s & SATB choir, as well as helping out with the Children’s Choir and Les Petites as their apprentice conductor. Hailiah went on to attend Rosedale Heights school of the arts for her final years of high school as a vocal major. She then went on to St Lawrence college to study jazz piano under Cameron Schafer. Hailiah studied grade 8 piano and grade two theory under the instruction of Cathy Burnham during high school previous to her college training. While in college she extended her knowledge of piano from its RCM roots & learned more about accompaniment and piano voicing, released her first EP and started playing her music with a band. She has opened for various artists such as Walk Off The Earth, Lights, The Strumbellas, Tyler Shaw, and The Gentlemen Husbands. With her performance experience & choral background, Hailiah is excited to be joining the SONG community!”
Welcome Hailiah!
Who We Are
Sounds of the Next Generation (SONG) is a free, socially inclusive choral and orchestral after-school music program for under-served children and youth in Northumberland County. Inspired by El Sistema, SONG promotes social development through the pursuit of musical excellence.
What We Do
SONG is a musical community where kids can learn, create, and be part of a team. Students sing in choir and play in a strings ensemble three times a week. All instruments, music, uniforms, and healthy snacks are provided for free thanks to the generosity of our donors, sponsors, and volunteers. All the kids need to bring is their enthusiasm and curiosity!
Kids learn transferable skills, including social engagement, inclusiveness, and leadership, which opens doors and helps them achieve brighter futures.
For More Info
For information on how to sing, play, or volunteer with SONG, email Derrick at info@songprogram.org
