Port Hope, ON — December 2025 — Sounds of the Next Generation (SONG) is thrilled to announce a major success in bringing free music to kids across Northumberland: a donation of 20 violins! The donation of instruments, including 18 from a single generous supporter, will expand youth access to music for years to come.
With this influx of instruments, SONG will be able to offer more spaces in its growing strings program and develop new short-format violin classes to pilot. This expansion is part of SONG’s broader goal to bring music to over 400 young people across Northumberland in its 13th season — doubling its reach from just two years ago.
“Every instrument represents a new opportunity for a child to build lifelong skills, self-confidence, and find a place where they belong,” says Lucas Marchand, Artistic Director at SONG. “This donation is already creating real change — and we’re just getting started.”
The growing interest in strings has also sparked new community collaborations. Following the instrument drive, local ensemble The Donegal Fiddlers reached out to work with SONG — part of an exciting wave of intergenerational, rural music-making. To support this momentum, SONG is now actively seeking classroom support to help teach more young people to play string instruments and build new connections through shared learning.
“There’s something noteworthy happening in Northumberland,” adds Executive Director Miles Bowman. “This county is investing in its cultural future — and what we’re making together sounds a lot like SONG.”
— A musical future —
This is just one part of a larger trend: SONG is fast becoming Northumberland County’s go-to source for accessible, community-driven music education.
As enrollment continues to grow and word spreads about its low-barrier, high-impact programs, SONG is calling on the community to continue donating gently used instruments — especially ½ and ¾ size violins and guitars — to meet increasing demand.To donate an instrument, volunteer, or learn more, visit: www.songprogram.org