Music Programs for Kids
SONG provides free musical education for children and youth in Northumberland County.
Through music, SONG members learn social engagement and development, inclusiveness, and leadership, opening doors and helping them achieve brighter futures.
Choral Program
String Program
For children and youth ages 7 and up, SONG's string program is a fun, audition-free group that offers violin, viola, and cello options, with a focus on social development through the pursuit of musical excellence.
SONGtech
SONGtech is a music and technology program for students in grades 7-10. SONGtech students have the opportunity to talk about and listen to music, compose their own beats, learn user-friendly audio technology programs on iPads, and engineer, mix, and record music.
In addition to helping students to increase their musicianship, the program also aims to help students develop resilience, teamwork skills, problem-solving and coping skills, and to increase their self-awareness and understanding of others.
Drumming Program
Our drumming program is made up of two classes: Buckets and Drums (Grades 4-6) and Drum Kit 101 (Grades 7&8). No experience is necessary for either class.
In Buckets and Drums students will learn basic rhythm rudiments and beat patterns on a variety of percussion instruments with a focus on playing paint buckets with drum sticks. Students will develop their ear and sense of rhythm while making music in a small group setting.
Drum Kit 101 will teach students the basics of playing beats on a full drum kit. Participants will learn more complicated drumming rudiments and drills and will be given practice pads to use at home. They will also develop broader musical skills like ear training and rhythm reading and how to apply those skills to playing a full drum kit.
Both programs offer students the opportunity to collaborate with their peers on music making in a supportive environment. They will develop resilience and problem solving skills while increasing their self-awareness and understanding of others.
Rock Band
SONG's Rock Band program teaches high school students (Grades 9-12) all about playing in and running their own band. Students will learn classic rock tunes from the 70s, 90s grunge, and modern indie rock collaboratively with their peers.
Participants will have the opportunity to try out playing drums, guitar, bass, keyboards, and vocals. Some experience on any of these instruments is an asset but not a must. Students will also learn how to set up and run basic PA systems and how to read chord charts while developing their ears and knowledge of rhythm and harmony.
In conjunction with our ongoing Youth Coffee Houses and other community events, the Rock Band will be given many opportunities to showcase their musical skills through public performances. This program also aims to help young musicians develop teamwork and problem-solving skills while encouraging self-awareness and empathy.
"Music changes lives. Music has an impact on how children and youth develop."