The Grace Notes After-School Program provides children ages 6-11 with a community and a safe space to grow as their whole health and development are nurtured through music, nutrition, movement, and community. One day per week from 3:30-5:30pm, students will have the opportunity to learn and perform the violin in a group setting. Through fun musicianship games, rhythm cup, listening activities, and stories, students will learn music theory, note-reading, rhythm, and music history. And while experiencing all the benefits and joys of making music, the student’s physical and emotional well-being will also be supported through healthy snacks and movement activities. On a second day of the week, each student in the program will receive individual attention during their own 20-minute individual lesson allowing for personal musical growth.
To register for the Grace Notes After-School program click here
The Building Blocks of the Grace Notes After-School Program:
Music Education:
Music has the power to improve cognitive and physical development, teach social and life skills, boost confidence, soothe emotions, create relationships and community, and bring joy. Therefore, access to a music education can improve students’ school test results, give students a positive and driven outlook on life, and create joyful, caring, confident, ambitious, and thriving human beings. At Grace Notes, students will have the opportunity to learn the violin in a group context. In musicianship classes they will participate in bucket band and rhythm cup to learn about beats and rhythms, play note-reading and music theory games, and learn about music history through stories and listening activities.
Nutrition:
Grace Notes believes in the power of good nutrition to improve one’s energy, mood, health, and general well-being. It has even been shown that good nutrition can help prevent mental health issues and future chronic diseases. Without proper nutrition, students will not be able to learn, play, grow, and thrive. Snack time also offers a community bonding time to strengthen friendships and an opportunity for students to share about their lives with peers and teachers. Therefore, there is a daily snack break where healthy snacks are provided.
Movement: 
Kids were made to move! After sitting in school for large portions of their days, students will not be expected to continue sitting for the whole two hours while they are at the Grace Notes After-School Program. Exercise and movement have many benefits such as reducing stress, boosting energy, improving mood, improving brain health (including improvements in memory, learning, and concentration), strengthening heart, bones, and muscles, encouraging a better night’s sleep, and contributing to overall good health. Movement breaks also provide an additional opportunity to socialize. There will always be an opportunity to move whether it be going for a walk outside, playing in the snow, playing a sport such as soccer, dancing, or doing a workout.
Performance Opportunities: 
Public performance opportunities allow the children to connect to the larger community in a joint celebration of the students’ hard work and achievements. Seeing friends, family, and neighbours enjoying their performances confirms the student’s hard work and valued place within the community and boosts their confidence. Performances also give the students an opportunity to give back to their community and provide joy for others. Grace Notes Music Academy will host a holiday concert in December and a celebration concert in June. Grace Notes students will also perform at other opportunities presented such as performing in hospitals and long-term care homes or at school and community events.
For more information, contact sabrina@gracenotesmusicacademy.ca.