SaskMusic is deeply disappointed to learn of Regina Public Schools’ recent decision to approve significant cuts to the band program in their 2025-26 budget, as confirmed by the Stop Defunding Band in Regina Public Schools Facebook group, the media, and the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance (SAA).
While we understand the challenges of accessing funding, we cannot accept a decision made without transparent consultation or a clear understanding of the profound and far-reaching benefits of music education.
Since the cuts were originally reported in May, SaskMusic has consistently highlighted the essential link between music education and academic, emotional, and social development for youth in the classroom.
International peer-reviewed case studies show that music education in schools, among other things:
- Develops motor, listening, reading, and emotional skills
- Develops self-confidence
- Improves academic performance
- Helps students better engage with school
- Assists in fostering community pride
“Numerous studies link participation in music with improved mental health, academic performance—including in core subjects like mathematics—and the development of critical life skills,” Lorena Kelly, SaskMusic’s executive director said.
“Band also offers an inclusive, accessible space where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive.”
SaskMusic is also disappointed by suggestions that a 40 per cent reduction to band teaching staffing will have no meaningful impact on the student experience. Not only is that assertion inaccurate, but it’s also dismissive of both evidence and community input.
“Once cuts are made, they are rarely reversed, and we object to music and the arts being viewed as 'optional,’” Kelly added.
“The community response has been clear and overwhelming in its support for the band program. It is incredibly disheartening to see that this support was disregarded in favour of proceeding with cuts, rather than pausing for further consultation and consideration.”
As noted by the SAA as well, we are especially discouraged that only one trustee—Brandon-Shea Mutala—publicly acknowledged the harm these cuts will inevitably cause.
With this decision now confirmed, we would like to thank the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance, the Saskatchewan Band Association, the Regina Symphony Orchestra, and others who’ve advocated alongside SaskMusic for stable, equitable, and ever-important music education in Regina’s public school system.
Should anyone wish to discuss advocacy efforts further, we encourage you to reach us directly at execdir@saskmusic.org.
For information and case studies outlining the importance of music education in schools, here are some suggested links:
- https://www.savethemusic.org/blog/jdilla-musictech-casestudy/
- https://www.savethemusic.org/blog/newark-case-study/
- https://www.savethemusic.org/blog/advocacy/new-orleans-case-study/
- https://www.savethemusic.org/blog/west-virginia-case-study/
- https://bandology.ca/about-us/our-services/resources/
- https://today.usc.edu/music-education-research/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8037606/
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-athletes-way/201906/music-participation-is-linked-to-teens-academic-achievement
Information about SaskMusic:
SaskMusic is a non-profit, member-based creative association. We represent, promote and develop the artists and music industry of Saskatchewan, Canada through one-on-one guidance, educational initiatives, marketing and export assistance, advocacy, networking opportunities and much more. We are a source of information and resources for the public and the music industry.
