The Music Access Society, a Langley-based non-profit society, is looking for participants and sponsors for its free music programs. They also invite guests to come out to the Christmas Party fundraising event going on prior to the Aldergrove Christmas Parade, at Bob's Steakhouse on Saturday, Dec. 8.
Music Access Society (MAS) is a newly-formed not-for profit initiative formed by local residents which recognizes that limitations in arts education combined with B.C.’s high cost of living leaves restricted-income families without the ability to afford music lessons for their children.
MAS has recently created a sponsorship program for children and youth in Abbotsford, Aldergrove, Langley, and South Surrey/White Rock. Participants are offered free music lessons and access to musical instruments to take home for the duration of the lessons.
Keyboarding is offered Mondays at the City of Langley’s Al Anderson Pool, close to the Douglas Park area. Group guitar runs Thursdays at St. Dunstan’s Anglican Church in Aldergrove. Private lessons for seven low-income or otherwise challenged children and youth is offered in music schools closest to the student’s home. Musical instruments are supplied by local donors.
There are still seats available for interested children and youth. Twenty-four children and youth have, thus far, begun on their musical journeys.
The Music Access Society was founded by John Briner, BAMus, LLB, LLM, a local father of four, a practicing lawyer and former private guitar instructor, and Anne Guite, BA, a local musician, along with a small group of music educators and supporters.
The Dec. 8 fundraiser will feature Christmas, pop and folk music from Soft Focus, fiddlers and friends, as well as games and prizes. It runs from 2 to 4 p.m. at Bob's Steakhouse, and tickets include choice of any beverage and three meal options, with desserts for the kids. Prices are $20 adult, $10 child and babies under age three are free of charge. For information call 604-259-8452.
For inquiries about lessons for children and youth or to donate instruments or sponsor a student, please visit the website: www.musicaccesssociety.com