Advocates’ concerns crescendo over Regina Public Schools’ band program changes

Advocates warn new rules could limit access to music programs in Regina schools. Donovan Maess reports.

Music program advocates are hoping to strike a chord with decision makers at Regina Public Schools to reverse course on their recently announced changes to its band programs.

A town hall Monday night held by ‘Save the Regina Public Schools Band Program’ saw nearly 100 people voice their concerns over the changes.

Brandy Fingas says the changes remove accessibility to the program, particularly for those with mental and physical disabilities.

“Music opens up a whole new world,” she said as part of a presentation at the event. “Access to music and band is so incredibly important for all of our kids, and for a lot of neurodivergent children. It opens up so many opportunities and places for connection.”

In February, the school division announced the changes which will see all Grade 6 students learn an instrument.

Those who wish to pursue music further in Grade 7 and Grade 8 will travel to Dieppe School for one half day per week.

The continued specialized music will include regular weekly instructions and full band opportunities.

Currently, there are 1,700 students registered in the elementary band model. The school division says it wants Grade 6 to be a key year for students to see if they enjoy the class.

Advocates call the changes a cut to programming.

“We want to make sure music stays accessible and barrier free for children,” private music teacher Hannah Wildman told CTV News Monday. “The model they’re proposing creates a ton of barriers for neurodivergent children, children with mental and physical disabilities.”

Wildman, who organized the town hall, says they invited members of the board of trustees to the event but none attended.

• Concerns raised over upcoming changes to Regina’s music program

Board chair Adam Hicks did respond to the group in a post to social media.

“There is no proposal to eliminate band, nor is there a plan to reverse the direction that has been set. We are proceeding with the plan and is in full motion,” his statement said.

“This work is directly aligned with the current transformation priorities including centering the student experience. The new model (with many details still being worked through) reflects our responsibility as a public education system to provide equitable access, sustainable programming, and learning environments where teachers are teaching and students are learning.”

In a statement to CTV News, Regina Public Schools said only 41 per cent of Grade 6 students participate in the current band program - 60 per cent of whom end up quitting band by the end of Grade 8.

“The updated elementary band program expands music education, in the context of hands-on instruction with an instrument, to include all Grade 6 students,” the school division’s statement read.

According to Regina Public Schools, transportation costs for the program remain unchanged. Instead of busses transporting students to a high school for rehearsal and instruction twice a week, the bussess will now transport all Grade 6 students, with their teachers, to the MusicCentre@Dieppe.

In terms of accessibility concerns, the school division said the music centre is just as accessible as any other school-related venue.

“Any family with a concern regarding accommodations for their child is encouraged to contact their child’s school principal,” the statement concluded.

The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) says Regina is not alone in its struggles to fund programs.

“Divisions are really being placed in a difficult position and, unfortunately, are having to make hard decisions about what programs and services can be provided,” STF President Samantha Becotte told reporters. “Music education really aids in the development of children’s brains. And so having a well-funded program for students from an early age, all through high school is critical.”

Teachers are fearful further cuts may lead to greater consequences.

“Grade 6’s get even less music time and that’s going to create a ripple effect to the grade 7’s, 8’s and high school programs in the city as well,” Grade 6 teacher Brendan Dickie said. “Music programs are often heralded as a safe space for a lot of kids, as well as being one of the most accessible arts programs.”

Regina Public Schools’ new band program kicks off in September 2026.

With files from Damian Smith