Families speak out on proposed changes to Regina Public School’s band program

WATCH: The elementary band program at Regina Public Schools is facing changes and potential cuts amid budget constraints. Sierra D’Souza Butts has the details.

Parents are speaking out on proposed changes to the Regina Public School division’s elementary band program, stating it will negatively impact the quality of music education students receive.

Led by band teachers, the current co-curricular instrumental education program provides two hours per week of band class to students from Grade 6 to 12, in addition to workshops and festivals outside of regular school hours

However, with plans to “restructure” the program under the division’s 2025-26 budget, parents are worried the value of the program will decline.

“Currently [students] are taught by 14 very talented and engaged music program teachers,” said Dean Zurburg, parent and president of Campbell Area Music Parents Association (CAMPA).

“With these cuts, they are talking about removing one third of those resources and reallocating them to something that is not band. [This is] something that we feel would be very detrimental to the program itself.”

Since elementary school, Rachel Zurburg’s passion for music education has grown.

“It’s a place to relax, be my most authentic self, and just have a good time,” she shared.

Starting with the French Horn back in Grade 6 then moving onto percussion, Zurburg said her interest in music was first discovered through her school’s band program.

“You’re learning all these important things in math and English, but you really learn the emotional parts and your emotional capabilities when you are in an art form, whether that be visual art or that be a physical art, like theatre, band or choir,” she said.

With 1,600 students currently participating in the division’s program, the Saskatchewan Band Association said the program has provided an opportunity for students from all demographics.

“One of the big goals of the Saskatchewan Band Association is to ensure the band is accessible to all and certainly having programs in schools really increases that accessibility for families all around the province,” said CEO Suzanne Gorman.

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“Certainly, there’s financial barriers, rental of instruments, finding instructors, that sort of thing if we didn’t have it in schools, but I think we also need to look at the equity and the accessibility of the program when it’s in a school.”

In a statement to CTV News, Regina Public Schools’ said the arts, including band, is important to families within the division but, “is not integral to the Ministry’s education strategy.”

“In addition, this is a unique budget year. Following the new collective bargaining agreement between the Provincial government and the STF, significant funding has shifted to address classroom complexity,” read the statement.

“Zero funding is provided by the provincial government for elementary band programs, so funding that program at previous levels could come at the expense other programs that support Regina Public Schools’ 27,000 students.”

The division added there will be no layoffs as a result of restructuring the elementary band program. Final plans to approve the budget by the Board of Education are set for June 24.

In the meantime, parents like Dean are encouraging families to share their stories on the program has impacted students positively.