The music program at Angus McKay plays an important role in the school and in the students' lives. Music does many things for a child including the following: Music encourages effort and self discipline, music develops responsibility and cooperative effort, music develops critical thinking skills, music is a manifestation of culture and heritage.

Research shows that learning a musical instrument increases a child's ability to perform well in other academic areas as well, especially in language arts and mathematics.

The Angus McKay music program seeks to provide children with the opportunity to enjoy a variety of music as well as hone their musical skills, guided by the curriculum. The curriculum outline includes the following five areas: Performance skills, music literacy, music analysis and reflection, creative idea development, interdisciplinary skills.

Students participate in a wide range of music making experiences including speech, choral singing, instrument playing, listening, movement and creative idea development. These aspects are explored based on the Orff approach to music making/teaching along with other methods. All students are invited to participate in music classroom activities. Students in grades 1 - 6 participate in choir once a cycle. Everyone participates and performs in regular assemblies and concerts in the school.

Music field trips include: attending Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra concerts, performing at Choral Fest, Winnipeg Music Festival and other community venues.

NOTABLE QUOTE: "Use the talents you possess, for the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except the best."