The Saskatchewan Music Educators Association is working to improve access to music in elementary schools across the province.

In a new initiative funded by SaskCulture, SMEA is offering 15 free hands-on music kits to be used in the classroom.

SMEA President, Sharon Bates, says music is one of those classes gets pushed to the wayside when funding is short. To combat this, member schools can send a request into the SMEA, and while supplies last, a free kit will be sent directly to the school.

“It’s a supplement music program. Funding is always short in education, but particularly in music programs, because most schools don’t have a music specialist.”

There are three different types of kits: boom whackers, bucket drums, and colourful dancing scarves. Bates says music and the ability to make it benefits everybody in all kinds of ways.

“It allows kids to express things that they might not have the words to express. It gives kids a chance to excel at something. Maybe they’re not a sport kid, or maybe they’re not a math genius, so it gives them another opportunity to be good at something.”

The first-come-first-served initiative has already caught the interest of five Saskatchewan schools. Those interested can reach out to SMEA via email. September 15 is Saskatchewan Music Education Day.