In honour of the Canadian Premiere of Octet, Crow’s Theatre is fundraising for Community Music Schools of Toronto’s relationship with Kapapamahchakwew–Wandering Spirit School for Indigenous Students.

Since 2014, CMST has collaborated with Kapapamahchakwew-Wandering Spirit School for Indigenous students which provides education for Indigenous students grades JK-12 in Toronto. CMST delivers high-quality music education to 80 students in the school annually through weekly classes and social programs.

• 80 students are taught by 3 CMST Faculty members at Wandering Spirit

• All students in grades 5-12 have opportunities to participate in programming through group and private instruction in voice, piano, guitar, percussion and beat-making

• 50 middle school students receive group lessons

• 30 high school students receive private lessons

• Lessons take place every Monday from 9am-3:30pm

• Instruments, including their maintenance and repair, are covered by CMST - Every student gets to take home their instrument to practice on

• iPads are available with software to allow for beat-making class

• Audio tech is set up for recording purposes (laptop, monitor speakers, mic)

• Annual performance opportunities include recitals for Wandering Spirit students and at our Regent Park location in collaboration with CMST students

• Possible off-site day trips are planned in 2025/26 to bus students from Wandering Spirit to Regent Park for group sessions and access to our Daniels Spectrum facilities

Curriculum Development

CMST is committed to making meaningful change toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples as outlined in CMST’s Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan (Sep. 2024). At Wandering Spirit, faculty members collaborate with teachers and students in a pedagogical approach which brings forward curriculum that is culturally appropriate and relevant to the students. We continue to adapt our teaching to meet the needs of Indigenous students in the school.