| Account Login |
Every student deserves consistent and local access to band education.  On February 24, 2026, the Regina Public School Division announced the new MusicCentre@Dieppe music program for the 2026-2027 school year. |  |
Regina Public School Elementary MusicCentre@Dieppe Music Program Announcement | Media Release: Saskatchewan Band Association Urges RPS to Pause and Consult |
|
We advocate because we believe in the positive impact band programs have on students across Saskatchewan. |
|
| Saskatchewan Band Association's CEO on the future of future of Band in Regina Public Schools |
|
The MusicCentre@Dieppe: |
An End to Grade 6 Band “Grade 6 students will now receive music instruction, in their home school and at the MusicCentre@Dieppe, as part of the Provincial Arts Education curriculum”
This change marks the end of the band program for Grade 6 students in Regina Public Schools, putting them at least one full year behind band students across the rest of the province. By delaying the start of band to Grade 7, the new model will miss a critical stage of age, risking lower participation in future years. |
The MusicCentre@Dieppe concept was developed “following dialogue with educators in our system and our Board of Trustees."
Current Regina Public School Band teachers, music parent associations and provincial musical organizations were not involved in the development of this plan. Our elected school board trustees have failed to uphold the Regina Public School Division’s own strategic plan that states, “Families must have a voice in the education of their students.”
|
“We need to improve the high attrition rate for band students.” Yes, we are always looking to improve engagement; however, participation in Grade 6 band is already strong. Across Saskatchewan, students typically begin band in Grades 5 or 6—a stage that is proven to reduce student attrition rates and build long-term participation. |
 “There is significant concern with the current ‘pull-out’ instructional model, as students are pulled out of their regular classes to attend band lessons. Let's be clear, band is part of the curriculum—it's a class, not an extracurricular activity. While scheduling can require coordination, this model has been used successfully for decades, and no evidence has been presented that it negatively impacts student outcomes. | 
"The MusicCentre@Dieppe will provide more equitable access to music programming for all students." Band programs are already accessible across all Regina Public Schools. The proposed model replaces school-based programs with a centralized approach, without a clear approach to transportation and logistics, or evidence that access to band will improve. |
Read the full SBA MusicCentre@Dieppe Fact Sheet to learn more.
|
Media Coverage Feb. 24, 2026 Feb, 24, 2026 Feb. 25, 2026 Mar. 26, 2026 Mar. 31, 2026 | Contact Your RPS Area Band/Music Parent Association Balfour Area Parents - JR Campbell Area Music Parents Association Knoll Area Music Parents Association Martin Area Music Parents Sheldon Williams Music Parents Association
Not sure who to contact? Reach out to the RPS Band Parent Leadership Team at reginabandparents@gmail.com. |
WHAT IS ADVOCACY? Advocacy is simply ensuring your voice is heard on issues that matter to you, your family and your community. As a band parent, band director, community band musician, concert attendee, or general music lover, your voice must be heard by school administration and school division decision makers to ensure all children have access to vital band programming across our province. There is increasing concern in the band community that decisions to cancel or significantly alter band programs are underway due to lower enrollment/budget restrictions. The time to ensure YOUR school's Band Program is fully resourced and scheduled is NOW! Below are various Advocacy Tools you are encouraged to use when demonstrating your local support for the benefits of band in our children's lives. If there is something specific you are looking for or would like to suggest please contact us at info@saskband.org with your request/suggestion. |
|
