Music Monday sees 200 student musicians take over Robson Square (photos, video)

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      Today (May 2) marks the twelfth anniversary of Music Monday, the world's largest one-day event dedicated to promoting music education in schools.

      Created by the Coalition for Music Education in Canada, the annual event saw 200 students from Vancouver, Coquitlam, Delta, and North Vancouver performing at Robson Square this morning to showcase the importance of elementary and secondary school music programs. School bands across Canada held performances to mark the occasion. 

      In Vancouver, bands from Argyle Secondary (Vancouver), Killarney Secondary (Vancouver), Seaquam Secondary (Delta), and Nestor Elementary (Coquitlam) participated in the event. 

      Student musicians were joined by three different local groups: vocalists from the Vancouver Bach Choir, as well as players from the Royal Canadian Artillery's Band of the 15th Regiment, and the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Service band. Part of the performances were conducted by Dr. Robert Taylor and Dr. Jonathan Girard from UBC's School of Music. Children's singer and JUNO award-winner Charlotte Diamond hosted the morning of music. 

      Music Monday comes amid proposed cuts to education in the Vancouver school district, which would see the elimination of the band and strings program that operates in 44 different schools. 

      Take a look at some photographs from this morning's performance, and watch the video below to hear what the Argyle Secondary senior concert band had in store for teachers, parents, and supporters in the audience.

      Students from Argyle Secondary's senior concert band perform at Robson Square on Music Monday (May 2).
      Amanda Siebert
      Students from Argyle Secondary's senior concert band perform at Robson Square on Music Monday (May 2). 
      Amanda Siebert
      Students from Argyle Secondary's senior concert band perform at Robson Square on Music Monday (May 2). 
      Amanda Siebert
      Students from Argyle Secondary's senior concert band perform at Robson Square on Music Monday (May 2). 
      Amanda Siebert
      Students from Argyle Secondary's senior concert band perform at Robson Square on Music Monday (May 2). They were joined by players from the Royal Canadian Artillery's Band of the 15th Regiment, and the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Service band.
      Amanda Siebert
      Local favourite children's entertainer and musician Charlotte Diamond, a former high school teacher, hosted the event.
      Amanda Siebert
      Students from Argyle Secondary's senior concert band perform at Robson Square on Music Monday (May 2). 
      Amanda Siebert
      Parents, teachers, students and supporters took in the performances at Robson Square.
      Amanda Siebert
      Students from Argyle Secondary's senior concert band perform at Robson Square on Music Monday (May 2). 
      Amanda Siebert
      Students from Argyle Secondary's senior concert band perform at Robson Square on Music Monday (May 2). 
      Amanda Siebert
      Students from Argyle Secondary's senior concert band perform at Robson Square on Music Monday (May 2). 
      Amanda Siebert
      Amanda Siebert

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