Smith School introduced an instrumental music class last year for students to learn electric guitar, bass, and drums. Not to be confused with the traditional music class required for elementary students, the instrumental music class was initially offered as an option in grades 9 through 12.
It sounds exciting, and interest among the school’s older students was great but new principal Glen Finney wanted to make some changes to the program to make it more accessible for everyone. The first thing he did was to eliminate the fee students paid last year. The second thing was to expand the program to other grades.
“Last year it was offered to Grade 9 students and the high school,” Finney says. “There was a $150 fee last year but we’re not charging this year. I wanted to ensure that students had access and that money would not be a restriction.”
As predicted, the number of students who opted to participate is up significantly from last year. There are 30 students in the program this year, 12 from grades 9 through 12, 11 from grades 7 and 8, and seven from grades 5 and 6.
The lowest grade students are receiving instruction as part of the school’s special education initiative.
“I had some extra time on my hands,” says Finney. “Special Ed kids often respond well in music programs and it will give them a head start for next year. If I could, I would give this to all the students. But there is just no time for that.”
Finney, an experienced guitarist himself, teaches the class, but he does not do it alone. Music teacher Brenda Fulmore helps out but the kids receive expert instruction from a deal with Axe Music in Edmonton. Music teacher Steve Pinsent drives the two-hour trip every other week to impart knowledge on Smith’s budding rockers.
“The students really look forward to Steve’s visits,” Finney says. “It allows small group instruction in guitar, bass, and drums. He works with them for three hours and small groups are essential, especially when learning a new instrument.”
So, the kids are happy the program continues, parents are happy that the fee has been waived, but what is paying for the program? Obviously there are costs involved and Axe Music doesn’t come cheap.
“Our first initiative is a community bottle drive on Oct. 14,” says Finney. “We’re hoping to raise somewhere between $1,500 and $2,000 with that. All students are expected to be involved in this, and all, fundraisers this year. Everyone will have the opportunity to fundraise. Instead of contributing $150, the students will contribute time to make sure this program survives.”
According to Finney, the instrumental music program needs $8,000 - $10,000 this year to operate. Another fundraising idea being considered is a community talent show that would showcase students and private citizens alike.
“It would give the kids hands-on experience in performing and exposure to other musicians in the community. It would be a good way to bring musicians together and let the kids develop the skills.”
Raising $10,000 in a school year in a tiny town like Smith may sound daunting to some, but a bolt from out of the blue gave a program a good shot in the arm. KTS Contracting, locally owned by Shane Willis, recently donated $2,000 to the project.
“It’s a huge contribution and I cannot say enough about Shane’s donation,” Finney says. “If we cannot raise the money we need this year, we will have to, unfortunately, scale back the class. But with Shane’s help, we’re well on our way.”

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