Why December / Holiday Concert Season Is A Strategic Moment to Act for Music Educators

As music educators, this time of year — with concerts, school events, holiday recitals — gives you a unique opportunity to show the value of music education to your communities and decision‑makers. Here’s why now is a smart time to act, and how you can do it using the tools from SAA and SMEA.

Christmas concerts are a perfect opportunity to advocate for music education!

Reason #1: High Visibility — Schools and Community are Watching

Holiday concerts and end-of-term performances showcase student success. At this moment, administrators, parents, and community members directly see what music education brings: student engagement, performance, pride, and community connection.

If decision‑makers take notice now, it reinforces that music programs are not optional extras — they are integral to community and student life.

Reason #2: Momentum from Recent Advocacy by SAA

Earlier in 2025, SAA spotlighted real threats to music programs. In particular, the campaign around potential cuts to elementary‑band programming in the Regina Public Schools division illustrated how quickly staffing reductions can reduce access to music for hundreds of students.

SAA invited educators, parents, and community members to use an online tool to send letters to MLAs, the Minister of Education, the school‑board association, and other decision makers.

That tool is still available — making it simple and quick to act now.

Reason #3: It’s Easy — Only a Few Minutes and It Makes a Difference

According to SAA, the online advocacy tool requires just your name, email, postal code — then submit. That’s it. A couple of minutes of your time could help protect music programs across the province.

Because of existing momentum and awareness, letters submitted now are more likely to catch decision-makers’ attention before budgets and program decisions for next term are finalized.

Reason #4: Backed by Clear Evidence — Music Education Benefits Are Well-Established

Advocacy efforts from SAA highlight that music and arts education supports student well‑being, academic achievement, and community connection — qualities increasingly important for students’ overall success.

By acting now during a period where your school’s music activity is visible, you reinforce that these benefits are real — not abstract or hypothetical.

What You Can Do Right Now (It Only Takes a Few Minutes)

• Use the online advocacy tool from SAA to send a letter to your MLA, the Minister of Education, the leaders of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA), and other decision‑makers.

• Share with your colleagues, parents, and school community — encourage them to send letters too, increasing collective voice and visibility.

• Point to recent examples (like the Regina Public Schools band‑program situation) to show how easily music access can be reduced — and how action now can help prevent that.

• Emphasize the concrete benefits of music education — academics, well‑being, community — rather than abstract arguments.

💡 Bottom Line

Because it’s concert season and music programming is highly visible, December is a prime opportunity. Using the easy online tools from SAA, you can quickly make your voice heard on behalf of your students and colleagues. A small action now — a short letter — could help protect and strengthen music education across Saskatchewan for 2026 and beyond.