Forget about talking, Let’s Make Music!
January 24, 2025
A $78,800 Grant Strikes the Right Note with High Notes Avante
NEWS January 22, 2025
THORNHILL: On Wednesday evening, local MPP Laura Smith and Mayor David West were at the Plaza Suite at the Richmond Hill Centre for Performing Arts as High Notes Avante showcased it’s “Let’s Make Music!” program. MPP Smith also took the opportunity to formally congratulate the group on receiving a $78,800 Seed grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) last fall.
“Congratulations to High Notes Avante’s ‘Let’s Make Music!’ program on their $78,800 Seed grant,” said Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill. “I am proud of our government’s continued support for organizations that are making a difference in our communities. Supporting initiatives like High Notes Avante’s ‘Let’s Make Music!’ program is a powerful way to help individuals in our community living with mental illness. Music not only provides an outlet for creativity, but it also offers a therapeutic way for participants to build confidence, connect with others, and improve their well-being.”
The registered charity will be using its year-long OTF Seed grant with its free music program to support about 30 youths and adults living in York Region living with mental illness. The free program is offered on an individual or group musical instruction basis. Funds are being used to help with staffing costs for a Program Coordinator and some administrative costs too. The grant is also enabling the group to help with instructor fees, hosting a mental health first aid workshop and purchasing two digital pianos for an accessible location so that High Notes Avante’s students have access to practicing even if there isn’t a piano at home.
“Music has tremendous power to heal,” said Ingrid Taheri, Founder and Executive Director, High Notes Avante. “Learning an instrument helps our students to express themselves and focus on something non-illness related. We are so grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and other funders for supporting our students, who may not have had the opportunity to learn otherwise.”
“The one-on-one nature of the lessons really helps, especially when kids might be struggling with things like ADHD and anxiety,” said a parent with children in the program. “It teaches them to persevere and to push through challenges later in life.”
Composer Alan Shiner, spent the latter part of Wednesday evening teaching the audience the song “We ALL Have A Story”, which he composed for High Notes Avante’s 10th anniversary celebration in 2024.
“I just love your song,” said Colette Tanel, a participant. “When I’m singing it, I think of my niece with bipolar, my friend’s son with schizophrenia and the funeral I just attended for the 47-year-old daughter of my friend from church who died from anorexia… and I don’t feel sad. Really, the song makes me feel hopeful and strong for them somehow!”
Founded in 2013, has been using the power of music to inspire and give hop to those touched by mental illness for 10 years. You can learn more about their programs and register at the website highnotesavante.ca.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
For more information contact:
Ingrid Taheri, Founder & Executive Director
High Notes Avante
416.605.8915
highnotesavante@gmail.com