Over 200,000 Participants Sing “Hold On” Bringing Attention To The Value School Music Programs
TORONTO, May 5, 2025 – Today, more than 200,000 Canadians joined forces in over 600 locations for Music Monday, a powerful nationwide celebration organized by the Coalition for Music Education in Canada. This year’s highlight was a massive sing-along of Triumph’s anthem “Hold On,” underscoring the urgent need for music education and the unifying strength of music at a time when our schools are facing drastic cuts to these vital programs.
Raising awareness for music education
At 12:30 p.m. ET, participants coast to coast to coast harmonized in what became the world’s largest sing-along aimed at raising awareness for music education. The anthem was brought to life through a collaboration featuring Rik Emmett and over 250 talented children’s voices recorded at Metalworks Studio, showcasing the incredible talent of young performers united in song.
“Today’s incredible nationwide event reminds me about the vital role music has played in my own life. Music has allowed me to connect with many people in ways that transcend words,” says Triumph’s Gil Moore. “Music matters so much to people! It enriches our lives and our communities. It fosters creativity, collaboration, and emotional expression among students—qualities we desperately need in our schools. That’s why I got involved—I believe we must nurture the next generation of artists and leaders. I urge everyone to lend their voice to support music programming in our schools”.
Gathering at Metalworks Studio in Mississauga
The heart of the event was a signature gathering at Metalworks Studio in Mississauga, hosted by Moore and Stacey Sinclair, Executive Director of the Coalition for Music Education. This live-streamed event showcased local performers and highlighted the pressing need for equitable access to quality music programs, especially as cuts to music education are hitting schools hard in British Columbia and Toronto.
Necessity of access to quality music education
“Music Monday is not just about celebrating music; it’s about making a powerful statement about the necessity of access to quality music education for all students,” said Sinclair. “With schools looking to cut or drastically reduce music programs, we must unite and call on Canada’s leaders to step up and invest in music education for our children’s future. Music education—especially elementary school band programs—plays a vital role in a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development, offering lifelong benefits that extend far beyond the classroom,” added Sinclair.
Coalition for Music Education
Since its inception in 2005, the Coalition for Music Education has engaged over 4 million students and garnered support from esteemed Canadian musicians dedicated to preserving music education in our schools. This year, in light of significant cuts to music education in British Columbia, artists such as Michael Bublé, Sarah McLachlan, Nickelback, and bbno$ came together to produce a powerful video advocating for BC music programs. The Coalition is currently receiving thousands of emails through their advocacy platform, highlighting the growing concern among students, musicians, parents, and community members about the future of music education. Canadians who want to learn more and lend their support for music education are encouraged to visit
www.musicmonday.ca or www.coalitioncanada.ca for more information.
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