Tuesday May 30, 2023
L to R: Ken MacLeod, CEO NBYO; Andy Zildjian, CEO Sabian; Ian Gibson, Teaching Artist, Sistema NB; Mike Connell, COO Sabian
(SAINT JOHN, NB) – Internationally renowned cymbal maker SABIAN and leading Canadian orchestral music program the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra, Inc. (NBYO) today announced a $100,000 commitment designed to help transform the musical landscape in New Brunswick through the NBYO’s Sistema NB Program.
Unveiled at Sistema NB’s Saint John Centre, the partnership includes $50,000 in funding from SABIAN, paired with an equal value of in-kind instruments to support Sistema NB programs throughout the province. SABIAN will also support Sistema NB through its vast international network and social media channels.
As part of the announcement event, which featured a performance by the Saint John Youth Orchestra, music educator Ian Gibson was named as an official SABIAN artist. The Percussion Teaching Artist at Sistema NB’s Saint John Centre and Percussion Coach for the NBYO, Gibson has over twenty years of experience as a percussionist and music educator across the country.
“As a global music instrument brand based here in New Brunswick, we can speak to the importance of the impactful work being done by Sistema NB and the NBYO,” said Mike Connell, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of SABIAN. “As a company, we want to help musicians create, help students innovate, and help teachers educate, both around the globe and here at home. And we feel that this partnership will do just that. SABIAN is proud to support Sistema NB.”
Launched by the NBYO in 2009, Sistema NB is a free daily after-school program that uses music to create social change for children who would not otherwise have the opportunity. For three hours per day, five days per week, the program engages over a thousand young New Brunswickers. Sistema NB is Canada's largest program of its kind and was awarded the Prime Ministers Award for Social Innovation in March 2015 for its work and leadership.
This collaboration between SABIAN and the NBYO brings together two leading New Brunswick-based entities with international reputations. Their efforts will impact generations of New Brunswick youth, by enhancing the quality of music education in the province and helping students to reach their full potential through learning and performing orchestral music.
“The generosity of SABIAN is simply overwhelming,” said Ken MacLeod, NBYO President and CEO. “Their contribution to the NBYO - to the children and youth of this province - will influence generations. We are particularly grateful that, in addition to their financial support and in-kind donation, they have chosen to honor one of our Teaching Artists, Ian Gibson, as an official SABIAN Artist. That means a lot to Ian and to all of the Sistema NB and NBYO family.”
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ABOUT SABIAN:
Located in Meductic, New Brunswick, SABIAN is a global leader in the manufacturing of hand-crafted cymbals and quality percussion instruments. Founded on the principle that drummers deserve better, SABIAN’s team is famous for an unrivalled passion for excellence and innovation.
ABOUT NBYO:
The New Brunswick Youth Orchestra, Inc. (NBYO) is a leading Canadian orchestral music program for children and youth. The NBYO operates an integrated network of programs. Serving over 1,000 children and youth each year, the NBYO is the largest employer of artists in Atlantic Canada, the largest youth music program in Canada and a leader internationally in the space of music for social impact.
ABOUT SISTEMA NB:
Launched by the NBYO in 2009, Sistema NB is a free daily after-school program that uses music and the orchestra as a means to create social change for children who otherwise would not have the opportunity. Today, Sistema NB engages more than 1,100 children, 3 hours daily, 5 days/week, in nine orchestra centres throughout the province. Sistema NB is the largest program of its kind in Canada.
ABOUT IAN GIBSON:
Ian Gibson is a Sistema NB Percussion Teaching Artist and the NBYO Percussion Coach. With over 20 years of professional experience, Ian provides students with the essential skills and knowledge to become outstanding percussionists. Since moving to New Brunswick he has quickly established himself performing professionally with the Tutta Musica Orchestra, Symphony New Brunswick and numerous musical theatre productions.
For further information, please contact:
Stacey Montgomery-Clark
Vice President Sales & Marketing
Office +1 506 272 2019 x211 Cell +1 506 575 4250
SABIAN Ltd, 219 Main Street, Meductic, NB, E6H 2L5, Canada
www.sabian.com