TD kicks off JUNO Weekend with a surprise announcement to Vancouver-based Saint James Music Academy with special appearances by Scott Helman and The Beaches

TD Bank Group, in collaboration with MusiCounts, presented Saint James Music Academy with $20,000 in new musical instruments and equipment through the MusiCounts TD Community Music Program, to help grow its community music programs in Vancouver.

Saint James Music Academy is a non-profit organization that offers free classical music training to hundreds of children in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side.

Scott Helman performs at CBC Music Festival photo by Dale Sinclair

“Music has the power to enrich lives and create stronger, more vibrant communities. We’re honoured to grant instruments to Saint James Music Academy through the MusiCounts TD Community Music Program so they can continue to provide free musical training to hundreds of children in Vancouver,” said Andrea Barrack, Vice President, Global Corporate Citizenship, TD Bank Group. “Learning to play music can be one of life’s greatest gifts. It’s an education in creativity, collaboration and focus, and helps to build confidence.”

As a committed and long-standing supporter of Canadian music and artists, TD is proud to return to the JUNO Awards as a National Sponsor, and as the Presenting Sponsor of the JUNO Fan Choice Award.

The Beaches photo Kayla Winkworth

“TD understands that music is an important source of passion and inclusiveness for our customers and colleagues. We’re thrilled to be part of the JUNO Awards to celebrate homegrown Canadian talent at the TD Green Room,” she added.

The announcement, which included surprise appearances by JUNO nominees Scott Helman and The Beaches, took place in the TD Green Room – a unique and exclusive destination designed to bring musicians, industry, media and community partners together to celebrate the love of music.

Over the course of JUNO Weekend, the TD Green Room will feature special performances from Canadian talent, including emerging artists from the JUNO Awards host province, B.C. This year’s lineup includes:

  • Scott Helman, two-time JUNO nominee for Songwriter of the Year Presented by SOCAN and Pop Album of the Year
  • The Beaches, JUNO nominee for Breakthrough Group of the Year Sponsored by FACTOR, the Government of Canada, and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters
  • Ria Mae, JUNO nominee for Pop Album of the Year

In November, The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and TD announced the renewal of its seven-year relationship. The exclusive collaboration will provide enhanced and continued support for Canadian music through a variety of events, community and educational programs across the country.

Ria Mae – photo by Sydney Butters

As part of the renewed collaboration, TD announced its increase in support of MusiCounts, contributing $1.875 millionover the next three years. To date, the MusiCounts TD Community Music Program has supported over 100 programs across Canada with over $1.7 million provided in instruments and equipment. Applications for the 2018 MusiCounts TD Community Music Program are open until May 9 through MusiCounts.ca.

“The MusiCounts TD Community Music Program has the power to transform communities by granting more children access to musical programming so they have an opportunity to learn, create and connect with music,” said Kristy Fletcher, Executive Director, MusiCounts. “We’re excited to work with TD on this program for a sixth consecutive year and look forward to receiving applications from across the country.”

Fans across the country can join the TD Music conversation by following @TD_Canada for highlights from the TD Music Green Room, and can keep up-to-date on all TD Music initiatives by visiting http://www.tdmusic.com/.