Connecting the Dots – Neighbourhood Small Grants Final Report
The Connecting the Dots skill-sharing workshop was created to bring neighbours together through music, learning, and community connection. Thanks to the support of the Neighbourhood Small Grants program, we were able to host a three-hour workshop where choir members learned foundational music-reading skills in a welcoming and encouraging environment.
The workshop was led by our choir director, who generously shared their expertise by teaching participants the basics of reading sheet music, understanding musical notation, and building confidence in following choral scores. Whether participants had previous musical experience or were completely new to reading music, everyone was encouraged to learn at their own pace. Our choir director also curated the lesson and provided printed learning materials so participants could continue practising after the workshop.
Our original plan was to hold the workshop at the Mission Youth Centre. However, we needed access to a piano and a weekend space that better accommodated participants’ schedules, so we relocated to a spare meeting space at a local church. This venue proved to be an excellent fit, as the piano allowed participants to hear musical concepts demonstrated in real time, making the learning experience more interactive and engaging.
To help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, refreshments were provided throughout the afternoon. I organized and purchased coffee, tea, and a variety of treats, giving participants the opportunity to relax, visit with one another during breaks, and build relationships beyond regular choir rehearsals. These informal conversations helped foster a stronger sense of belonging and encouraged new connections among choir members.
The workshop accomplished much more than teaching music-reading skills. It created a safe and supportive space where neighbours learned from one another, asked questions freely, shared encouragement, and gained confidence together. Participants left with practical skills they can continue using, as well as a deeper sense of connection to the choir and to one another.
We are grateful to the Neighbourhood Small Grants program for investing in local community initiatives like this one. The funding helped make it possible to provide quality learning materials, refreshments, and an accessible learning environment where people could connect, share knowledge, and strengthen relationships. The workshop demonstrated how a simple opportunity to learn together can build confidence, create friendships, and contribute to a more connected and caring neighbourhood.
