Brandon Chorale Board Urges School Division to Approve Teacher Tour

The Brandon Conservatory Chorale board is pressing the Brandon School Division (BSD) board of trustees to rethink its decision regarding the participation of three teachers in an upcoming youth choir school tour scheduled for April 2026. Chair Heidi Howarth emphasized the importance of this request in a recent letter, seeking clarity on the timeline for reconsideration.

Howarth noted that other school divisions have granted similar requests, allowing teachers to participate in these tours without the need to utilize personal days off. She highlighted that youth choir tours are widely recognized as valid extensions of music education and professional development.

In April 2025, the BSD had previously approved a similar request, permitting the same three directors to join a tour while the conservatory covered the expenses for substitute teachers. This tour was successful, enhancing educational and artistic experiences for students throughout the community. Howarth stated, “Participation in such tours has been supported in principle for more than 40 years,” underscoring the long-standing partnership between the chorale and the school division.

The chorale’s letter, presented on November 24, outlined its request for permission for its music directors, who are also division teachers, to attend the upcoming tour. In December, Howarth received feedback indicating that the BSD’s Committee of the Whole had discussed the request but decided against it due to a shortage of substitute teachers. It was indicated that the board would revisit the issue once circumstances improved.

In preparation for the 2026 tour, the chorale has secured funding to cover transportation costs, including bus bookings, and is ready to manage all expenses related to substitute teachers, ensuring no financial burden falls on the division. Howarth expressed a commitment to work within the school’s operational constraints. She proposed measures to alleviate concerns about substitute availability, including scheduling around high-demand days such as Mondays and Fridays and arranging for partial-day absences where feasible.

The board has recognized that this tour represents a significant opportunity for music education, community engagement, and high-quality performance experiences for students. In her correspondence, Howarth inquired whether the board would consider approving the teachers’ release for the tour in April 2026, provided that substitute teachers could be secured and all costs were covered by the chorale.

During a recent board meeting, Linda Ross, chair of the BSD board of trustees, acknowledged receipt of Howarth’s letter and recommended that the matter be referred to the committee for further review. Trustees agreed to this approach, ensuring that the request will receive more comprehensive consideration in upcoming discussions.

The Brandon Conservatory Chorale remains hopeful that the board will recognize the value of the tour and approve the participation of its directors, continuing a rich tradition of music education and community involvement.