Brandon Chorale Board Seeks Approval for Teachers’ Tour Participation

The Brandon Conservatory Chorale board is urging the Brandon School Division (BSD) board of trustees to reconsider its decision regarding the participation of three teachers in an upcoming youth choir school tour scheduled for April 2026. In a letter addressed to the trustees, chair Heidi Howarth emphasized the importance of this request, highlighting the need for clarity on the board’s timeline for reconsideration.

Howarth pointed out that other school divisions have successfully approved similar requests without requiring educators to utilize personal days. This approach recognizes youth choir tours as valuable extensions of music education and professional development. In April 2025, the BSD had allowed the same teachers to participate in a choir tour, with the Brandon Conservatory Chorale covering the costs for substitute teachers. That tour was deemed successful, providing significant educational and artistic benefits to students in the community.

In her correspondence, Howarth noted the longstanding partnership between the chorale and the school division, which has supported participation in such tours for over 40 years. She stated, “A departure from that consistent historical practice warrants a clear rationale and a defined path forward.”

The request was formally presented to the BSD on November 24, where it was discussed by the board of trustees’ Committee of the Whole. However, it was declined at that time due to concerns about the availability of substitute teachers. Howarth was informed that the matter would be revisited once the situation stabilized.

In anticipation of the 2026 tour, the chorale has already secured funding for transportation, including booking a bus, and is prepared to cover all substitute teacher costs, thereby ensuring that the division would not incur any financial burdens. If substitute teacher availability remains a concern, Howarth expressed the organization’s willingness to work within the school division’s framework. This includes avoiding high-demand days such as Mondays and Fridays and coordinating with schools to secure qualified substitutes in advance.

Participation in the tour is framed as a significant opportunity for music education, student engagement, and community outreach. The tour promises to provide high-quality choral performance experiences for students, enhancing their educational journey.

In her letter, Howarth inquired whether the board would be willing to approve the directors’ release for the tour in April 2026, contingent upon securing substitutes and covering associated costs. She also sought guidance on the timeline for reconsideration and any specific conditions that must be met for approval.

During a recent meeting, Linda Ross, chair of the BSD board of trustees, acknowledged the receipt of Howarth’s letter and recommended that the matter be referred to the committee for further review. The trustees agreed to this course of action, indicating that the request will be examined in greater detail at the committee level.

This ongoing dialogue highlights the importance of collaboration between educational organizations and community arts initiatives, ensuring that students have access to enriching experiences that enhance their education and foster a love for music.