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

VANCOUVER, March 23, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, 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.

"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.

"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.

As part of the renewed collaboration, TD announced its increase in support of MusiCounts, contributing $1.875 million over 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/.

About TD Music
At TD, we see music as a conversation-starter, something that has the power to bring communities together and give us all somewhere to belong. Over the past decade, TD has been continuously committed to music by sponsoring over 100 community music programs and over 90 music festivals and concerts across Canada. 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 2018 JUNO Fan Choice Award.

In addition to the JUNO Awards, TD Music is also a key supporter of dozens of community concerts, festivals and events, from the likes of summer Jazz Festivals across Canada and community music programs.

About MusiCounts 
MusiCounts, Canada's music education charity associated with CARAS and the JUNO Awards, is keeping music alive across Canada by putting musical instruments into the hands of children that need them most. MusiCounts' mission is to ensure that children and youth in Canada have access to music programs through their schools and communities. MusiCounts celebrates musical excellence and achieves its mission through its Band Aid Program, the MusiCounts TD Community Music Program, the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, Scholarships and other music education initiatives. MusiCounts is funded by many of Canada's most dedicated individuals, events, and corporate citizens.
www.MusiCounts.ca

About CARAS
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences/L'académie canadienne des arts et des sciences de l'enregistrement (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music industry and to contribute toward higher artistic and industry standards. CARAS' mandate is comprised of four key pillars: Educate through our music education charity MusiCounts programs and initiatives, Develop emerging artists through mentorship and development programs, Celebrate Canadian artists with year round JUNO Awards showcasing, and Honour music industry icons through the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. For more information on the 47th Annual JUNO Awards or The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) please visit www.junoawards.ca.

SOURCE TD Bank Group