On June 6, the Sarah McLachlan School of Music (SoM) hosted its inaugural Spotlight Celebration, a powerful evening recognizing a year of student growth, creativity, and community, while celebrating the donors whose support ensures SoM remains a free, barrier-free space for musical learning.
The event showcased performances from ten senior students and included a moving tribute to Dona Wolverton, whose 2011 gift through the Wolverton Foundation secured SoM’s 16,000-square-foot Vancouver facility in perpetuity. Wolverton’s generosity helped lay the foundation for SoM’s mission: to ensure that all children and youth can access music education regardless of their circumstances.
“Music saved my life as a teen and continues to fuel and nurture me every day,” reflected Sarah McLachlan, SoM founder and Grammy-winning artist. “I want to make sure that all of our community’s children and youth can access the transformative power of music, regardless of any financial and/or emotional barriers they may face. I personally cover 100% of our school’s administrative expenses, so our donors’ gifts go directly to our free-of-charge programs in Vancouver, Edmonton and Surrey.”
With over 1,100 students enrolled across Vancouver, Surrey, and Edmonton, SoM offers entirely free, after-school music education, tailored to meet each student’s interests and needs. From songwriting to DJ turntables, from marimba to choir, the programming is diverse, student-centred, and designed to inspire personal and artistic growth.
“One of the most beautiful things about SoM is that it’s very student-driven,” McLachlan added. “We create classes every year for the kids that are in that particular class, around what they’re interested are, what their skillsets are, and every year the program gets built around the kids in that class.”
Among the featured student performers was Grade 12 student Jordan Fianza, who has been part of SoM since 2018 and reflected on the impact SoM has had on her.
“I feel really honoured. I just love SoM, it’s kind of surreal,” Fianza shared. “SoM has been a big chunk of my life. I’m 18 and I’ve been at SoM since I was in grade 3 or 4. And I’m grade 12 now, so it feels rewarding.”
The evening also included video stories from students and moments of donor recognition that made clear the profound, real-world impact of SoM’s mission. With more than 91% of students facing financial barriers and 65% experiencing social-emotional challenges, SoM stands as a safe, nurturing space for young people to build confidence, community, and purpose.
Attendees were treated to an evening filled with music, powerful storytelling, and a profound sense of connection, all within the walls of a school that champions accessibility, inclusion, and joy through music. The performances were proof of what’s possible when young people are truly seen, heard, and supported.
With future plans including an expanded partnership at Douglas College and continued alumni engagement, SoM remains committed to creating inclusive, supportive musical communities where every child can find their voice. To learn more about the Sarah McLachlan School of Music and its programs, visit www.sarahschoolofmusic.com.
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