The following text was the lead editorial in the Times & Transcript on Monday, April 30, 2012.
We are deeply appreciative of the contributions of Moncton’s David Parker, director of Sistema New Brunswick’s children’s orchestra centre here in the city, who will be honoured in Toronto next month while he performs with Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra. Sistema NB is the community outreach program operated by the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra (NBYO) under the direction of another Monctonian, former MLA Ken MacLeod. It not only provides world-class musical performances for the enjoyment of New Brunswickers but is changing the lives of many young people in the province whose circumstances don’t necessarily offer an opportunity for highly disciplined musical training at a young age.
The not-for-profit program offers free training and free instruments to the youngsters. Many of the instruments are provided by New Brunswickers during an annual drive operated by Sistema and the Times & Transcript proudly supports this effort.
Congratulations to both gentlemen, to all the dedicated musicians and trainers of Sistema and of course to all the young musicians.