For years, Steve Sainas has seen the results of Minnekhada middle's music programs.
The Port Coquitlam school feeds into Terry Fox secondary, where Sainas is the contemporary music teacher and instructs about 140 kids a year through Rock School and recording arts. Many grads go on to pursue post-secondary music education and careers in the field.
Those who come from Minnekhada are among Sainas' best as they already have a foundation with the school's Must Rock and Must DJ, two programs overseen by teacher David Erickson.
"He gives them the head start," Sainas said, "and I'm very grateful for that."
But unlike Fox, which has a self-sustaining course and a nearly unlimited use of the adjacent 336-seat theatre, Minnekhada's music programs operate on a shoestring. Some of its instruments are second hand; others aren't working at all, Erickson said.
Sainas hopes to change that when Terry Fox secondary hosts a benefit concert on Friday, with the aim to raise more than $3,000 for Minnekhada's musical instruments.
And he's bringing in a top act to ensure the event sells out. With the help of his friend Derek Bird, a retired CBC producer, Sainas has booked SV and the Killer B's to headline Youth Must Rock.
SV is Shaun Verreault - the lead singer and guitarist for Wide Mouth Mason - while his backup Killer B's are Canadian music legends in their own right: Pat Steward (beats) and Doug Elliott (bass) play for the Odds, led by Port Moody native Craig Northey; and Darryl Havers (B3) is with Brickhouse.
The lineup also includes: Royal Oak, The Bird The Lion & The Meerkat, Tinman Revolution, Bridgeworks and The Chocolate Rainbow of Death.
Sainas feels fortunate he was able to secure a band at all, given the short notice and the musicians' busy life at home and on the road.
The idea for the school benefit came from the Access to Music Foundation, a provincial organization that helps to collect funds and build awareness for music education in public schools (Sainas performed for a foundation show recently at the Vancouver FanClub).
Elka Yarlowe, foundation president and CEO, said her group is backing Youth Must Rock. Many Canadian schools are struggling to pay for music education, she said, and "Steve Sainas has created something sustainable and enviable. And now, he is teaching his students the importance of giving back by raising funds for Minnekhada middle school's Rock program."
Erickson said Minnekhada music students often host concerts and dances during the school year; however, proceeds go to a charitable cause - Share Family and Community Services Society - instead of music equipment.
Still, Erickson is grateful for Sainas' generosity. Proceeds from Youth Must Rock will be spent on a Nord Stage keyboard and an electric guitar.
Sainas stressed his goal is to have modern music programs available at every school in the district.
"There needs to be music for every kind of kid. It's good to have traditional but you also need to make room for contemporary as well."
Tickets for Youth Must Rock on Friday, Jan. 30 are $10 via terryfoxtheatre.org or at the theatre door (1260 Riverwood Gate, Port Coquitlam). Doors opens at 6:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show. Cash donations will also be accepted.
