CMST Community Partnerships bring together stories, movement and music across generations

Music and community together are at the heart of CMST’s work. Alongside our outstanding curriculum and performance opportunities, CMST collaborates with community partners to grow connections across the neighbourhoods we serve. This fall, we were delighted to partner with two fantastic organizations - the Children’s Book Bank and Dancing With Parkinson’s – to deliver unique opportunities to learn and grown through music across generations!

Stories & Sound: CMST and the Children’s Book Bank Jane & Finch

This year, we deepened our partnership with the Children’s Book Bank Jane & Finch through a series of literacy- and music-based projects.

During Truth and Reconciliation Week in October 2025, Book Bank staff visited our Jane Finch Junior Choir to share picture books by Indigenous authors. Students engaged thoughtfully with the stories and each received a book to take home.

The collaboration continued in our early years programs, where students transformed selected stories into original musical soundscapes. In December, they presented their creations at the Book Bank’s Yorkgate Mall location, sharing their work with families and introducing many to this valuable community resource.

We look forward to growing this partnership in the months ahead, including exploring a new “Science of Sound” initiative that blends music, technology, and science literacy.

Founded in 2008, The Children’s Book Bank provides free books and literacy programs to children across Toronto, improving literacy rates and socioeconomic outcomes.

Music & Movement Across Generations: A Growing Partnership with Dancing with Parkinson’s

In December, CMST was thrilled to partner with Dancing with Parkinson’s (DWP) for a special Winter Dance community event that beautifully blended live music, movement, and connection.

Groups of CMST students performed while participants from DWP took to the floor, responding to the rhythm and energy of the music. It was a memorable celebration of artistry across generations, as students, clients, families, and friends gathered to share in the joy of creative expression.

DWP offers research-backed dance classes designed for people living with Parkinson’s disease and seniors who want to experience the joy of movement. Classes are led by specially trained instructors and focus on creative expression, connection, and meaningful physical and emotional benefits — offered both online and in person.

Together, the DWP and CMST participants created a space of warmth, celebration, and community in the heart of winter. Our sincere thanks to our partners at Dancing with Parkinson’s and our friends at Daniels Spectrum for supporting this meaningful event.