CMST launches an exciting year of new music opportunities for students

November 4, 2026

The school year is off to a thrilling start at CMST! Our studios are humming with music and hallways are filled with laughter. Alongside our individual classes, groups and ensembles, CMST is embarking on exciting new opportunities and experiences this year.

The Saukrates Youth Electric Symphony Orchestra (SYESO) is a new CMST ensemble under the creative leadership of Canadian music legend Saukrates, a Juno Award-winning producer, songwriter, rapper, singer and beatmaker. Saukrates partnered with CMST last year in a project that created two original compositions that were premiered at CMST’s Many Beats / One Community celebration in June in Regent Park.

The new ensemble takes place on Saturday afternoons with a core group of string players. SYESO students will work on original music, explore new sounds and ideas, and take music from the rehearsal room to the recording studio and to the stage. As the ensemble grows, so will its ‘electric symphony’ sound, welcoming instruments such as guitars, synths, percussion, winds, harp, and more. The journey will lead to a public performance on June 4, 2027, featuring music created by this ever-evolving ensemble. Further details to come!

Another exciting new opportunity is with Music Toronto and the Listen Up! Music Education Program. Listen Up! is a Gryphon Trio arts education program produced by Music Toronto that brings mentor composers, musicians, poets and visual artists into classrooms to nurture the creative spark in children.

The program will be brought to life at CMST this year in an exceptional growth and learning opportunity for our kids and faculty members. In collaboration with Music Toronto, composer Chris Thornborrow, and with supportive guidance from Ry Moran, a leader in Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, four new songs for CMST choir students will be composed using ideas and themes developed by the students. The songs will be performed in end of year performances in June.

At Jane Finch, new classes are also being introduced! We are bringing technology, beat making and DJ arts to younger kids with a new group class for 6- to 8-year-olds. Our goal is to inspire kids early and grow their interest in the program. We are also introducing Community Band at Jane Finch, an opportunity for kids, families and community members to come together in music making.

Learn more about CMST classes and opportunities that are available to our students.