About

About Us

Harmony offers FREE music lessons to youth; we run during the school year. We have instruments to borrow for home practice if the students do not have one to begin with. The “pay it forward” contract is signed by each student, which requires one hour of volunteering in exchange for each hour of lessons they receive. In our bully free zone, our students can learn new skills and make new friends. We are a nonprofit organization, run strictly by dedicated volunteers. No experience necessary to sign up, lessons are for youth ages 12 - 18.

We provide a constructive avenue for youth to express themselves and offer an environment free of negative social interactions such as exclusion and bullying. Harmony maintains operations that are sustainable, transparent, with consistent and effective programs. There are no prerequisites or financial fees for the 

youth that have entered our programs. Our organization operates with low over-head, which results in more dollars for programming.

Joanne Klauke-Labelle

Founder

Joanne was a music teacher who founded Harmony for Youth in 1995 after the tragic news of a student of hers struggling with mental health. She wanted to provide an opportunity for young people to express themselves in a safe environment and learn artistic skills to boost their self-esteem and confidence. It began in the founder’s home with twelve youth. Joanne passed away in 2015, leaving her legacy to a team of volunteers; a strong team of individuals that strive to promote an environment built on respect for one another in a positive, encouraging and constructive manner.

Paul Kearney

Executive Director

Paul was the original president of the Board of Directors of Harmony for Youth. Over the 24 years he has created lessons for and taught piano and cooking, led the choir in lessons and performance when called upon and worked on many of the past trips Harmony for Youth have taken. Paul has created and run many past fundraisers as well. Paul has been the unofficial memory of Harmony and always been available to past and present Board Members and teacher, mentor, and volunteers to help with Harmony’s growth and prosperity.


Lorne Pavey

Vice-President

Lorne is retired and has been with Harmony for 5 years. He keeps very busy volunteering his time at the centre. You can find him on Monday evenings sitting at a Drum kit as the Drum Instructor. He is also at every event helping wherever he can whether its BBQing, serving food, making coffee, or just talking to people about Harmony. He even went as far as writing a song specifically for Harmony.

Bonita Ovens-Taylor

Treasurer & Harmony Mom

Bonita connected with Harmony back in the late 1990's when her young triplets joined in the band and choir programs. She watched as they learned new skills, developed their love for music and participated in the various concerts and musical productions. When Harmony was in need of new Board members and a Treasurer, Bonita stepped in to help out and help "Pay It Forward" so future generations of youth could receive what her own had benefited from. After many years of guiding the financial operations she has chosen to now continue volunteering as she can. 


Nancy Bell 

Director

Nancy joined our board at Harmony when there was a need for volunteers. While always being a hard worker herself and loving her kids, she saw Harmony’s mission and decided to use any spare time to help where she could by welcoming the kids and making them feel accomplished. 

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