ATHABASCA – The arts may not be the first thing that comes to mind when people hear “northern Alberta,” but a local theatre troupe is working hard to make sure students get the same access to artistic education as their urban peers.
Big River Arts Society (BRASS) was recognized for a decade-long effort in Aspen View schools April 17 when founder Gina Martel, board chair Brian LeMessurier and vice-president Diana Jackson were presented with the 2024-25 Friends of Education Award by Aspen View Public Schools board of trustees.
“It’s always nice to be recognized; it was not expected, but it was certainly a nice surprise,” said Martel in an interview.
While Martel and BRASS have been working with AVPS for a decade now, they were specifically honoured for their yearly class at Grassland School. Martel, Jackson, and others spend two weeks helping the kids prepare a “mini-musical,” typically for Christmas or Mother’s Day, and the students handle everything, including set design and instrumental back up.
“It’s very cool to see a kid come from being quiet shy at the beginning of our sessions to performing on stage and all of a sudden having all these friends,” said Jackson.
In addition to its work in Grassland, BRASS has also worked with AVPS teachers to help students with learning disabilities understand the curriculum through the arts.
“This is another avenue to explore, and it gives students a sense of being successful at school, whereas maybe everything else is very challenging,” said Martel.
“For that very little period of time that we are there, they get to feel successful and positive about being at school.”
BRASS used to work with a variety of Aspen View schools, including Vilna, Smith, and Thorhild, but after the funding got cut, schools had to find room in their individual budgets for the program, which Grassland has done.
Parent Council chair Cherisse Yurdiga nominated the society, praising the group for their commitment to the kids academic and personal growth.
“As a group of parents that have children enrolled in Grassland School, we believe that Big River Arts Society is well deserving of this award for their continued commitment to our students’ education and personal development,” wrote Yurdiga.
In her nomination letter Yurdiga included testimonials from parents, students, and teachers who praised BRASS for its work.
“I have gained skills like teamwork, vocal exercises, the importance of trusting and working with your team or cast, memorization, stage presence, and so much more,” said a Grade 4 student.
The annual program is beloved by staff as well, with one teacher saying, “The kids gain so much confidence, gives them a sense of pride and accomplishment, and brings us together as a school community.”
For Martel, her journey with BRASS has had a full circle effect. Growing up in Athabasca, she said school was challenging, but the arts program gave her a chance to excel.
“What got me to the end and educated all the way through was that we had a band program. And a drama program. And I really excelled in those; for somebody who wasn’t necessarily geared academically, I mean, this has ended up being my life’s work,” she said.
“It was important that those opportunities were there for me — it gave me a purpose, and a drive, and I’m still doing it to this day.”
