Carleton Place High School introduces Music and Creating Program

Carleton Place High School (CPHS) has launched the Music and Creating Program for students in Grades 10 to 12. The program is a departure from the traditional band performance models to a project-based learning approach that reflects today’s creative industries.

According to a UCDSB press release, shared with Lanarkist on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, the program encourages student learning through collaboration, creation, and performance. They offer hands-on learning opportunities for students of all skill levels.

“Music in high school has to adapt,” said CPHS Music and Drama Teacher Benjamin Russell. “A lot of the students want to play more modern music, which wouldn’t happen in a traditional big band setting, so it allows these kids to become involved.”

The school created Cave Studios to accommodate the new program, a learning area in the school cafeteria. The stage there allows space for instruments as well as audio and editing equipment.

“Mr. Russell mentioned an alternative program like band for credit, because a lot of us enjoyed playing music and wanted to do it as an extracurricular,” said Grade 11 student, Gavin Wark. “I didn’t want to play the trumpet and read music. I enjoy playing classic rock with a bit higher energy.”

“He thought he could get a program going that would be the same credit, to learn about recording and live sound and playing as a band and doing covers, and we all thought that sounded great,” Wark added.

The program has incorporated Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Arts and Culture requirements. In addition, they regularly invite industry professionals to teach the students about technical production, filmmaking, and gear use.

“The arts are so competitive,” said Russell. “You must have talent, obviously, but because it’s so competitive, you must also be up to par when it comes to the technology. You need to be able to promote yourself properly, and the better they are going into this art world, the better the outcome is going to be.”

The students also play live shows throughout the year, showcasing their learning to their peers.

“You get to play music with a lot of people, including people I didn’t know played music,” said Grade 11 student Roman Kentfield. “This program brought everyone together.”

This unique program is giving students skills and confidence in music-making, and encouraging those who want to pursue music as a career path.

“I’m friends with somebody who just joined the school, and they were fascinated by the program. Other friends that go to different schools are jealous. They can’t believe we get to play in our band for credit,” Wark added.

“Our goal is to build an inclusive environment where students learn to compose, record, and perform music,” added Russell. “They’re skills that transfer far beyond the classroom.”