Belonging Through the Arts: Inside NACI’s Performing Arts Program

On this episode of Schooled, we sit down with Colleen Hallett, Music Teacher at Neepawa Area Collegiate Institute (NACI), to dive into the heart of the Performing Arts Program at the school — and how it’s shaping both the school culture and the wider community. —Liway Cabrera
Local Journalism Initiative

Colleen explains that the Performing Arts program at NACI encompasses a wide range of creative courses, including Concert Band, Jazz Band, General Music, Choir, Theatre, and Visual Arts. “I focus mostly on instrumental music,” she says, “from teaching guitar to trumpet, flute, clarinet, and saxophone — and we get to perform and put together great shows for the community.”

She also highlights the impact the arts can have on students' personal growth. “The role of Performing Arts is to help kids find their voice,” Colleen says. “It’s being creative with other people, finding a sense of belonging — especially for newcomers. Even if language is a barrier, music is a universal language. It’s a place to find success no matter what.”

However, she notes that the program faces ongoing challenges, especially when it comes to equipment. “The biggest challenge right now is the fleet of instruments,” she says. “A lot of them are from the '80s and '90s and are falling apart. We’re trying to replace them gradually, but we need to make sure every student has a functioning instrument.”

The influence of the program also extends beyond the walls of the school, strengthening connections throughout the Neepawa community. “I think it brings people together,” Colleen says. “I love seeing different generations of students at our band concerts or when we play out in the community — like when our Brass Ensemble performed at the Roxy. It’s so neat to see people come together to enjoy music.”

This episode offers a compelling look at how creativity can build community — and how schools like NACI are creating inclusive spaces for students to grow, connect, and shine, even with limited resources.