VEMS’ Beginner Band program is being offered on Sunday nights to Grade 7 Burnaby District school kids starting in January. After the Burnaby District cancelled their band program (see https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2025/06/04/burnaby-teachers-urging-bc-government-school-funding/ for details) concerned Burnaby parents contacted us. VEMS had recently completed the launch of its Beginner Band program (now in three Vancouver schools) and our…
Festival of Lights
On December 18, 2025 the Trafalgar Elementary Choirs had their final performance for the term. There were enthusiastic parents and family members in the crowd. Both the Junior and Senior Groups performed Festival of Lights. They had only a quick run-through before the concert to see how the groups would sound together. You be the…
VEMS Terms and Conditions
The registration system is owned by Quokka Systems Consulting Ltd and operated on behalf of the Vancouver Extracurricular Music Society (VEMS). The objective of this system is to allow parents to book their children into music ensembles operated by VEMS. Dates and pricing of each offering is subject to change and correction without notice. Refunds…
VEMS Registration and Refund Policies
Vancouver Extracurricular Music Society (VEMS) ensembles need to meet a minimum number of enrolled participants to run. In the circumstance where minimum numbers are not met, participants will be notified at least one week in advance and will receive a full refund. If a student’s behaviour is deemed consistently disruptive to a rehearsal, after consultation…
VEMS Privacy Policy
The Vancouver Extracurricular Music Society (VEMS) privacy policy applies to all Board members, workers, volunteers, and those people using VEMS’ services. VEMS collects only the necessary personal information to provide services and to issue tax receipts. VEMS does not share data with other organizations. VEMS will not disclose personal details for purposes other than it…
Carol Singing – South Granville – Dec 6
On Saturday December 6, some of our grades 4 to 7 singers — along with brave parents — will be entertaining the Granville and Broadway area. We were invited by the South Granville Business Improvement Association to participate in this event:Sip, Shop & Sparkle in South Granville Did you know that there are proven health…
VEMS Choirs Sing on CKNW
On November 25, 2025 the two Senior Choirs from Hudson and Trafalgar performed at the CKNW’s Kids’ Fund day on radio. Choirs from around the city are invited to be background music for an hour each. Hudson was on from 10 AM to 11 AM and Trafalgar was on from 1 PM to 2 PM. This…
Fall 2025 Registration is Open
If your school community is participating in the program and we’ve sorted out logistics, you can register online. Our system provides the ability to request financial assistance. If your school is not showing, please contact president@vems.ca. Sometimes it’s all a matter of timing! For school communities wishing to bring extracurricular music to life, please look…
Beginner Band FAQs
Q: What is Beginner Band?A: Children in grades 4 to 7 are shown how to use one of flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or euphonium/baritone. No previous music experience is required. Grade 4s due to physical constraints may be required to use the smaller instruments. The basics of making music as a team are explored…
How Can my School Access VEMS Music Programs?
VEMS typically connects with Parent Advisory Councils and Principals at individual schools to discuss what will work. There are many factors including the number of students, grades the school covers and availability of spaces to hold the programs. We love coming to PAC meetings to explain how everything works. To kickstart the process, we have…