Interview: The Darcys Advocate for Music in Schools
While some kids learned music in their garage or by sitting in a bedroom with the radio on, others relied on school music classes to help 
them build their appreciation and skill for the craft. One band that is attempting to keep the latter method available – in spite of constant politically-initiated cutbacks – is Arts & Crafts indie/art-rock collective, The Darcys.
In November, Two months following the release of their 2013 JUNO Award-nominated album, The Warring, the band – Jason Couse, Wes Marskell, David Hurlow, and Michael le Riche – initiated the Play in School campaign. The goal was simple: “to drive support for public school music programs perpetually facing cuts,” and to have it be “an answer to the general lack of all ages music programming.”
To push the campaign forward, the band kicked off a number of free performances and workshops at Canadian schools. The Darcys first visited six Southern Ontario high schools.
“High school kids are so smart and so interested,” says Marskell in an interview with Riffyou.com.
“I think there are a lot of people in the music industry that know this is a problem, but unless they’re getting paid [to help], they don’t give a shit,” he continues. “We’re willing to do it for free and go out on our own because we feel it’s important.”
When asked about why music programs are often on the chopping block, Marskell explains that much has to do with how its vitality is perceived. He acknowledges that certain academic courses are perceived to be of greater importance, and that cuts to athletics is a tough road because of the added revenue such activities can bring back to a school.
That said, he still finds it odd that cuts would target a program that could go a long way to reversing the perspective of a kid that may struggle at school, or be disinterested in attending.
“I love music and I had some great teachers that helped me move forward. Without them, I wouldn’t have done as well,” relays Marskell. “I knew the value of a great teacher and the great creativity that being in a music program brings.”
At this point, Marskell and The Darcys are continuing to advocate the need for music programs in school, but realizes that they can’t help solve the problem themselves. While they’re willing to go to educational facilities to shine a positive light on the importance of music, Marskell notes that the students need to raise their voices as well.
“We’re trying to encourage students to use their voice and acknowledge the fact that their school’s music program shouldn’t be allowed to be taken from them without them knowing or being involved. If they truly love it, they should have a stance and make themselves heard.”
As for The Darcys – who generally release about an album a year – Marskell says that ideas are in the works, but a definite forthcoming album focus isn’t there quite yet.
“We don’t really stay in one place for very long. We’ve released an album year, because we like to evolve and see where we’re going,” he explains. “For us, we feel that we grow exponentially with every album. We couldn’t imagine waiting five years between albums.”
Be Sure to catch The Darcys at the Field Trip Music and Arts Festival on Saturday, June 7.
-Adam Grant
Please be sure to follow us on Twitter @riffyou and at Facebook.com/riffyou.
