The North Vancouver Elementary Band and Strings Program is a unique instrumental music program distinct to North Vancouver. Currently sixteen hundred students in grades 5 through 7 participate in the Band and Strings Program. Students receive two lessons a week. Part of the program is outside of school time and approximately half of the time students are taught during the regular school day. Parents pay a fee of $465 per year for the instruction. Students rent their band or strings instrument either at a music store or through the school board. Nine staff members teach more than fifteen hundred students.

Elementary Band & Strings Program Registration Form 2013/14

In the early 1990s, the North Vancouver School Board faced financial difficulties due to a change in the provincial funding formula. Prior to that time, the Elementary Band and Strings Program had been in existence for more than 30 years in North Vancouver. The program had always been rated as one of the best instrumental programs in British Columbia. Financial difficulties in the 1990s caused the North Vancouver School Board to eliminate several programs, including the Elementary Band and Strings Program. A Parent Association was formed and together in co-operation with parents, teachers and the School Board, the program was saved. With the introduction of a user pay system, the program continues. This partnership remains in existence today. Support comes from all areas of the School District. The program is a great success and highly regarded by both parents and students.