NUNAVUT - These days after school, the halls of Quluaq School in Clyde River are alive with the sound of music.

Tyson Palliq watches as Joey Paneak, Derek Hainnu, Abbey Tigullaraq, Eric Illauq and Joseph Primeau try out Quluaq School's new musical equipment in Clyde River. - photo courtesy of Deborah Tobin

The school recently received a $13,000 grant from the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth to purchase musical equipment. The equipment, which arrived at the school last week, includes a professional level P.A. system, two electric guitars and amplifiers, a bass guitar and amplifier, a set of drums and microphones.

Quluaq teacher Ron Ross plans to draw on musical talent within the community to help the young people learn to play instruments, write songs and record their music.

"Many of these students are inspired by some local musicians who have recorded rock songs in Inuktitut, especially Aimo Paniloo, who teaches students in the afterschool guitar program."

Ross, who has been teaching students how to play guitar for two years, headed up the fundraising drive for the purchase.

"The students I have worked with are very keen about songwriting, especially in the rock music format," he said. "They have been really resourceful in trying to learn music. Many of them do not even have a working guitar to practise on; some even practise without a full set of strings."

Students and community members had their first chance to perform with the new equipment at a talent show at the school on Jan. 27. School principal Jukeepa Hainnu said she hopes the new equipment will encourage more concerts and other performances featuring student talent.

The $3,000 cost of shipping the equipment from Ontario to Clyde River was donated by Canadian North.