Quintissimo provides free, high-quality after-school music education for children aged 6 to 12, operating out of PECI in Prince Edward County and serving families across the Bay of Quinte region. Inspired by the El Sistema model, the program uses collaborative music making as a tool to cultivate confidence, discipline, and belonging. From September to June, students learn flute, cello, choir, and musicianship in small group settings, receiving an instrument for the school year and the opportunity to perform at concerts that brings community together in celebration.
Beyond music, Quintissimo addresses some of the region’s most pressing social needs. In Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, nearly 1 in 4 households experiences food insecurity, a rate well above the provincial average. Many local families face daily challenges in ensuring their children are well-nourished and supported in after-school hours. To remove barriers to participation, Quintissimo provides not only instruments and instruction but also free, nutritious snacks at every class session. This simple yet essential addition ensures that no child learns on an empty stomach and helps alleviate the financial and logistical strain on families already navigating food insecurity.
Recognizing the urgent lack of after-school care in Prince Edward County, Quintissimo also provides a safe and enriching space for children in a positive and creative environment, while supporting working families. Additionally, the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board reports graduation rates around 75%, lower than the Ontario average, pointing to the need for programs that help children stay engaged, motivated, and connected to learning.
Each year, Quintissimo welcomes 50 to 60 children into its musical community. The program has become a space where music education meets social support: a place where families connect, children discover their potential, and the community grows stronger through a shared purpose.
Prince Edward County (PEC) and the broader Bay of Quinte region are vibrant, close-knit communities, but many families face significant barriers to participation in arts and extracurricular activities. Rates of food insecurity and economic instability remain higher than the provincial average, and many children lack access to affordable enrichment opportunities that foster confidence and belonging. The County has few music teachers, no dedicated music school, and limited access to private instruction, making meaningful arts education close to impossible for many families. Quintissimo was created to bridge that gap and to ensure that every child, regardless of circumstance, has the chance to experience the joy and growth that come from learning music together.
For many of our students, Quintissimo is more than an after-school program; it’s a space where they feel valued, supported, and connected. The act of making music in community helps children develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom, such as focus, teamwork, discipline, and empathy, while also creating positive routines and a sense of stability. The inclusion of nutritious snacks at every session responds directly to local needs around food insecurity, ensuring that every child arrives ready to learn and thrive.
Through public concerts and family events, the program also strengthens community ties, bringing parents, siblings, and neighbours together in celebration of children’s achievements. These shared experiences help build pride, resilience, and collective hope: qualities that are vital for the long-term well-being of families across the region. In a community where access and inclusion remain ongoing challenges, Quintissimo stands as a joyful, tangible example of what is possible when learning, compassion, and music come together.
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I’m thrilled that my granddaughter and other children have the opportunity to experience music education as a normal part of their weekly routine!
An amazing opportunity for a diverse group of kids to be introduced to the elements (and fun!) of music and to grow their skills amongst peers.
Quintissimo Free after school Music Program. L.E.A.F. helps more students the opportunity to learn music especially from a good music teacher like Diana Lam.
I like to support the Project Quintissimo free after school Music Program – L.E.A.F.
I know Diana Lam Clarke who is an excellent music teacher.
A wonderful program that has really helped my children.
Music making is such an important part of the fabric of our community. This program allows all children to be able to learn and contribute their community.