Former Raptors coach Nick Nurse funds music opportunities for students at York University

Former Raptors head coach Nick Nurse is offering dozens of local kids an opportunity to build up on their music skills.

Thanks to a donation of $40,000 from Nurse to York University’s music department, at least 50 high school students will be able to take part in an intensive series of workshops over the course of a week. Training sessions will be offered by guest Juno-winning artists and faculty members from the university’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design (AMPD).

The university says a portion of the funds will offer participation bursaries specifically to students from Black and Indigenous communities, as well as young women and other people of colour.

“I’ve always been a passionate advocate for equitable access in both sports and the arts,” Nurse, who is now the bench boss for the Philadelphia 76ers, said in a news release.

“I know with the support of a globally recognized, academically and socially responsible school like AMPD, this donation can help eliminate barriers, level the playing field and empower the next generation of creative leaders in a city that has a special place in my heart.”

Nurse spent 10 years on Toronto’s coaching staff, the last five as head coach, before he was fired this summer following a disappointing season in which the Raptors went 41-41.

During his time in the city he showed his love of music, and hosted several events where he performed on stage. In 2019, he joined Hamilton rock band Arkells at their Toronto show to perform a song with them on guitar.

Nurse’s partnership with York University has led to the creation of the Nick Nurse Foundation Summer Jazz & Groove Lab, which gives students an opportunity to learn and create contemporary music, especially jazz and gospel styles.

“We are extremely grateful for the donation and Nurse’s commitment to improving the lives and futures of Toronto’s young people through the arts,” said the arts school’s dean Sarah Bay-Cheng.

“We are tremendously excited by the opportunities this gift will open for BIPOC students and young women in the local community.”

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