Students participating in The Strings Project, along with staff from F.W. Begley Public School, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra's Becky Ng, Dr. Bernadette Berthelotte from the University of Windsor and Dr. Clara Howitt from the Greater Essex County District School Board, gathered this morning (Oct 23) to celebrate a generous donation from a group of local musicians known as The Count Downs.
While the donation itself is incredibly generous and deeply appreciated, the story behind those who raised the funds is an especially heartwarming one. It is a story of lifelong friendship, found family and the extraordinary power of music to bring people together, even decades after the final note has been played.
In the early 1960s, a group of friends formed a band originally known as The Dictations, which evolved into The Count Downs by the mid-1960s. Over the next five years, the group performed Motown music throughout Windsor-Essex and Detroit, bonding over their shared passion for music and forming friendships that would last a lifetime, even if they lost touch for awhile along the way.
In 1969, the band parted ways as the responsibilities of adulthood, careers and family life took precedence. Although their time performing together had come to an end, the connections they had formed through music endured.
As the years passed, the former bandmates began gathering more frequently, reconnecting through the shared experiences and memories that had shaped their younger years. This time, rather than performing on stage together, they reminisced about the past and created new
memories alongside their spouses and families. Their friendship had evolved, but the music that brought them together remained at the heart of their connection.
Eventually, these gatherings inspired an idea: why not use their lifelong bond to give something meaningful back to the next generation?
The group agreed to join together to raise funds for children. For a group of former bandmates whose lives had been so profoundly shaped by music, the choice of whom to support seemed only natural. They wanted to help young musicians discover the same sense of belonging that music had given them so many years ago.
They selected The Strings Project as the recipient of their generosity.
Now in its fifth uninterrupted year since the COVID-19 pandemic, The Strings Project brings together Windsor Symphony Orchestra educators and students from Marlborough and F.W. Begley public schools to learn the violin, build confidence and discover a passion for music. The program also creates opportunities for students to eventually participate in the Windsor Symphony Youth Orchestra.
As of 2026, nearly 100 students in Grades 3-7 are participating in the program.
During this morning's celebration, Mr. Dosant shared moving words that beautifully captured the significance of the over $1000.00 donation and the enduring friendships behind it:
"When we were teenagers, music gave us friendship, memories and a shared experience that stayed with us for decades, even when we went our separate ways. Now we have the opportunity to help give that same gift to a different generation. We may not be teenagers anymore, we may have spent many years apart, and our old band may have ended in 1969, but the music never really stopped. It simply changed its form. What once brought a handful of teenagers together in a rock group now brings old friends together around a common purpose - helping young people discover what music can mean in their lives. I think that is something worth celebrating."
The Greater Essex County District School Board extends its heartfelt gratitude to The Count Downs and their families for this act of generosity. The funds they have worked together to raise will help sustain and grow The Strings Project, ensuring that more students have the opportunity to discover the joy of music and continue their own musical journeys.
Beyond the financial contribution, the story shared by Mr. Dosant is a gift in itself. His words are a powerful reminder that music is about so much more than learning an instrument or performing on a stage. It is about belonging and the relationships that shape our lives.
We extend our sincere appreciation to each member of The Count Downs who joined us today, while also honouring the memory and contributions of those who have since passed away.
- Singers: Ed Dosant, James Porter, Joe Porter, Eugene Davis
- Saxophonist: Dale Brown, Ed Suchiu
- Trumpeter: Steve Brown
- Bassist: John Fedak
- Rhythm Guitar: Rick Smith
- Lead Guitar: Rob Weller
- Drummers: Wayne George and Richey Mallott
It was a privilege to meet these musicians, hear their inspiring story and witness the lasting impact of friendships formed more than 60 years ago.
For more information
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Windsor Ontario
Canada N9A 6K1
www.publicboard.ca
