This project provides an enriching and intensive experience for youth at St James Music Academy to participate in the music and story of the accordion. From August 2017 to June 2018, students will have an immersive introduction to accordion arts through workshops, performances, and hands-on creative experiences with up to 12 professional accordion artists from diverse artistic and cultural backgrounds. Lead artist Anastasia Gereluk will guide students on a journey providing examples of accordion music from around the world, accordions for them to play and explore, and opportunities for musical and storytelling creation with the instrument. The project will begin with students receiving scholarships to the Accordion Noir Festival in September 2017, integrate with existing performance opportunities at St James throughout the school year, and culminate at a final show produced by the Accordion Noir Society to honour the accordion journeys of the students and other community members