In the 2013 final Festival Fanfare, I described a special campaign entitled Buy a Key launched at the festival gala. Forty-three years ago the festival fundraised to purchase the beautiful and rare C7 semi-concert grand piano enjoyed by festival participants performing at the Third Avenue United Church. It had weathered those many years well, but with the passing of time, repairs were in order. As these costly repairs were beyond normal budgeting for the festival committee, we invited patrons to "buy a key" for $100 or donate any amount towards the restoration of this special instrument. Many individuals and families generously responded to this program. The committee honours and will be recognizing these individuals during the 2014 festival season. Several organizations and groups also supplied grants and donations including the City of North Battleford, the Town of Battleford, BATC Community Development Corporation, Beta Sigma Phi XI Master and donations in memory of Dr. Mary McPhail. Between received and pending funds, we are excited and grateful to announce sufficient funds have been raised to complete the expensive restoration. Thank you so much to everyone who assisted with the realization of this goal.
The deadline for the 2014 Kiwanis Music Festival entry registration is Saturday, Feb. 1. Entries may be delivered in person at the North Battleford City Kinsmen Band Hall from 1 - 4 p.m. on that date or mailed to P.O. Box 1301, North Battleford, S9A 3L8. Late entries will be accepted until Feb. 19, with a $25 late entry fee. Registration forms are available at Sobeys and the current syllabus can be found online. Fees for solos, duets, and trios remain at $13 per entry and the family rate is a 50 per cent discount after 10 solo entries by individual participants.
Any event runs more easily when people work together with their time and talent. Consider if you or someone you know might be willing to sacrifice a little time in order to ensure the continuation of this local tradition and musical celebration. Festival specific jobs include duties such as being a secretary for the adjudicator, being a door greeter or simply helping with items such as decorating the venue or setting up chairs. Committee specifics jobs include distribution and follow-up for letters seeking donations for scholarships and awards. Of course if you are interested in a larger commitment such as secretary or president, do not be shy about your interest. If your time is not available but you or your business would like to support the festival monetarily, consider sponsoring an award to be presented at the gala, or sponsoring a session for a music discipline of your choice, or being recognized as a patron or friend of the festival.
The festival program cover drawing contest deadline is also approaching. Children and youth, from the Battlefords area, are invited to submit original ideas for considered use as the 2014 festival program cover. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 7. Entries may be submitted at the band hall on festival registration day or delivered to Kelly Waters at St. Vital School or Agi McQuaid at EMBM. Selected pieces of artwork not chosen for the cover may be featured within the pages of the program.
The schedule for music disciplines for the 2014 Battlefords Music Festival is: band March 24 - 26, strings March 27, musical theatre March 28 and 29, voice March 30 - April 1 (Sunday - Tuesday), speech arts April 2 - 4, piano April 5 - 7, with the celebratory gala Friday, April 11.
"Prayer is when you talk to God. Meditation is when you're listening. Playing the piano allows you to do both at the same time." - Kelsey Grammer
.png;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)
