Hafford and District celebrated 50 years of music festivals in 2013. The annual event was held March 11-13 at Hafford Central School. There were 119 entries in piano, guitar, vocal and speech art categories.
The piano and guitar adjudicator for the festival was Michael Langlois of Prince Albert. Michael has acquired an associate diploma with the Royal Conservatory of Toronto as well as a licentiate and fellowship diploma with Trinity College London in piano performance. In addition to classical piano, Michael also plays lead guitar and sings. Michael enjoys musical theatre and has performed in many musicals and has also been musical director for 11 Broadway North Theatre Company shows. Michael hopes that, as an adjudicator, his diverse musical background and love for all music might help to inspire students to excel in the musical careers.
Karen Langlois was the vocal, choral and speech art adjudicator and is from Prince Albert. Karen obtained her Bachelor of Music degree with Great Distinction in Vocal Performance from the University of Saskatchewan. She has a passion for musical theatre and has performing credits in many productions.
The final musical performance and awards presentation were held March 15 at the Hafford school gym. President of the Hafford Music Festival, Diane Jones, welcomed everyone to the 50th annual awards night. The gold ribbons worn by some individuals was an idea that stemmed from the organization's 1962 idea of wearing ribbons for the 50th anniversary of the SMF.
The opening to the evening was done in a unique manner in honour of the organization's 50th anniversary. Diane Hawrysh began to play her guitar at the front of the gym while numerous individuals and Hafford Music festival committee members rose and started singing the popular tune from The Sound of Music, Do Re Mi. It was an eloquent rendition that got the audience smiling.
The singing of O Canada was followed with the opening act of Dukes Under Fire, a young dynamic band consisting of Lucas LaFreniere, Jason Gall and Jordan Gall. This band has performed at numerous public events including Hafford's Summer Sizzle and Winterama.
Reeve Johnson was the first skilled instrumentalist. He demonstrated rhythm while exhibiting the chord skills required to play his guitar.
Skilled piano performances were given by Chloey Redhead, Levi Gough, Meghan Brehon, Savannah Sutherland, Colby Tkachuk, Carson Derksen, Megan Jones, Marina Rice, Tyra Smith, David Gough, Michelle Gall, Broooklyn Lesko, Leah Kohut, Haylie Lesko, Cabri Tanchak, Jenna Fouhy, Aryn Polichuk, Jocelyn Bzdel and Kacy Tkachuk.
Vocal performances were presented by Afton LaFreniere, Christopher Fournier, Cabri Tanchak, Alicia Rice, Hailey Prystupa, Michelle and Jenna Gall and the Hafford Central School Grade 6 class. Musical theatre presentations were performed by Kendra Lafreniere, Kacy Tkachuk and Megan Jones. Choral speech presenters were Steele Johnson and Colby Tkachuk.
The Hafford Central School ukulele chorus did a beautiful rendition of Nothing but Peace.
Donna Kreiser, director of the Saskatchewan Music Festival Association, was in attendance to bring a congratulatory message.
"This is a great achievement," commented Kreiser. "Music brings a community together and a celebration strengthens the festival."
Kreiser presented Jones with a certificate in honour of Hafford Music Festival's many years of service to the community and surrounding area and its ongoing continued service. Jones graciously accepted the award on behalf of the committee and mentioned that the Hafford Music Festival annual general meeting will be held the evening of April 10 at Hafford Central School.
Piano scholarships were presented to Kacy Tkachuk, $150 for outstanding pianist; Aryn Polichuk, $100 for outstanding pianist, junior or senior; Colby Tkachuk, $100; Carson Derksen, $75; Brooklyn Lesko, $75; Jenna Foughy, $75; Audrey Friesen, $50; Michelle Gall, $50; Savannah Sutherland, $50; Jocelyn Bzdel, $50; Cabri Tanchak, $50; Jan Friesen, $50; Marina Rice, $50; Haylie Lesko, $50; Megan Jones, $50; Meghan Brehon, $50; Leah Kohut, $25; Levi Gough, $25; Tyra Smith, $25, and David Gough, $25.
Instrumental scholarships were presented to Lucas LaFreniere, $50; Jordan Gall, $25, and Jason Gall, $25. Instrumental trophy went to Reeve Johnson.
Piano trophies were presented as follows: outstanding pianist, senior - Aryn Polichuk; both most outstanding pianist, any age and best performance, senior or intermediate - Kacy Tkachuk; outstanding pianist, junior or senior - Colby Tkachuk; outstanding baroque performance - Jocelyn Bzdel; and outstanding sonata performance and Hafford Music Festival composer of the year - Kacy Tkachuk. The John Worotiniak trophy recipient was Chloey Redhead.
Vocal scholarships were presented to Kacy Tkachuk, $150 for outstanding vocalist; Christopher Fournier, $100 for vocal 8 and under; Kendra LaFreniere, $50 for most promising vocal performance 14 and under; Afton LaFreniere, $50; Cabri Tanchak, $50; Jenna Gall, $50; Alicia Rice, $50; Michelle Gall, $50; Megan Jones, $25, and Hailey Prystupa, $25.
Vocal trophies were presented to Kacy Tkachuk for most outstanding female vocalist, Megan Jones for vocal performance, Kendra LaFreniere for best performance in musical theatre, Christopher Fournier for outstanding vocalist and Cabri Tanchak for most promising vocal performance 14 and under.
The Hafford Central School Grade 6 class received a $50 choir scholarship, a $25 choral speech scholarship and the trophy for the best choral speaking group. The Hafford ukelele chorus received the first place choir trophy and the Blaine Lake Composite School elementary choir Grades 1-6 received the runner-up chorus trophy.
Individual verse scholarships were presented to Colby Tkachuk, $40; Kacy Tkachuk, $25; and Steele Johnson, $25. Individual verse trophy was presented to Colby Tkachuk.
Following the awards and photo opportunities, the performers, guests and committee members enjoyed complimentary anniversary "cupcake" cake, prepared and decorated by April LaFreniere, and beverages.
