The 82nd local Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival season came to a celebratory close with an enchanting Dance Connection musical theatre performance showcasing beloved Mary Poppins songs at the gala and awards ceremony held the evening of March 22nd in Logie Hall at Third Avenue United Church.
The program featured budding and accomplished adjudicator-chosen youth representatives from all the festival disciplines. Over $10,000 in awards and scholarships were presented at the conclusion of the concert. Sobeys cupcakes and refreshments were served at the close of the awards ceremony thanks to the generous sponsorship of Dr. Andre and Lynette Merwe.
Eligibility for awards and scholarships require the festival participant be 19 years of age or younger, have lived in the Battlefords district for at least six months prior to the festival, and performed two or more solo selections or at least one solo and one duet or trio in the same discipline. It is good manners to thank the sponsor of awards, so be sure to graciously extend thanks to awards sponsors if you were a recipient. For participants recommended for provincial competition, please note pieces must be memorized.
A special campaign entitled Buy a Key was also launched at the 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 has weathered those many years well but repairs are currently in order. As these costly repairs are beyond normal budgeting for the festival committee, we invite you to "buy a key" for $100 or donate any amount towards the restoration of this special instrument. Cheques can be made payable to the BKMF and mailed to P.O. Box 1301, North Battleford, S9A 3L8 or feel free to contact treasurer Jaki Esquirol directly. All donations of $20 or more will be issued a tax receipt.
On behalf of the festival committee, the Festival participants, and the local teachers, I salute the generosity of businesses, organizations and individuals who sponsored festival awards and scholarships. Bravo to your support of music and arts education in the Battlefords.
Commitment to quality education and goals of excellence fostered by our local teachers was clearly evident as the adjudicators praised the high calibre of skills displayed. The festival's printed program once again delivered information packaged with special touches thanks to all youth who entered the program cover drawing contest. Everyone enjoyed seeing the art work gracing the pages of the program and adorning the walls of the festival venues.
The festival cannot function without the many volunteers working as door stewards and secretaries. Setting up and tearing down is much less of a burden with many hands helping. There would not be a stage to showcase local talent without the flexibility of festival venues. Third United Church accommodated the bulk of festival traffic along with some local schools; NBCHS, St. Vital and Bready. I could not be listing items worthy of thanks and praise without mentioning Cathy Richardson. Her long time dedication to the festival was again apparent in her role as gala MC where she spoke with eloquence, seamlessly guided the awards segment, and enriched the event with detailed personal knowledge about performers and award recipients.
Finally, bravo to all the brilliant performers who displayed their skills and talent in the course of this year's festival. Performing and seeking feedback from professional adjudicators takes courage and is to be commended. Please continue to make our community ring with your gifts. We look forward to seeing and hearing you next year. Good luck to all going on to participate in the upcoming provincial music festival held this year in Saskatoon. Good luck to young people graduating from high school this year going on to pursue various careers, some in the field of music.
Looking ahead to next season, do keep in mind that we are always looking for parents and community-minded music lovers to step forward and say, "How can I help?" If you might be willing to assist, even in a small way, with the general planning and/or execution of the 2014 Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival, simply leave your name and number with any committee member and we will contact you in the fall when preparations get underway.
"May your heart always be joyful. May your song always be sung" - Bob Dylan
