In the unlikely event you need any convincing of why the Battlefords should support music and the arts for children or anyone else in society, reflect upon these benefits listed at brighthub.com:
Music education may provide an aesthetic experience, an outlet for expression that is sometimes unavailable in other academic areas.
Musical experiences provide students with opportunities for emotional response, which often encourages the cognitive processes.
Music education instils "life values" such as discipline, co-operation, social skills and building good character.
Music can create a sense of school spirit, providing students with a sense of self worth.
With all those positive good thoughts in mind, please remember that the deadline for entries is Saturday, Jan. 14. Entries may be delivered in person at the North Battleford City Kinsmen Band Hall from 1 to 4 p.m. on that date or mailed to P.O. Box 1301, North Battleford, S9A 3L8.
In case you do miss this date, the festival is allowing for late entries this year. Late entries will be accepted until Jan. 20, with a $25 late entry fee per participant.
Festival organizers look forward to seeing all the intelligent musical performances being diligently prepared by soloists, duos, trios, ensembles and school classes in the community.
If you know a child or youth who is 18 years old or under who likes to draw, encourage them to create a musical themed image to be considered for use in this year's music festival Program. Children and youth, from the Battlefords area, are invited to submit original ideas for the program cover. Artwork should reflect musical themes and be presented on letter size paper in a media of the artist's choice. The deadline is Jan. 23. Entries may be submitted at the band hall on festival registration day or given to Kelly Waters at St. Vital School or Agi McQuaid at EMBM. Selected pieces of artwork not chosen for the cover may also be featured within the pages of the program. We are confident creative entries will add unique musical flavour, resulting in another special keepsake for performers and family members.
The music festival committee is always looking for more parents, grandparents, and community minded people to step forward and say, "How can I help?" There are tasks ranging from small to large to everywhere in between! If you have interest in any level of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact a committee member or indicate your interest on your child's registration form. 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 final gala event, or sponsoring a session for a music discipline of your choice, or being recognized as a patron or friend of the festival. Don't be shy; we have numerous options if you are supporter of local music education.
So kids, with the deadline just around the corner, listen to your parents and teachers if you hear them saying, "It's time to start practising!"
