President’s Report

Festival 2019

2019 has been a challenging year. The Board members were all saddened by the death of Dorothy Fraser, a long-time supporter and executive for the Festival.

The challenge of dealing with this loss was made more difficult by the sudden death of Barbara Lightfoot who had been the president of the Festival for over two years. The Executive, the discipline coordinators – experienced and new to the Board – stepped up to the plate – dealt with bumps and lumps and presented an excellent two weeks of music. Thank you – we did it!

It is sobering to look at the complexity of the Festival. The reflection identifies what a tremendous job the TEAM has done. Just a few figures – over 200 participants coached, committed and supported by teachers, parents and the team. This included choirs, bands, ensembles and talented individuals and parents performing with their sons and daughters.

We have been honoured by nine adjudicators from around Canada with national and international reputations. Without the adjudicators the opportunity for learning and developing the talent we have on the coast would not be as significant

Many believe that the Festival is for the young. With the support of the Coast Reporter we have informed our amazing community that the Festival is for all. The age range for 2019 was from five to 70+. The Festival has presented over 40 financial awards and scholar-ships. The adjudicators recommended nine participants go to BC provincial Festival of Performing Arts. The fees and some financial assistance for fares and accommodation was provided by the SC Festival of Performing Arts. The Festival supported and celebrated a first in ballet.

The awards and funding of participants and payment to adjudicators is only possible due to the generosity of our sponsors, private donors and donations collected at the performances and from businesses on the coast. We thank you.

There are many people who help with the Festival. More than 60 volunteers, who greet and support the adjudicators, set up, take down, move furniture, sweep floors and on it goes. In the background are more volunteers who deal with the paperwork, encourage donations and manage our web site.

Very rarely the Board receives challenging communication particularly when a participant does not receive an expected mark. This year such a communication was received challenging the professionalism and integrity of a Discipline Coordinator. In a small community such criticism is difficult to defend and as a result of this letter, a long-term, hard working and professional board member resigned. I can and do state that the team members have the highest level of integrity and professionalism. The resignation of this person is a great loss to the festival and the community of music.

The Board, in memory of Barbara Lightfoot and in recognition of her tireless efforts, has established the Barbara Lightfoot Memorial award for voice. This is a $300 award and will be available for the next nine years. The first award is going to Elphinstone School Choir.

As Barbara said last year “Well done to all the Festival participants! It is the hope of the Board that the experience you gained will further enhance your own expertise, be it for a future career or personal enjoyment.”

Next year there will be a new members to the Board and Executive. I wish them continuing success and thank everyone for their support and encouragement during what was an exciting time as Interim President.

Kit Artus
Interim President