For the past three weeks musical sounds have been ringing through the Howe Sound corridor. The Howe Sound Music Festival began on April 2 with guest artist Pavlo who performed for a sold out crowd at the Eagle Eye Theatre in Squamish. On April 3 and 4, vocalists performed for adjudicator Veronica McPhee. About 16 people participated in a vocal workshop giving singers an opportunity to learn more about the art of singing.
On April 4, Larry Nickel, a well known composer, adjudicator and clinician from Vancouver, came to Squamish to lead the Sea To Sky Singers in a Choral Workshop. Nickel switched hats on Monday as he had the opportunity to workshop with two bands from Don Ross Secondary and three bands from Garibaldi Highlands Elementary. What a great experience for these students as they watched and listened to each other.
From April 13 to 17, adjudicator Michael Oike of Winnipeg, Manitoba came to share his musical knowledge with over 100 piano students from Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton. He gave some excellent tips and suggestions not only to the students but to the teachers as well. He led workshops focusing on the art of accompanying as well as a pedagogy workshop for teachers offering valuable teaching techniques.
Michael gave three days of adjudication in Squamish and two days of adjudication in Whistler. On Sunday (April 18), students receiving a Gold Certificate in Piano and Voice were invited to perform at the Hi-lites Concert in Squamish. What an exciting concert as all these performers came together under one roof. The audience and students then had the privilege of hearing the two adjudicators perform.
Veronica's beautiful soprano voice resonated throughout the church, and Michael delighted the young performers with an excerpt from Harry Potter. The adjudicators were given the difficult task of awarding the various medals, scholarships and provincial nominations to participants. See chart at left for an overview of all the performers at the Hi-lites Concert.
The added bonus for the festival this year was the adjudicators recommended students to represent the festival at the Provincial level. This gives students an opportunity to perform with other students across BC. This will take place June 24-26 in Victoria. Congratulations to all 2004 Festival performers.
Awards Gala
On Saturday (April 24), the Festival presents the Awards Gala at 6:30 p.m. featuring performances from vocal, piano, choral and band festival participants. This concert will be held at the Squamish Baptist Church. Tickets are $2 each.
