Music festival one step closer

By Sharon McLeay Times Contributor

Members of Strathmore’s music scene met to discuss whether they would put on a Strathmore music festival in the spring of 2019.
“I think it will help weigh the calibre of music in the community and be good for economic development,” said Carolyn Steeves, local music teacher and newly directed President of the Strathmore Performing Arts Festival (SPAF).
Discussion took place around the need and want for a music festival and who might respond. There was support for students of all ages to participate in the festival when it is set up. Participants also said it would encourage youth to develop musically, by giving a venue where they could test their skills and get positive critique.
Also mentioned were the opportunities to meet new friends and musical connections.
“Music is a very solidarity thing, and this is bringing them together to show and shine,” said one participant.
The closest current music festivals are in Calgary and Drumheller, so having one in Strathmore could save a lot of parents travel time and costs.
Consensus of the group was that the first festival should have some type of rating system, but also foster a non-competitive atmosphere by offering positive piano, vocal, musical theatre, choir and band. There was some discussion about adding an instrumental category.
Venues were discussed, and it was agreed there were enough areas that could accommodate all the different types of competitions. Financially, the group will fundraise with an initial goal to raise $10,000 and other fundraising options were discussed. Awards would be a part of the festival, and it was agreed a moderate fee to participate should be charged.
The inaugural festival is tentatively set to run March 30 to April 9, 2019. More concrete information will be released about festival schedules, venues and registration in the fall.
Members of Strathmore’s music scene met to discuss whether they would put on a Strathmore music festival in the spring of 2019.
“I think it will help weigh the calibre of music in the community and be good for economic development,” said Carolyn Steeves, local music teacher and newly directed President of the Strathmore Performing Arts Festival (SPAF).
Discussion took place around the need and want for a music festival and who might respond. There was support for students of all ages to participate in the festival when it is set up. Participants also said it would encourage youth to develop musically, by giving a venue where they could test their skills and get positive critique.
Also mentioned were the opportunities to meet new friends and musical connections.
“Music is a very solidarity thing, and this is bringing them together to show and shine,” said one participant.
The closest current music festivals are in Calgary and Drumheller, so having one in Strathmore could save a lot of parents travel time and costs.
Consensus of the group was that the first festival should have some type of rating system, but also foster a non-competitive atmosphere by offering positive piano, vocal, musical theatre, choir and band. There was some discussion about adding an instrumental category.
Venues were discussed, and it was agreed there were enough areas that could accommodate all the different types of competitions. Financially, the group will fundraise with an initial goal to raise $10,000 and other fundraising options were discussed. Awards would be a part of the festival, and it was agreed a moderate fee to participate should be charged.
The inaugural festival is tentatively set to run March 30 to April 9, 2019. More concrete information will be released about festival schedules, venues and registration in the fall.