October 1 Is International Music Day

From Arts in Guelph- September/October, 2003

by Anna Contini

This year Guelph and Wellington County will come alive with the sound of music as the community joins in the celebration of International Music Day on Wednesday, October 1. The event has been celebrated annually since 1975 but very little has been done in Canada to honour the day. Beginning this year the Edward Johnson Music Foundation will spearhead International Music Day in Guelph. While events will be organized and run by individual groups and venues, the Foundation will handle the overall co-ordination and marketing.

"We have had a great response from the community," says Sylvie Plamondon, co-ordinator of the project. She has over thirty groups registered to date. Various businesses and organizations have been matched up with musicians and music groups, explains Sylvie. In most cases, the businesses have looked after finding their own musicians but in other instances the Foundation has played the role of matchmaker. They recently connected a Zen meditation flute player with an art gallery that was looking to participate, says Sylvie.

A wide variety of events representing a diversity of musical styles and genres will take place throughout the day. To name a few: the Suzuki String School will play music and read stories at the Guelph Public Library; OMAFRA will host an ensemble of the Guelph Symphony Orchestra at a special noon-hour concert; the Trasheteria will feature Retro Wednesday with DJ Dave; University of Guelph will host open rehearsals for its choir and wind ensemble; The Other Brother's Restaurant will feature a classical guitarist; and Waverley Drive School will host its own private music celebration among students and staff. There will also be participation among retail businesses. For example, Macondo Books will mount a special display of literature and picture books about music.

For those still looking for ideas, the Edward Johnson Music Foundation has put together a list of numerous creative suggestions on how to get involved in this special day. Whether you will be a performer, a facilitator, or a spectator, International Music Day promises to be a rewarding experience for all.

For more information on International Music Day please contact the Edward Johnson Music Foundation at (519) 821-7570, or, as October 1 approaches, look out for details that will available through the local media.