25 Years Of Guelph Kiwanis!
From Arts in Guelph - March/April, 2006
by Anna Contini
For a quarter of a century the Kiwanis Music Festival of Guelph has been providing young musicians in our community with an opportunity to share their talents and experience professional adjudication. The Kiwanis Music Festival is built upon the foundation that our ising stars should be recognized for their contribution to the musical life of their community. For some youngsters, it is a stepping stone that helps launch a professional career and in some cases even international recognition. Since the Festival began in 1981, it has continued to grow and build on a reputation of excellence and efficiency. Today it is the third largest music festival in Canada!
The Kiwanis Music Festival typically provides over 300 hours of music spread over two-and-a half days. This year Festival takes place February 20 to March 7, and will be held at five Guelph churches, River Run Centre and Guelph Youth Music Centre. The performers range in age from preschoolers up to adults, and compete in a variety of categories including voice, strings, piano, band, brass, woodwind, guitar, harp, keyboard and choir. This year, 1 400 to 2 000 entries are expected with a total of 3 870 participants, says Festival Secretary June Kaethler, adding that there will be a dozen adjudicators. A few talented individuals from piano, strings and voice will have the honour of being selected for special masterclasses.
Each year following the Festival, a final concert is held to showcase performers from the various sections and award scholarships and prize money. The 25th Anniversary Concert will take place Wednesday, March 22, 7 p.m., at River Run Centre. Respected area musician Jef ten Kortenaar will be the emcee for the evening. Following the concert approximately 150 students will be awarded $14 000 to $16 000 in scholarships. In addition, the Alice Sloan Memorial prizes will be presented. Alice Sloan was the Festival Secretary until 1988, and when she died an endowment fund was established in her honour.
Winners of the Guelph Kiwanis Music Festival then have the opportunity to compete at the higher ranks. very year Guelph has had provincial winners and often national winners as well, says June Kaethler. Jennifer Lamb, Sarah Kramer and David Gillham are a few young stars who began as local Kiwanis participants and have moved on to establish high-profile professional careers.
It is quite an achievement for a music festival to celebrate a milestone quarter- century anniversary. It certainly wouldn have been possible without the efforts of several local individuals and organizations. Nick Kaethler was the Kiwanian who got it started back in 1981. June acted as the Festival Secretary from 1988 to 1998 and came back to the position earlier this year following a stint abroad. Elaine Florence filled in during the interim and continues to be the Syllabus and Program Co-ordinator. Interestingly, many of the original committee are still involved and are as committed as ever. In addition, there has been generous support from local organizations and businesses, thousands of volunteer hours and generous financial contributions. Thanks to all for supporting such a worthwhile community project.