Michelle Erlandson
Special to The Tribune
Volunteers are a huge part of the Cariboo Festival committee and that is why Ann Smith became involved.
Smith began studying piano at the age of 10, participated in festivals growing up and continues to play as an adult.
Her involvement with festivals was one reason for her joining the committee.
She has children involved in our local festival so taking the job of piano director was a way for her to offer the experience of festival to her own children and help the community.
She enjoys working with others who love the arts and hopes her involvement sends a good message to her kids.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the festival or becoming a part of the committee is encouraged to contact the festival society president, Jane Perry, at 250-392-3475.
Perry began leading the committee after an inspiring experience with being a performer in our local festival.
Perry, who had begun playing cello six years ago, found performing and receiving adjudication an encouraging aspect of studying.
Thus, it was a natural transition to begin helping with the festival committee.
Perry knows arts benefit the community and finds the Cariboo has a growing arts and culture core.
The festival continued this week with the piano classes April 11-14 at the Calvary Tabernacle Church. There are 102 entries in the piano section and the adjudicator is Yvette Rowledge from New Westminster.
Vocal and choral entries will be held at the Lutheran Church April 18-20.
The 52 vocal entries will be adjudicated by Norene Morrow of Kelowna. This section includes choirs that will perform in a choir concert on April 19, starting at 7 p.m. in the Lutheran Church.
The festival committee would like to encourage people to come out and listen to the various disciplines and hear input from the adjudicators offered to the entrants. Attending an individual session is $2 per adult, $1 per student or senior. Memberships can also be purchased for individuals at $15, family $25 and senior $8. Having a membership would allow you to attend any event and concerts included. Programs are also available at each discipline for $3.
Mark your calendars for the Spotlight Performance, April 30, where many award-winners and performances from all sections will be featured. Finally, the Honours Concert will take place on May 7 where more performances and awards will be given. Both concerts will be held at 7 p.m. at Cariboo Bethel Church.
