About Us
The Howe Sound Music Festival is in its 8th year. In past years there have been approximately 140 Piano & Vocal students performing 197 pieces. There are a number of Choral groups, which add an additional 120 participants. This is an adjudicated music festival where professional adjudicators are brought in from out of town. This year we have Thelma Reo of Italy, adjudicating the piano division and Frances Roberts of North Vancouver adjudicating the vocal & choral divisions.
Upon receipt of the syllabus in the Fall, Music Teachers use the syllabus to begin to prepare for the Festival, which outlines the various classes that are offered to the students. This type of festival gives youth and adults studying private voice and piano an opportunity to perform their pieces for the adjudicator and then receive verbal and written adjudication for their performance. Students also receive a certificate giving them a Bronze, Silver or Gold placement. Everyone is a winner! This type of festival is a stepping stone for all students preparing for their Royal Conservatory Exams. In order for the festival to be accessible to all students in our corridor the piano division is held in both Squamish and in Whistler The Choral division gives the Adult Community & Church choirs an opportunity to join vocal forces and share their musical talents.
The festival is an education experience for both the students and teachers to gain valuable knowledge. For the students it’s hands on, but for the teachers they too have an opportunity to listen and learn from our professional adjudicators. All classes are open to the public for $2.00 a session or a $10.00 Festival pass that covers any session including the Hi-lites Concert /Awards Gala.