About Us

The Howe Sound Music Festival was founded in 2001 by Colleen Koop, the Executive Director until 2008.  Now produced bi-yearly by the Howe Sound Performing Arts Association, the HSMF differs from some other regional festivals because classes are held both in Squamish and Whistler.  Students from Brittania Beach to Pemberton are eligible to enter.  In past years, there have been around 150 Piano & Vocal students performing approximately 200 pieces.   There is a number of Choral groups, which add over 100 additional participants.  This is an adjudicated music festival where students may be selected to represent our Diestrict at the Provincial level.  This year's adjudicators are Aline Banno from North Vancouver (piano) and Joanne Hounsell from Victoria (vocal and choral). 

Music Teachers use the syllabus, which outlines the various classes that are offered to the students, to select repertoire and begin preparing students for the Festival.  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.  Choirs of all ages and sizes are also encouraged to participate and learn.  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.  

The festival is an educational 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 per session or a $10.00 Festival pass that covers any session including the Hi-lites Concert /Awards Gala.