The Howe Sound Music Festival (HSMF) returns to the Sea to Sky Corridor this month (April 13 to 17) celebrating its 10th anniversary of encouraging and adjudicating young musicians and performers.
Founded in 2011 by Colleen Koop, the HSMF is currently produced by the Howe Sound Performing Arts Association.
The HSMF differs from other regional festivals as classes are held both in Squamish and Whistler.
The festival allows those studying private voice and piano an opportunity to perform pieces for an adjudicator and then receive verbal and written feedback for their performances.
"We have two days of piano classes in Squamish, and two days of piano in Whistler," said Veronica McPhee, executive director of the festival. "Overlapping that is two days of vocal classes."
Typically, the festival attracts more than 150 piano and vocal students performingabout 200pieces during the five-day event.
"We also have three choirs performing this year," said McPhee, "although typically the choir category is smaller than the others as there are not that many choirs around, unfortunately."
For most of the community, however, the best part of the festival comes at the end when the best students perform at the annual Highlights Concert.
"Depending on the student's level of performance, they either get a certificate of participation, or receive bronze, silver or gold placement," said McPhee. "Those who earn gold are invited to perform at the Highlights Concert at the end of the festival."
Students may also be selected to represent the district at the Provincial level, and the festival is also a stepping stone for all students preparing for their Royal Conservatory Exams.
All classes are open to the public for $2 per session, and the Highlight Concert runs $7 or you may buy a $10 festival pass that covers any session including the Highlights Concert.
The Highlights Concert takes place April 17 at 3 p.m. at St. John's Anglican Church.
Medals and scholarships will also be presented at the concert.
For a full schedule of events and more information, go to www.musicfestivalweb.com.
