Students perform in four venues between two communities
The evening began with a medley of strings, horns, woodwind and piano as the Woodstock High School Jazz Band performed “Atlantic Crossing”.
On April 28, an audience made up of friends, family members and music enthusiasts filled the McCain Community Theatre at the Woodstock High School for the Carleton County Music Festivals’ final concert.
They were treated to a wonderful variety of young musicians performing anything from the sombre tone of Emily Smiatannikava’s playing “Song of the Dark Woods” to the upbeat piano of Alem Stokes’ “Sunset in Rio.”
Burkiah Weir’s sweet voice was heard singing “Rainbow Connection” while Mia Hewson’s powerful, dulcet voice wafted through the crowd as she sang “Orpheus with his Lute”.
The Flewelling Sisters’ (Ellie, Evelyn and Trinity) charming harmonies and the enthusiastic musical performances of Gabriel Coughlin and Iris Lloyd delighted the crowd.
The violin playing of Elisha Jewel Torres, Christiana Weir and Clark Jaden Torres rounded out the night’s performances beautifully. Hazel Silva’s self-composition “The Waves of Rustico” was heard by most of the audience for the very first time.
The musical portion of the evening finished with the Carleton County Young Chamber Players, senior group, playing “Larghetto” on their stringed instruments.
The evening ended with an awards ceremony where numerous performers were honoured, and, for the first time in its history, the Lois Goodine Volunteer Recognition Award was presented to this year’s winner, Marg Arnold, for her years of dedication to the event.
“Over the past few weeks we have heard over 230 performances, which was more than 450 students performing in this year’s festival. From kindergarten classroom singing to high school jazz bands, with a range of solo disciplines in between, I have had the privilege of hearing many of these performances over the past few weeks,” said Volunteer Committee Executive Director Sarah Sharpe. “It is truly inspiring to not only see the talent, but the joy in the music and the performances. Thank you all for sharing your gifts with us, and the community.”
Children and youth, ages 6 to 18, performed before audiences and adjudicators at the Hartland Community School, Meduxnekeag Consolidated School, McCain Community Theatre, and the Historical Connell House.
In an email to the River Valley Sun, Sharpe attributed much of their success to the many people working hard behind the scenes. That team consisted of eight committee members and 12 volunteers.
“We are very grateful to have them volunteer their time and help ensure the festival is able to operate and run smoothly,” wrote Sharpe.
To help fund the annual event, they also sold raffle tickets for a gift basket full of goodies donated by local businesses. People paid for their seats to the final concert by donation, and on stage, committee treasurer Susan Self El Nasr also thanked donors for their continued generous support.
“We wouldn’t be able to do this without the donors,” she said.
The music festival has a long tradition in this community, having first been operated by the Women’s Institute from 1952 to 1968. A few years passed before the Woodstock Arts Council took it up again in 1983.
“The festival still runs under the umbrella of the Woodstock Arts Council, but is organized and run by its own volunteer committee,” explained Sharpe.
Committee member Abby Slipp has been involved in the festival since she was a child. Encouraged by her music teacher, Lorna McCain, she first performed at the festival when she was nine years old and has served as a committee member since 2021. She attributes the festival’s staying power to wonderful teachers and the abundance of talent in Carleton County.
“Also, I think everybody just loves music. And I think it would be really sad to see it go. I think everybody feels that,” said Slipp.
Slipp said she saw many wonderful performances this year. One that really stood out for her was by the Carleton County Young Chamber Players.
“I saw them play and I remember being part of that when I was a kid,” Slipp reminisced. “They were so beautiful, they sounded so great, and it was so cool to see the old teachers. I almost cried during it; it was so beautiful, and I wanted to be a part of it. You know, sometimes, just sitting there, you think: “Wow, I wish I was still doing that,” and maybe you will again, someday.””
Viola player Iris Lloyd, aged 13, has been performing at the music festival since she was five.
“I like the feedback, it’s really fun for self-improvement,” she said. “And also, just the chance to perform in front of an audience is great.”
Evelyn Lloyd is an 11-year-old violin player.
“It gives me something to look forward to and to practice for, a goal,” she said.
