Dear Sir:
It was a delight to see and hear our young people perform, solo and in groups, in the Pacific Northwest Music Festival. My imagination does not stretch far enough to fully appreciate the dedication, determination, and sheer hard work our youths dedicate to the performing arts, countless hours of practising, practising, and more practising.
Taking lessons and rehearsing is one thing, but to then stand on a stage, introduce yourself, perform, and have the result of all these hours of practising and rehearsing evaluated in front of a crowd, that takes true courage.
Equal appreciation is due to the parents, teachers, instructors, and adjudicators. It is they who, together, motivate young people and instill in them a drive to progress and to hone their proficiency. This is not an easy challenge in an age of electronic gadgetry and instant gratification.
Congratulations to all, organizers, instructors, parents and, above all to performers who made the 50th Pacific Northwest Music Festival a community hallmark and delight for the audience.
André Carrel
Terrace, B.C.