Dear Sir:
As I read the news about Caledonia Secondary School’s success at a band competition in Seattle I thought how marvellous and rewarding the trip was for the students, chaperones and, of course, Geoff Parr their director.
It was only natural that I also thought about the Pacific Northwest Music Festival.
This festival has over almost 50 years provided students a platform to perform, gain confidence and develop their personalities/talents.
It has held them in good stead in their future careers and allowed them to display confidence beyond their dreams.
Looking back over the years the Terrace area has been totally blessed with strong band directors – Jim Ryan, Gordon Dickie, Susan Brouwer (Orme) Mike Wen, and of course, Geoff. The bands in the northwest were also led by exceptional band leaders in Kitimat with Mike Eddy, Dennis Tupman and in Prince Rupert with Peter Witherly.
They have proven to be very able competitors for Terrace over the years.
The festival has been such a huge benefit to so many since it began and I feel it has been the tool that has helped many succeed in their lives.
You are so lucky to have the talented leaders and musicians that have fostered the growth of the young people in the area and now must be very proud of your community and recent success and these fine young people.
Go Terrace Go.
Hugh and Olga Power,
Nanaimo, B.C.