Patricia Miller will retire as musical director of Timbre! Choir after the choir’s performance of “Time To Say Goodbye” on Sunday, April 24 at 2:30 pm at the ADSS Theatre.
“This will truly be the end of an era for music in the Alberni Valley,” choir member Frances Ketteringham said.
Conducting Timbre! is only one part of Miller’s contribution to music in the Alberni Valley. Piano is her main instrument and she has taught many youngsters in Port Alberni, several of whom received recognition provincially and nationally.
Miller’s own piano teacher, Gloria Chalmers of Port Alberni, encouraged her to apply for a scholarship which led to further study at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Miller has been a senior examiner for the Royal Conservatory in both Canada and the United States and a highly acclaimed adjudicator of music festivals throughout Canada.
Many young singers found their voices through Miller’s conducting when she founded and oversaw the Alberni Valley Teen Choir from 1965 to 1998. She has a loyal following of countless young people who have continued to sing because of their strong connection to Miller.
“Many of these young people have been a very welcome addition to Timbre! Choir over the years because of this connection,” Ketteringham said.
Miller has received many awards throughout her musical journey. The latest was the Amy Ferguson Award in 2011 from the BC Choral Federation for fostering outstanding vocal practice in BC’s choral community.
Miller and her husband Barry also received a joint Citizen of the Year Award from the City of Port Alberni in 1992.
“Words cannot express the loss Timbre! and this community will feel when Patricia walks off the stage on April 24,” Ketteringham said.
“We all wish her a very long, happy and healthy retirement. It may be ‘Time To Say Goodbye’ but Patricia will never be forgotten. And Timbre! will sing again.”
Tickets are on sale at Echo Centre, Finishing Touches, Rollin Art Centre, Salmonberry’s and from choir members. Adults/Seniors – $20 and Children/Students (under 18) $5. Tickets are going fast.
For more information on the choir visit www.timbrechoir.ca.
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