EKPAF, the East Kootenay Performing Arts Festival, will run from February 25 to March 11; entry deadline is Sunday, January 27. [Contact: Amy Miller, 250-919-5726]
“When I moved here in 1981 this festival was already a long-running Cranbrook Eagles project,” said Kimberley piano teacher Arne Sahlen. “Anyone young or old can enter in Piano, Speech Arts, Strings, Voice (including Choir), and Woodwind-Brass divisions. The Dance division is also being revived this year after a long break. Call 250-426-7677 for more info.”
The EKPAF focus on non-competitive musical sharing and learning makes it ideal for anything from try-your-wings experience to perfection polishing. If you remember so-called festivals (stress-tivals?) of decades past, be reassured, Sahlen says.
“No more Test Piece (e.g. 28 kids playing Marching Pigs!), no more ironclad Conservatory-only rules, no more who won, who didn’t in public … and no more quaking-in-boots, we hope! Adjudicators today don’t pronounce judgement; they project warm appreciation of the good in each performer, and offer helpful ideas for experimenting and improving.
“I say non-competitive, but awards do exist. A student may be phoned to receive one at Festival wind-up, and EKPAF is linked to Provincial and National levels – but it’s not like that old top-to-bottom ranking broadcast in public. (“She didn’t like me,” moaned one boy back then.) We music teachers campaigned for years to eliminate public announcing. After prolonged “over my dead body!” resistance, it finally came about. Then we watched with delight as student rivals ‘morphed’ into friends and colleagues. Some of the bonds formed decades ago are still strong. That sense of peer support inspired students to continue, even to settle on performing arts careers.”
Some past judges’ attitudes would not wash today, he says.
“I am much harder on teen-agers,” said one, “because they need to get prepared for realities of life…” Well, who is more fragile than a teen-ager? And how can one teach love of music with a sledge-hammer? Nowadays, word would get around about any such adjudicator.”
From Early Childhood to Diploma level, there’s room for serious students, devoted amateurs or casual samplers at the EKPFA.
“Our much-loved Bud Abbott, 97-year-old WW2 pilot and actor-singer-reciter supreme, has entered both Voice and Speech Arts for years beyond count. One adjudicator said to him, “I wish all the young singers could hear how much you invest in the meaning of the text.”
Adults can choose to enter in separate Adult classes, in part, Sahlen says, to stave off the potential shock of a tiny tot just before you whipping through your same piece at twice your speed.
“EKPAF gave me a personal boost last year; after lifelong shyness about singing in public, I took the plunge at age 61. “You are a Stage Creature!” exclaimed the adjudicator – and now I feel no qualms singing for senior citizens and others.”
“A real kicker, more potent than you might guess: EK teachers respect and support each other! In a far-off city where I taught for awhile, only registered teachers could enter festival students. You had to do xx and follow yy to fit the rules… and if Teacher A’s student won, Teacher B would scan the rule book for some minor disqualifying error so Teacher B’s kid could have the prize. Seriously!
“To bolster one’s reputation on the bloodied backs of students is not an EK trait. Any teacher can join the “Leave your credentials at the door” East Kootenay Music Teachers’ Association. We care for each other and every student. We present combined events for student experience and public enjoyment, and work to enhance community support for all involved.
“When EKPAF moved recently to accept online entries only, as a hi-tech basket case I nearly gave up. I sent a ‘last gasp’ message to now-President Amy Miller; and eureka, she opened up the ease of it all to me and my students. Amy is the soul of unflappable efficiency. If she could work it for me, she can work it for anyone.
It’s important so support the festival so it won’t be lost, Sahlen says.
Societal shifts have reduced EKPAF usership over the decades, e.g.: Piano alone used to require two adjudicators for four days each; now just one covers three days in all.
Use it (you’ll be glad you did) or lose it, Sahlen says. Visit https://events.solarislive.com/EKPAF – a ‘Connect With Us’ button, low on the Home Page, links to a Facebook page where you can post messages… or phone Amy at 250-919-5726.
