Wide-ranging talent will take to the stage next week for an annual Foothills favourite.
The curtain will rise on the Highwood Lions Music Festival from March 11-22 with over 450 participants from across the region performing and receiving feedback and instruction from industry experts.
“We have expert adjudicators that are coming in from all over the province that work with them,” said festival director Chelsea Bustin. “The students get to perform, then they get a certificate and some feedback and a bit of a mini-lesson or workshop with the adjudicator.
“And then at the end of the festival we have a really fun event.”
The festival includes the disciplines of junior, intermediate and senior piano, choral, strings, voice, musical theatre, guitar and speech and includes groups ranging from Okotoks elementary school choirs to preschoolers playing violin and young adults showcasing their talents.
The top performers advance to the Adjudicator’s Showcase on Sunday, March 24 at 2 p.m. at High River United Church.
“The best of the best from all of the different disciplines get to come and perform,” said Bustin, a piano teacher from Okotoks. “And our award winners get to pick up their certificates and their prizes. It’s a big celebration of the whole event.”
The festival has returned to its pre-pandemic numbers, even surpassing the registration it saw in 2018 and 2019.
All performances are held at the High River United Church. Admission is by donation with snacks and refreshments will be offered on-site.
Bustin said the non-profit festival has two-third of its costs covered by sponsorship and the Highwood Lions are seeking business and sponsor support. The festival is also recruiting volunteers for the event.
For a full rundown of the festival schedule and more information, visit highwoodmusicfestival.com.
