Volunteer of the year
Melody Kuhn 2023
It is an honour to present, on behalf of the Unity Music Festival Association, our Volunteer of the Year Award to Melody Kuhn.
Melody was born with a love for music; she played her first song by ear at the age of 18 months. It was a song that she had heard on the radio in the car on the way home from town. She began piano lessons at the age of six in Provost, Alberta under the instruction of Verlie Meiklejohn, a wonderful lady who would become a special friend and mentor. Melody will always be grateful to her parents for the sacrifices they made to allow her to take lessons. Her Mom would pay for her lessons with the money that she made from selling eggs.
Melody attended Macklin School where she took part in the band program. She began with Alto Horn, switched to Clarinet in grade 7, and then to Flute by grade 9. She found band very easy and gratifying, but her first love was always the piano. At age 13 Melody met a boy, who would eventually become her husband, through their mutual involvement in the Kerrobert Unit School Band. Melody says, “That was many years ago, but I still love the music and the man”.
Music Festivals have been a reoccurring favourite annual event in her life. Her first taste of competition was at the age of seven in the city of Lloydminster. From there, she became very involved in competition and accompaniment work at both the Provost and Unity Music Festivals. She remembers being inspired by the talent and grace of a few young players back then who are now teachers and active members of our Festival Committee. Noticing that she liked to sing, Melody’s piano teacher gradually introduced her to some annual involvement in the vocal and musical theatre competitions in the Provost Music Festival.
Melody started playing the organ for the Macklin St. Mary’s church choir on Sundays when she was just 14. She started teaching piano lessons to young children at the age of 15. She sang in two choirs, accompanied for an incredible group of singers called the Eight Tones, and took on the keyboard and female voice part in a country/rock ban called ‘Lonesome Charlie’ for a few years in her later teens. She began singing and playing for weddings and funerals by that time as well. Melody even did some lounge singing on the weekends before starting her family.
Melody taught piano for 16 years in Macklin and enthusiastically prepared her students for competition in the Prairie Sunset Festival and a few students also for the Provost and Unity Festivals. She was a member of the Prairie Sunset Festival Committee for several years. By then she was raising a large family at home and decided to step down from teaching in 2001. Melody’s children were talented and driven in many individual ways and she always encouraged them to find their passions and to share their talents in the Music Festival programs.
Melody joined the Unity Music Festival Committee officially in 2013. Every year you can find her phoning and scheduling our Adjudicator Secretaries and contacting parents for various volunteer positions. Her dedication has and continues to be so much more than her position. She is always willing to help in any way that she can.
Melody, your dedication, support, positive energy, and musical talents are just a few of the reasons that we are honouring you. On behalf of the Music Festival committee, we thank you. Congratulations!
Melody was born with a love for music; she played her first song by ear at the age of 18 months. It was a song that she had heard on the radio in the car on the way home from town. She began piano lessons at the age of six in Provost, Alberta under the instruction of Verlie Meiklejohn, a wonderful lady who would become a special friend and mentor. Melody will always be grateful to her parents for the sacrifices they made to allow her to take lessons. Her Mom would pay for her lessons with the money that she made from selling eggs.
Melody attended Macklin School where she took part in the band program. She began with Alto Horn, switched to Clarinet in grade 7, and then to Flute by grade 9. She found band very easy and gratifying, but her first love was always the piano. At age 13 Melody met a boy, who would eventually become her husband, through their mutual involvement in the Kerrobert Unit School Band. Melody says, “That was many years ago, but I still love the music and the man”.
Music Festivals have been a reoccurring favourite annual event in her life. Her first taste of competition was at the age of seven in the city of Lloydminster. From there, she became very involved in competition and accompaniment work at both the Provost and Unity Music Festivals. She remembers being inspired by the talent and grace of a few young players back then who are now teachers and active members of our Festival Committee. Noticing that she liked to sing, Melody’s piano teacher gradually introduced her to some annual involvement in the vocal and musical theatre competitions in the Provost Music Festival.
Melody started playing the organ for the Macklin St. Mary’s church choir on Sundays when she was just 14. She started teaching piano lessons to young children at the age of 15. She sang in two choirs, accompanied for an incredible group of singers called the Eight Tones, and took on the keyboard and female voice part in a country/rock ban called ‘Lonesome Charlie’ for a few years in her later teens. She began singing and playing for weddings and funerals by that time as well. Melody even did some lounge singing on the weekends before starting her family.
Melody taught piano for 16 years in Macklin and enthusiastically prepared her students for competition in the Prairie Sunset Festival and a few students also for the Provost and Unity Festivals. She was a member of the Prairie Sunset Festival Committee for several years. By then she was raising a large family at home and decided to step down from teaching in 2001. Melody’s children were talented and driven in many individual ways and she always encouraged them to find their passions and to share their talents in the Music Festival programs.
Melody joined the Unity Music Festival Committee officially in 2013. Every year you can find her phoning and scheduling our Adjudicator Secretaries and contacting parents for various volunteer positions. Her dedication has and continues to be so much more than her position. She is always willing to help in any way that she can.
Melody, your dedication, support, positive energy, and musical talents are just a few of the reasons that we are honouring you. On behalf of the Music Festival committee, we thank you. Congratulations!
Vicki Orobko 2022
It is with great pleasure that the Unity Music Festival presents our 2022 Volunteer of the Year Award to Vicki Orobko.
Vicki grew up on a farm with her mom outside of Quill Lake. Music was all around – everyone could sing or dance and someone could always play the piano or guitar.
Vicki moved to Unity in 1997. She had no idea what a music festival was all about but remembers going to a Final Performance and hearing Amy and Hannah Keller sing “The Tree Song”. Actually the whole program was unbelievable, she thought - so much talent that was so well-supported in the community. Over the years as a teacher, she remembered kids coming and going during Festival Week – those competitors were always brave, proud and inevitably our top students and that’s no accident.
One day, Evelyn Weeks called and asked Vicki if she would serve on the House Committee – Vicki suspects it was because she had keys to get into the High School as getting in was always a problem. (Those were the days of getting all those poinsettias from the Scott Greenhouse delivered to the gym on a cold winter day.) Your suspicions were right, Vicki – it was the keys!
Vicki thought she was in for a year! Well, the more she learned, the more she wanted to be involved. She started going to meetings and just wanted them to go faster so ran from President - unopposed! Vicki worked with the committee dealing with the Grand Piano when the Arts Council folded. Then when Isabel Anderson contacted her to financially support the Festival with the Jimmie and Ethel Anderson Award - another big project began.
Vicki has entered her Grade 7 class – always an experience she comments.
Vicki begged Diane Neil to take her son, Zenon, even though he was only 5 years old. His sisters, Ainsley and Molly, also started taking piano lessons and all three sang with Chrystal Fawell and Bari Bertoia, experiencing Voice and Musical Theatre. Vicki loved watching them have an opportunity to be involved. They continue to enjoy music – music was an enjoyable complement to their school education and Nana enjoyed coming every year for a week’s worth of entertainment.
Vicki remembers the time the Festival Committee performed at the Carol Festival – it was SO MUCH FUN! Vicki loved acting as Emcee at the Final Performances and seeing the children being recognized and rewarded.
Vicki’s words are these – “when I think of my involvement, it’s one nervous giggle after another, I honestly had NO IDEA what I was doing – ever! I just signed up, jumped in and flew by the seat of my pants!” The constant in it all were the wonderful women who believed I could do stuff! Shirley Parkinson, Eileen Pool, Diane Neil, Chrystal Fawell, Sandra Glassford.
Vicki is presently on our House Committee – and yes, Vicki – “It was the keys!” but we got so much more!!
Vicki grew up on a farm with her mom outside of Quill Lake. Music was all around – everyone could sing or dance and someone could always play the piano or guitar.
Vicki moved to Unity in 1997. She had no idea what a music festival was all about but remembers going to a Final Performance and hearing Amy and Hannah Keller sing “The Tree Song”. Actually the whole program was unbelievable, she thought - so much talent that was so well-supported in the community. Over the years as a teacher, she remembered kids coming and going during Festival Week – those competitors were always brave, proud and inevitably our top students and that’s no accident.
One day, Evelyn Weeks called and asked Vicki if she would serve on the House Committee – Vicki suspects it was because she had keys to get into the High School as getting in was always a problem. (Those were the days of getting all those poinsettias from the Scott Greenhouse delivered to the gym on a cold winter day.) Your suspicions were right, Vicki – it was the keys!
Vicki thought she was in for a year! Well, the more she learned, the more she wanted to be involved. She started going to meetings and just wanted them to go faster so ran from President - unopposed! Vicki worked with the committee dealing with the Grand Piano when the Arts Council folded. Then when Isabel Anderson contacted her to financially support the Festival with the Jimmie and Ethel Anderson Award - another big project began.
Vicki has entered her Grade 7 class – always an experience she comments.
Vicki begged Diane Neil to take her son, Zenon, even though he was only 5 years old. His sisters, Ainsley and Molly, also started taking piano lessons and all three sang with Chrystal Fawell and Bari Bertoia, experiencing Voice and Musical Theatre. Vicki loved watching them have an opportunity to be involved. They continue to enjoy music – music was an enjoyable complement to their school education and Nana enjoyed coming every year for a week’s worth of entertainment.
Vicki remembers the time the Festival Committee performed at the Carol Festival – it was SO MUCH FUN! Vicki loved acting as Emcee at the Final Performances and seeing the children being recognized and rewarded.
Vicki’s words are these – “when I think of my involvement, it’s one nervous giggle after another, I honestly had NO IDEA what I was doing – ever! I just signed up, jumped in and flew by the seat of my pants!” The constant in it all were the wonderful women who believed I could do stuff! Shirley Parkinson, Eileen Pool, Diane Neil, Chrystal Fawell, Sandra Glassford.
Vicki is presently on our House Committee – and yes, Vicki – “It was the keys!” but we got so much more!!
Melissa Acton 2021
This year the Unity Music Festival Association honours Melissa Acton as our Volunteer of the Year. Melissa's musical journey began on the farm many years ago watching her parents and their siblings play piano and sing. When she was 10, she began piano lessons with Mrs. Verda Wildeman, who encouraged Melissa to enter the Unity Music Festival. She entered for 7 years until she attained her grade 8 piano and graduated from high school. After her daughter, Madison, entered the Festival, Melissa took over different roles on the committee. First, the volunteer coordinator position, next helping prepare setup at the United Church and the two schools, then the Final Performance organization and Mistress of Ceremonies. Around 2018 Melissa stepped down to take on other community and church roles. She now accompanies the choir, and plays for weddings and funerals. She appreciates the festival committee where the dedication and time poured into running the association is like a "well-oiled machine" where each job is done to the highest standard. Melissa remains involved, for the enjoyment and love of arts, in the community. Her feelings of wonder, joy, and happiness often come from listening to these young people hone their musical gifts and talents!
Nadine Keller 2020
This year our Volunteer of the Year Award was not able to be presented at our Final Performance, as we had neither a Final Performance nor a Music Festival. Covid19 has turned our world upside down right now, but there are so many wonderful things happening in spite of these events. This week there was a celebration of music online with many amazing students of voice, band, and piano and our Volunteer of the Year was acknowledged there with a video.
This year's recipient is Mrs. Nadine Keller. There are so many things to share with you about Nadine and her musical journey. If I could describe Nadine's life in musical terms, it would be vivace, bel canto, cantabile, giocoso and conductor extraordinaire! She was raised in the Humboldt area on a farm close to Watson. She is the youngest of 5 born into a family of music. Her father was very musical and taught each child 4-part harmony at a very young age. The family would sing for many occasions around the area including a TV debut with Roger McGlocklin in Yorkton when Nadine was 6. She studied piano in Humboldt and later on at Muenster. Alto saxophone was Nadine's instrument in the high school band. She also learned guitar and continued singing with her sisters and brother.
Nadine completed an Education degree in Saskatoon, majoring in music. She taught and continues to teach music at St. Peter's Elementary School in Unity. She truly enjoys teaching choir as an extracurricular activity with Kathy Jones as her accompanist. The choir has performed in many school, parish, and town functions with the Seniors' Tea, Sunday masses, Winter Wonderland, Carol Festival, Music Festival, and the seniors' homes, to name a few. Nadine, along with Vicki Ehniscz as accompanist, volunteered to teach choir at UCHS for 7 years from 2004-2011. The UCHS choir sang at school and town functions such as the Music Festival. They won Best Performance of the Festival one of those years and they were also recommended to Provincials.
Nadine started a band program at St. Peter's School 7 years ago. Her Concert Band group and small ensembles play for different venues in the community. She also has a few high school students coming to play as well.
Nadine and Tim have always been very proud of their children Amy, Hannah, Jason, Natalie, and Owen who were also involved in many types of music over the years and they still are! It was such a joy to sing with her daughters at many functions around Unity, especially the RCMP musical ride when it came to the town.
Nadine loved working with all choirs and band groups over the years. It has been her passion and a huge part of her life. She feels very blessed to have had these opportunities to be part of music with her family, her school and this wonderful community! May we all be thankful for Nadine sharing her gifts!
Congratulations Nadine and may your musical life continue for years to come!
Submitted by Kathy Jones
This year's recipient is Mrs. Nadine Keller. There are so many things to share with you about Nadine and her musical journey. If I could describe Nadine's life in musical terms, it would be vivace, bel canto, cantabile, giocoso and conductor extraordinaire! She was raised in the Humboldt area on a farm close to Watson. She is the youngest of 5 born into a family of music. Her father was very musical and taught each child 4-part harmony at a very young age. The family would sing for many occasions around the area including a TV debut with Roger McGlocklin in Yorkton when Nadine was 6. She studied piano in Humboldt and later on at Muenster. Alto saxophone was Nadine's instrument in the high school band. She also learned guitar and continued singing with her sisters and brother.
Nadine completed an Education degree in Saskatoon, majoring in music. She taught and continues to teach music at St. Peter's Elementary School in Unity. She truly enjoys teaching choir as an extracurricular activity with Kathy Jones as her accompanist. The choir has performed in many school, parish, and town functions with the Seniors' Tea, Sunday masses, Winter Wonderland, Carol Festival, Music Festival, and the seniors' homes, to name a few. Nadine, along with Vicki Ehniscz as accompanist, volunteered to teach choir at UCHS for 7 years from 2004-2011. The UCHS choir sang at school and town functions such as the Music Festival. They won Best Performance of the Festival one of those years and they were also recommended to Provincials.
Nadine started a band program at St. Peter's School 7 years ago. Her Concert Band group and small ensembles play for different venues in the community. She also has a few high school students coming to play as well.
Nadine and Tim have always been very proud of their children Amy, Hannah, Jason, Natalie, and Owen who were also involved in many types of music over the years and they still are! It was such a joy to sing with her daughters at many functions around Unity, especially the RCMP musical ride when it came to the town.
Nadine loved working with all choirs and band groups over the years. It has been her passion and a huge part of her life. She feels very blessed to have had these opportunities to be part of music with her family, her school and this wonderful community! May we all be thankful for Nadine sharing her gifts!
Congratulations Nadine and may your musical life continue for years to come!
Submitted by Kathy Jones
Photo courtesy of Michael's Photography
Chrystal Fawell 2019
It gives me great pleasure to present the Unity Music Festival's Volunteer of the Year Award to Chrystal Fawell.
Music has always played a large part in Chrystal's life. She began taking piano lessons in 1992 and voice lessons in 1995. She loved to perform and to participate in the music festival, so her participation goes back 27 years!
Chrystal began teaching music in 2001. After high school, she spent time in Saskatoon where she taught in the Heart of the City Program - a program for underprivileged children. She loved this involvement and found that the children worked very hard, as they were so thankful for the opportunity to be able to learn music.
In 2005 she returned to Unity and started teaching voice and musical theatre privately with an average of about 20 students per year. She also taught musical theatre with the School of Dance for a few years. Chrystal has her Grade 9 piano as well as certification with the Royal Conservatory of Music to teach voice and is presently working towards her ARCT in voice with the Royal Conservatory.
When asked "What keeps you teaching?" - her prompt answer was "the kids - I love the kids - It is like they almost become your own". She particularly loves preparing students for duets and teaching them harmony. It is not surprising that Chrystal’s students do very well in the music festival, some of which have been recommended to Provincial finals.
Chrystal just purchased her own studio in town as of February of this year and hopes it will enhance her teaching program.
In Chrystal’s words - There have been a couple of teachers that have been of special help to her through the years. Diane Neil, who is like a "second mom" to her, taught her piano for many years and continued teaching her theory lessons after high school. Bari Bertoia encouraged her to become a music teacher. Other important people in Chrystal's life are her husband, Justin Fawell whom she married in 2007. They now have two children Eden (7) and Jensen (5), who are already involved in music lessons.
We are happy that Chrystal is a part of the Music Festival Committee - she has been an Entry Secretary, helps with practice schedules at the church and preparing the venues as part of the House Committee. More recently, she has filled the position of Vice President. We look forward to Chrystal being a part of the Festival for many years to come! We so appreciate the many hours that she spends in preparing students for the Festival and for her contribution in generating so many outstanding students in Unity.
On a more personal note, I would like to say a few words. Thank you Chrystal for your kind words about me. It really means the world to me. I believe we have a very special bond and you are like another daughter to me.
From the minute I met Chrystal and began teaching her piano, I knew this girl was something special. The music was spilling out of her and she was so enthusiastic to learn. She advanced quickly and excelled in music festivals and exams. She always had a cheery attitude and was most respectful towards me. We had many memorable conversations and lots of laughs along the way.
It is the hope of every music teacher, that their students will continue to enjoy their craft, look at it as a wonderful opportunity and to share it with others. Chrystal has done all of those things. She loves to play the piano, and to sing and to teach. It is obvious that she loves her students and they love her.
It has been my privilege and pleasure to have been a part of your life Chrystal, to experience the joy of teaching you, getting to know you and watching you grow into this wonderful teacher. I couldn't be more proud of you!
On behalf of the committee, we thank you.
Respectfully submitted by Sandra Glassford and Diane Neil
Music has always played a large part in Chrystal's life. She began taking piano lessons in 1992 and voice lessons in 1995. She loved to perform and to participate in the music festival, so her participation goes back 27 years!
Chrystal began teaching music in 2001. After high school, she spent time in Saskatoon where she taught in the Heart of the City Program - a program for underprivileged children. She loved this involvement and found that the children worked very hard, as they were so thankful for the opportunity to be able to learn music.
In 2005 she returned to Unity and started teaching voice and musical theatre privately with an average of about 20 students per year. She also taught musical theatre with the School of Dance for a few years. Chrystal has her Grade 9 piano as well as certification with the Royal Conservatory of Music to teach voice and is presently working towards her ARCT in voice with the Royal Conservatory.
When asked "What keeps you teaching?" - her prompt answer was "the kids - I love the kids - It is like they almost become your own". She particularly loves preparing students for duets and teaching them harmony. It is not surprising that Chrystal’s students do very well in the music festival, some of which have been recommended to Provincial finals.
Chrystal just purchased her own studio in town as of February of this year and hopes it will enhance her teaching program.
In Chrystal’s words - There have been a couple of teachers that have been of special help to her through the years. Diane Neil, who is like a "second mom" to her, taught her piano for many years and continued teaching her theory lessons after high school. Bari Bertoia encouraged her to become a music teacher. Other important people in Chrystal's life are her husband, Justin Fawell whom she married in 2007. They now have two children Eden (7) and Jensen (5), who are already involved in music lessons.
We are happy that Chrystal is a part of the Music Festival Committee - she has been an Entry Secretary, helps with practice schedules at the church and preparing the venues as part of the House Committee. More recently, she has filled the position of Vice President. We look forward to Chrystal being a part of the Festival for many years to come! We so appreciate the many hours that she spends in preparing students for the Festival and for her contribution in generating so many outstanding students in Unity.
On a more personal note, I would like to say a few words. Thank you Chrystal for your kind words about me. It really means the world to me. I believe we have a very special bond and you are like another daughter to me.
From the minute I met Chrystal and began teaching her piano, I knew this girl was something special. The music was spilling out of her and she was so enthusiastic to learn. She advanced quickly and excelled in music festivals and exams. She always had a cheery attitude and was most respectful towards me. We had many memorable conversations and lots of laughs along the way.
It is the hope of every music teacher, that their students will continue to enjoy their craft, look at it as a wonderful opportunity and to share it with others. Chrystal has done all of those things. She loves to play the piano, and to sing and to teach. It is obvious that she loves her students and they love her.
It has been my privilege and pleasure to have been a part of your life Chrystal, to experience the joy of teaching you, getting to know you and watching you grow into this wonderful teacher. I couldn't be more proud of you!
On behalf of the committee, we thank you.
Respectfully submitted by Sandra Glassford and Diane Neil
Bari Bertoia 2018
It gives me great privilege to introduce our 2018 Volunteer of the Year Award Recipient – Bari Bertoia.
Bari’s roots go back to Spalding, Sask. where she was born and raised and began her musical career – taking piano and voice lessons. For seven years she sang in a Gospel Group – the Nineteens who travelled extensively and provided an amazing experience for Bari as she learned how to sing, received encouragement, and shared her gift of song.
Bari enrolled at the Kelsey Institute of Applied Arts & Sciences, in Saskatoon, where she received her Nursing Diploma. To our good fortune she chose to come and work at the Cut Knife Hospital as an RN, and caught the eye of a certain Mr. Gary Bertoia whom she married in 1980. To this marriage was born 2 girls and 3 boys and now Bari is grandma to 13 grandchildren – the delights of her heart!
In 1990 Bari began singing with Paul Runalls and the Prairie Sailor Band of Cut Knife. In 1991 she started teaching singing lessons in Cut Knife, followed by Unity a year later. This was also when the group “In Harmony” (originally “The Harmony Singers”) was formed – composed mainly of Bari’s vocal students.
In 1992 Bari first served on the Festival Committee as the Cut Knife Representative and through the years has served on the House Committee, Carol Festival Committee, as Vice President and Entry Secretary which she presently convenes.
As an adult, Bari has attended Saskatchewan Choral Camp as an auditor and a counsellor, as well as Summer School for the Solo Voice. She continues to attend private coaching, masterclasses and workshops to strive to keep up with the current trends in Vocal and Musical Theatre performance.
In 2000 the Bertoias chose to move to Unity and Bari continued to enter students and church choirs in the Festival. Considering that Mrs. Bari has accompanied the majority of her voice and musical theatre students through the years (an average of 60 per year times 18 years) equals many, many hours of preparation that she has dedicated to the participants of our Festivals. That deserves a big WOW!!
Bari shared that what she likes about Festival is:
As a Festival, we wonder what we would do if there wasn’t a Mrs. Bari to provide us with all these many students. We know that each year they will be well taught – as evidenced by the numerous years Bari’s students have been recommended for Provincials.
Bari, your musical ability, your dedication, perseverance, multiple hours of time given both as a teacher and committee member are very much appreciated – you are indeed a very deserving Volunteer of the Year
Bari’s roots go back to Spalding, Sask. where she was born and raised and began her musical career – taking piano and voice lessons. For seven years she sang in a Gospel Group – the Nineteens who travelled extensively and provided an amazing experience for Bari as she learned how to sing, received encouragement, and shared her gift of song.
Bari enrolled at the Kelsey Institute of Applied Arts & Sciences, in Saskatoon, where she received her Nursing Diploma. To our good fortune she chose to come and work at the Cut Knife Hospital as an RN, and caught the eye of a certain Mr. Gary Bertoia whom she married in 1980. To this marriage was born 2 girls and 3 boys and now Bari is grandma to 13 grandchildren – the delights of her heart!
In 1990 Bari began singing with Paul Runalls and the Prairie Sailor Band of Cut Knife. In 1991 she started teaching singing lessons in Cut Knife, followed by Unity a year later. This was also when the group “In Harmony” (originally “The Harmony Singers”) was formed – composed mainly of Bari’s vocal students.
In 1992 Bari first served on the Festival Committee as the Cut Knife Representative and through the years has served on the House Committee, Carol Festival Committee, as Vice President and Entry Secretary which she presently convenes.
As an adult, Bari has attended Saskatchewan Choral Camp as an auditor and a counsellor, as well as Summer School for the Solo Voice. She continues to attend private coaching, masterclasses and workshops to strive to keep up with the current trends in Vocal and Musical Theatre performance.
In 2000 the Bertoias chose to move to Unity and Bari continued to enter students and church choirs in the Festival. Considering that Mrs. Bari has accompanied the majority of her voice and musical theatre students through the years (an average of 60 per year times 18 years) equals many, many hours of preparation that she has dedicated to the participants of our Festivals. That deserves a big WOW!!
Bari shared that what she likes about Festival is:
- the friendly atmosphere
- the motivation for students
- the great learning opportunity
- it is a way for students to share the gifts that they have been given
As a Festival, we wonder what we would do if there wasn’t a Mrs. Bari to provide us with all these many students. We know that each year they will be well taught – as evidenced by the numerous years Bari’s students have been recommended for Provincials.
Bari, your musical ability, your dedication, perseverance, multiple hours of time given both as a teacher and committee member are very much appreciated – you are indeed a very deserving Volunteer of the Year
On behalf of the Unity Music Festival it gives us great joy to present our Volunteer of the Year for 2017 – Shauna Hammer.
Shauna’s children were taking music lessons and were participating in the festival. As the Festival Committee was looking for a Treasurer, their teacher thought that Shauna would be a great candidate for the job. Shauna didn’t disappoint us. She came on board at a time when the bookkeeping was evolving – reporting to the Provincial body became more rigorous. The local Festival now had to report directly to CRA instead of under the provincial organization. Shauna transitioned the books from paper ledger to a spreadsheet system that she devised on the computer. Upon recommendation from another charitable organization she felt we should go to a professional accountant to review the books and complete the CRA filing. As a committee we greatly appreciated the diligence and time she spent in upgrading our system.
Being a part of a Festival was not new to Shauna. While in elementary school in Sherwood Park, Alberta she thoroughly enjoyed being a part of a large community youth choir. She found it exhilarating how the adjudicators, with a few minutes instruction could help them do something really special with their performance. Later in high school, at Denzil, she joined the band under the direction of Mr. Tom Hearn and participated in Festivals in Luseland. She is very grateful for the teachers, educators and accompanists who provided these opportunities for students. They had a great positive impact in her life.
Shauna has chosen to leave our committee and serve the community in a different way but we are very thankful for the diligence and care that she brought to the position of Treasurer. Shauna, naming you our 2017 Volunteer of the Year is our way of saying thank you very much for all you did for our Festival!
Shauna’s children were taking music lessons and were participating in the festival. As the Festival Committee was looking for a Treasurer, their teacher thought that Shauna would be a great candidate for the job. Shauna didn’t disappoint us. She came on board at a time when the bookkeeping was evolving – reporting to the Provincial body became more rigorous. The local Festival now had to report directly to CRA instead of under the provincial organization. Shauna transitioned the books from paper ledger to a spreadsheet system that she devised on the computer. Upon recommendation from another charitable organization she felt we should go to a professional accountant to review the books and complete the CRA filing. As a committee we greatly appreciated the diligence and time she spent in upgrading our system.
Being a part of a Festival was not new to Shauna. While in elementary school in Sherwood Park, Alberta she thoroughly enjoyed being a part of a large community youth choir. She found it exhilarating how the adjudicators, with a few minutes instruction could help them do something really special with their performance. Later in high school, at Denzil, she joined the band under the direction of Mr. Tom Hearn and participated in Festivals in Luseland. She is very grateful for the teachers, educators and accompanists who provided these opportunities for students. They had a great positive impact in her life.
Shauna has chosen to leave our committee and serve the community in a different way but we are very thankful for the diligence and care that she brought to the position of Treasurer. Shauna, naming you our 2017 Volunteer of the Year is our way of saying thank you very much for all you did for our Festival!
Laurie Pernitsky 2016
It is a privilege for me to present on behalf of the Music Festival our Volunteer of the Year Award for 2016 – Laurie Pernitsky.
Laurie’s connection with the Music Festival goes back fifty years ago when she attended as a student under the instruction of Verna Veikle of Cut Knife. She participated about 12 years in piano, vocal and band.
After graduating from high school, Laurie moved to Saskatoon to become a registered nurse but we are glad that she chose to return to this area and worked at the Wilkie Union Hospital. It was there that she met her husband, Rob and they became the proud parents of four children to which have been added six grandchildren.
Though Laurie must have been very busy she decided to again study piano with Verna Veikle and obtained her ARCT (Associateship with Royal Conservatory of Toronto). She taught music lessons for 25 years to students from Leipzig, Handel and Wilkie and many of them she helped to enter in the Music Festival as well.
For the past ten years, Laurie has accompanied a variety of vocal students for the Festival – what a help for those from the Wilkie area to have someone close to home as they practised and prepared.
She has also used her talents to serve as pianist for the Wilkie United Church Choir; plays with the Wilkie Stage Band and the Swingsters Trio.
Laurie has always found it a pleasure to encourage the enjoyment of music in young people.
We are able to celebrate 90 years of putting on this Music Festival because of people like Laurie who has been willing to share her talents and time so unselfishly. We are very thankful for you, Laurie and thus we want to honour you as our 2016 Volunteer of the Year!
Laurie’s connection with the Music Festival goes back fifty years ago when she attended as a student under the instruction of Verna Veikle of Cut Knife. She participated about 12 years in piano, vocal and band.
After graduating from high school, Laurie moved to Saskatoon to become a registered nurse but we are glad that she chose to return to this area and worked at the Wilkie Union Hospital. It was there that she met her husband, Rob and they became the proud parents of four children to which have been added six grandchildren.
Though Laurie must have been very busy she decided to again study piano with Verna Veikle and obtained her ARCT (Associateship with Royal Conservatory of Toronto). She taught music lessons for 25 years to students from Leipzig, Handel and Wilkie and many of them she helped to enter in the Music Festival as well.
For the past ten years, Laurie has accompanied a variety of vocal students for the Festival – what a help for those from the Wilkie area to have someone close to home as they practised and prepared.
She has also used her talents to serve as pianist for the Wilkie United Church Choir; plays with the Wilkie Stage Band and the Swingsters Trio.
Laurie has always found it a pleasure to encourage the enjoyment of music in young people.
We are able to celebrate 90 years of putting on this Music Festival because of people like Laurie who has been willing to share her talents and time so unselfishly. We are very thankful for you, Laurie and thus we want to honour you as our 2016 Volunteer of the Year!
Kathy Jones 2015
It is an honour for me to present, on behalf of the Unity Music Festival, our Volunteer of the year – Kathy Jones.
The Festival Committee has widened our focus as to whom we honour – not only those who have served on our committee but to those who have served “behind the scenes” and are very much an integral part of a Music Festival. Kathy is such a person.
Kathy started piano at age 8 with Mrs. Ella Robertson who was very gentle and encouraging. She participated in the Music Festival starting at a young age playing the piano and some singing as well. In grade 5 Kathy was asked by Sr. Marcella Weinkauf if she would learn to play church organ for the school choir. She did and found it both rewarding and challenging! At the age of 16 Kathy played for the Unity School of Dance, loving and learning many classical pieces for the very talented Unity dancers. The only downside was the early Saturday mornings for a teenager!
As an adult, Kathy taught piano and participated in various workshops for piano, organ and choir. She also took some grade 10 piano lessons from another gentle and encouraging teacher, Mrs. Diane Neil. Over the years Kathy has accompanied countless students in voice, choir and solo instruments in our Music Festival including at the Provincial level and other venues such as Telemiracle. She continued to enjoy playing for student and adult choirs as well as solos and small groups.
Kathy says her Mom truly inspired her with her great faith, love of singing in choirs and her unselfish gift of $2.00 each week for piano lessons. In those days, that was a lot out of a small family budget! Kathy’s great interest lies in seeing the personal growth of young children developing their talents and confidence from the ability to touch hearts with their songs. She believes J.S. Bach said it best--" I play the notes as they are written, but it is God who makes the music."
To all that know Kathy, she is a very giving and caring person. She is humble about her amazing musical talent and is truly an inspiration to many! Our Music Festival Committee and our community thank you for sharing your talents over the years, Kathy and hope you will continue for many more years to come! We are very pleased to present you this award – congratulations!
The Festival Committee has widened our focus as to whom we honour – not only those who have served on our committee but to those who have served “behind the scenes” and are very much an integral part of a Music Festival. Kathy is such a person.
Kathy started piano at age 8 with Mrs. Ella Robertson who was very gentle and encouraging. She participated in the Music Festival starting at a young age playing the piano and some singing as well. In grade 5 Kathy was asked by Sr. Marcella Weinkauf if she would learn to play church organ for the school choir. She did and found it both rewarding and challenging! At the age of 16 Kathy played for the Unity School of Dance, loving and learning many classical pieces for the very talented Unity dancers. The only downside was the early Saturday mornings for a teenager!
As an adult, Kathy taught piano and participated in various workshops for piano, organ and choir. She also took some grade 10 piano lessons from another gentle and encouraging teacher, Mrs. Diane Neil. Over the years Kathy has accompanied countless students in voice, choir and solo instruments in our Music Festival including at the Provincial level and other venues such as Telemiracle. She continued to enjoy playing for student and adult choirs as well as solos and small groups.
Kathy says her Mom truly inspired her with her great faith, love of singing in choirs and her unselfish gift of $2.00 each week for piano lessons. In those days, that was a lot out of a small family budget! Kathy’s great interest lies in seeing the personal growth of young children developing their talents and confidence from the ability to touch hearts with their songs. She believes J.S. Bach said it best--" I play the notes as they are written, but it is God who makes the music."
To all that know Kathy, she is a very giving and caring person. She is humble about her amazing musical talent and is truly an inspiration to many! Our Music Festival Committee and our community thank you for sharing your talents over the years, Kathy and hope you will continue for many more years to come! We are very pleased to present you this award – congratulations!
Proudly powered by Weebly