Local residents will have the chance to showcase their talents at Rockwood Festival of the Arts, which is back after a multi-year pandemic pause.
The 65th rendition of the Rockwood Festival of the Arts is slated for April 15 to 23 at New Life Church in Stonewall and Teulon Collegiate Institute.
The non-profit organization provides opportunities for kids and adults to share their talent in categories that include piano, vocal, choral, dance, speech arts and band/instrumental.
President Terry Zurylo outlined several changes this year.
“We are reviving the festival. Changing with the times of musical tastes and interests, all classes — whether it’s voice, piano or guitar — now have opened up so you can play pop, rock, country, jazz, contemporary and music of all religious beliefs. It’s not primarily classical anymore for piano or guitar,” he said.
“It’s for ages five to 80-plus. There are adult classes and university level classes for everything except the dance. There are also multigenerational classes in singing, piano and instrumental, so you could have a grandparent and a parent and a kid doing a trio.”
Participants must either be a resident within the boundaries of Interlake School Division (ISD), be attending an ISD school or be a former ISD student.
For Zurylo, it’s clear to see the benefits of participating.
“Any time you perform out in public, it gives you the confidence and exposure. It helps you to get better,” he said.
“This festival this year is competitive and non-competitive. Years ago, they would announce the marks, but they don’t announce marks any more. You still get that when you pick up your adjudicated paper and you get a certificate. There are also awards and scholarships that come from donations or funding from grants.”
More volunteers are always in demand, particularly during the daytime. If you’re interested in volunteering, email info@rfota.ca for more information.
The entry deadline is Feb. 16. Registration forms are available on the Rockwood Festival of the Arts website at www.rfota.ca or at ISD schools.
For online entries, fees can be paid by e-transfer to info@rfota.ca with name, phone number and category. For those who prefer to pay by cash or cheque, the entry forms and fees can be dropped off at Keyboard Ventures at 324 Main St. in Stonewall.
Visit www.rfota.ca to learn more about the Rockwood Festival of the Arts.
