The Estevan and District Music Festival wrapped up the piano portion on Monday night with a highlights and awards program at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Pianists from the primary, elementary, junior and intermediate divisions who were selected by the adjudicator were able to perform their selections for the audience that gathered. Awards were also handed out.
The piano discipline ran from March 11 to 16 at the church.
Alicia Mann, who served as the MC for the performance, applauded the students for the time they dedicated to preparing their selections before the festival, and for the performances they delivered once the festival started.
“Tonight we’re happy to reward so many kids with scholarships that have been donated by many businesses and members of our community,” said Mann, who encouraged the audience to support those who donated to the festival.
A total of 333 entries were received for the festival’s piano division.
Mann noted there were many pianists who garnered honourable mention status who could have been selected to play at the highlights program.
“And, of course, many, many others who had fantastic performances as well,” said Mann.
Three performers – Leah McFarlane, Clair Miller and Max Hiske – were selected to advance to the provincial music festival later this year. McFarlane was selected for the Shirley Andrist Award for Outstanding Piano Performance.
The vocal and speech arts performances for the festival started on March 21 at St. Paul’s United Church, and will continue until March 24. A highlights and awards performance will take place on March 26 at St. Paul’s.
The band and instrumental portion of the festival will be March 27 and 28 at Estevan Comprehensive School.
