A long-standing Stettler tradition continues in 2024.
The Stettler Music Festival is set to take place beginning on April 17. The festival will run from April 17-20, then April 22-24 with the Grand Concert set to take place on April 27.
After starting in 1968, 2024 marks the 56th year for the “storied institution” says festival president Marci Spady.
The 2024 festival has over 400 participants presenting around 180 different pieces over the week.
Participants come from all over the Clearview School Division.
According to Spady, “outstanding performances” as determined by the adjudicators will be recommended for the Grand Concert, taking place on April 27.
The public is welcome to attend the performances at either of the venues, either the Stettler Alliance Church or the Performing Arts Centre. There is no charge for admission, though donations are appreciated.
For those wanting a souvenir of the festival, programs will be available for $5 at the door of each venue at Wells Furniture.
Piano will get things started on April 17-18, with four sessions over the two days taking place at the Alliance Church.
Following the piano, Vocal will begin with an evening session on April 19 followed by two sessions on April 20.
After a one-day break, the festival will continue again, this time at the Performing Arts Centre.
On April 22, the School Choral and Speech session will take place.
The next day, on April 23, the adjudicating for Musical Theatre will take place.
Finally, on April 24, the last session will commence with band adjudicating.
The Grand Concert will take place on April 27. There is a charge for tickets for the Grand Concert, and tickets are available at Wells Furniture.
Adjudicating for the 2024 Music Festival LaDona Ahenda, from Calgary, Gaye-Lynn Kern, from Saskatoon, and Bob Bailey, from Camrose.
Ahenda will be adjudicating piano, Bailey will be adjudicating band, and Kern will be adjudicating vocal, choral, school chorus, speech, and musical theatre.
The Stettler Music Festival is a not-for-profit which is completely community-funded, according to Spady.
“It’s based on the awesomeness of Stettler,” said Spady.
“It’s a fantastic committee to be part of.”
In conjunction with the Stettler and District Music Festival, the committee is also taking nominations for the Award of Excellence 2024, which will be presented during the Grand Concert.
The award is open to anyone “who goes above and beyond to promote fine arts in the community.”
The nomination deadline is midnight on April 16.