Registration is now open for the 39th annual Norfolk Musical Arts Festival that takes place in February in Simcoe.
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While the majority of competitors are from within Norfolk County, those living further afield are welcome to enter.
“We have competitors from kindergarten age all the way up to seniors,” said festival secretary Vicky Lachine. “We are continually trying to grow the festival and are working with a social media expert to help us promote it and get more word out to the community about the festival.”
She said many will enter mainly to get valuable feedback from adjudicators while they prepare for Royal Conservatory exams.
“The adjudicators we hire are all professionals and their goal and mandate is to provide constructive, positive feedback to the competitors to encourage them in their craft,” Lachine noted.
Last year’s NMAF attracted 738 competitors with the resumption of a full format, after pandemic restrictions resulted in a small, virtual competition in 2021, and a solo-only event in 2022. Prior to the pandemic the festival would have in excess of 1,300 entrants.
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Along with piano, strings, instruments, guitar and ukulele, voice, choirs and bands the syllabus includes speech arts categories in both English and French.
“Speech arts have always been a part of the program,” explained the festival secretary. “There are kids from young theater players, schools, and individuals who want to do a drama performance.”
The festival run February 24 to 28 at various churches in the community, while band and instrument categories are held at Holy Trinity high school.
Funding for the festival comes through community donations that helps pay for venues, adjudicators and scholarships. This year, a donation from the Retired Teachers of Ontario District 12 Norfolk enabled the creation of a busing subsidy for school bands, choirs or groups to participate.
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“Registration closes on January 13, 2025 and we are encouraging people to get their account registered on our new system, and then they can enter (categories) closer to the date,” Lachine said.
On Tuesday, March 4 a highlights ceremony will be held at Colborne Village United Church with performances and presentations of awards.
A senior competition will take place on Thursday, February 27 featuring competitors recommended by the adjudicators who will compete for the Vocal Arts Cup and Instrumental Arts Cup. Both top awards include a $1,000 award and trophy.
To register for the Norfolk Musical Arts Festival visit nmaf.ca
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