Acting President Mike Christie, introduced Rotarian Don Davis, who is the Chairman of the Music Festival committee.  Don was delighted to welcome Delynne Lorenzten to our meeting today and did a short introduction.  Delynne has been the Executive Director of the Rotary Music Festival for the past 5 years, and has done an amzing job coping with the issues around the Public Health restrictions.  Don described her as an "indominable" force, and everyone in attendance can agree with that.

 

Delynne spoke briefly about her love for music, how it is very important in her own home and how both her boy's have benefited from their musical education.  This year's Festival will be a little more open that last years entirely virtual experience.  Although it was certainly different, last year's performances and celebrations must be viewed as a success, as many festivals across the project were canceled outright.  The Facebook live stream views from last year had 1,200 views of the Rosebowl and 4,100 views of the Stars of the Festival.

 

This year we have approximately 160 participants, about 510 entries into various categories.  Although there will be no groups larger than duet's performing in the Festival, Delynne believes that 6 school bands will be included this year (which will add at least 200 additional participants to the event).

Delynne spoke about the changes to venue's, with the MH College being entirely shut down to visitors.  We will still have the craft room and the black box theater at the Cultural Center, which are considered "city" rooms.  The Rosebowl will be performed ath the Esplanade Studio Theater (to your right as you enter the lobby) and the Stars of the Festival will take place at St Barnabas Church as it did last year.  Delynne was very happy to report that Mayor Clark will attend the Rosebowl this year.

 

Delynne spoke about the need for volunteers and the enriching experience it can be to participate.  As well, it was great to hear that a past Rosebowl winner, Kimiko Sakamoto will be in town to adjudicate in the Musical Theater discipline, so it's great to see some of our graduates return.

 

The Rotary Club is proud to sponsor the Music Festival, now in it's 67th year, and we are delighted and grateful for all the hard work done by Delynne and her team.