Extravaganza! promises to be the biggest concert that the local music teachers have yet produced.
They started in an unassuming way, local piano teachers playing a concert of piano solos and duets in 2001. They followed this with a tribute to Mozart that featured Warren Bruns in period costume as the teachers performed primarily piano music.
This week, however, the Creston Valley Music Teachers’ Association is pulling out all the stops as they are supported by vocal and instrumental groups. The Creston Community Band provides great pre-show music. Velle Weitman Trio always delights the audience with toe-tapping fiddle music. Close harmonies are featured in the vocal music by Key of She.
In contrast, the Kokanee Brass ring out bright tones and dynamic rhythms. Solo artists Bob van der Poel (saxophone) and Sophia Smith (cello) add their talents to a variety show that you won’t want to miss. Yes, there will be two piano solos, but the piece de resistance will surely be the Galop-Marche by Lavignac, as four piano teachers jockey positions to play eight hands on one piano. They completely banish the image of the stern, unsmiling piano teacher of bygone days!
The mission of the CVMTA is to provide expanded musical opportunities for local students. They sponsor workshops by music specialists, organize student recitals (the next one is November 18 to celebrate Canada Music Week), and provide music scholarships. The teachers’ annual concert is a fundraiser for the Monte Anderson Music Scholarship fund.
Concert proceeds go to the fund, and a representative of the Creston-Kootenay Foundation is also available to receive donations. Both concerts are at the Prince Charles Theater--Friday, October 12 at 7:00 pm and Sunday October 14 at 2:30 pm. Tickets are available at Black Bear Books and at the door. These are very affordable at $12/adult, $10/seniors and students, $8/children under age 11. For further information, check the website www.cvmta.ca.