2015 Performing Arts Evening Expansion Proves a Success

Posted by John Borst

on Nov 19, 2015

2015's Dryden Rotary Performing Arts evening added more speakers and piano winners for the audience to listen to, with the result that over 70 Drydenites attended the dinner and performance of our community's youth.

Exhibition Performances

Maddy Kowalchuk, Grade 7, New Prospect School	Jordon Chwastyk, Grade 7, Lillian Berg School
Kierra Anderson, Grade 8, Lillian Berg School	Tristan Mineault, Grade 8, Open Roads School

Ethan Cook, playing "They'll be Back" & "Celebration" by Ann Crosby

Matthew Leautschaft playing "The Wild Horseman" by Robert Schumann & "Nocturne" by Paul Sheftel

Royal Conservatory of Music Winners

Intermediate Trophy

Mike Leutschaft - 85 Marks playing "Happy Time Jazz" by Martha Mier, "Melancholy Reflections" by Mike Schoenmehl and "Sonatina in A Minor" by Cornelius Gurlitt

Junior Trophy

Fiona Cook - 91 Marks playing "Would You Go In", "Carol in Canon" by Christopher Norton and "Mist" by Clifford Poole

Rotary Public Speaking Contest

Second Place

Kenzie Lancaster, on "Soccer" is a Grade 7 student at Open Roads School

First Place

Lauren Bell is a Grade 8 Student at St. Joseph School. She spoke on "Redefining Beauty"

Third Place

Liam Jones took third place with his speech "Triathlon Has the Potential". He is a Grade 7 student at St. Joseph's School. Our apologies to Liam as the recording of Liam's speech became inaudible part way through.

BE SURE TO COME BACK AS STORY CONTINUES

Presentation of Awards

(L-R) At the far end of the table is the inaugural Rena Fotheringham Memorial trophy for the Dryden piano student who attains the highest mark in the Annual Royal Conservatory exams. Rena passed away this past year and was Dryden's premier teacher of piano students. The small trophies in the middle are engraved crystal glass commemorating the achievements of all winners. The large trophy is the Ian Nixon Memorial Trophy for the Dryden Elementary Student who attains the highest mark in the Rotary Public Speaking contest.

Tonight's Performers

(l-R) Matthew Leutschaft, Mike Leutschaft, Kenzie Lancaster, Maddy Kowalchuk, Tristan Mineault, Ethan Cook, Fiona Cook, Kierra Anderson, Jordan Chwastyk,Lauren Bell, Liam Jones

A smiling Fiona Cook receives the inaugural Rena Fotheringham Memorial Trophy for having the highest Royal Conservatory Exam mark, a 91% (First Class with distinction) in her Grade One Exam. Fiona is a Grade five student at St. Joseph School. In addition to her music, Fiona is a member of the Dryden Dolphins Swim Club and the Dryden Eagles Running Club. Her favourite sport is soccer. She also water skis, downhill skis, and belongs to the Hip Hop Dance club.

Presenting the Ian Nixon Memorial Trophy for scoring the highest mark in the Rotary Public Speaking Contest is Rotarian Joanne Bunny. The winner, Lauren Bell is a Grade 8 student at St. Joseph School.

Liam Jones receives his crystal trophy for his third place public speaking finish

Mike Leutschaft receives a crystal trophy for his Intermediate Conservatory win at the Intermediate level.

The Evening's Hosts

Rotarian Janet Shaffer

Host of the Music Awards

Rotarian Joanne Bunny

Host of the Public Speaking Awards