The Crowsnest Pass Music Festival was once again a success.

The weeklong event saw many participants display their talents both vocally and instrumentally.

Local music teacher and President of the Music Festival, Tynan Groves, says there was something for everyone at this year’s festival.

“There was two days of piano, a day of guitar and a day of bowed strings. There was also two days of vocal and musical theatre.”

Groves also says that the main focus for the festival switched a few years ago to change the focus of the event.

“We switched from competitive to a focus on training the kids and put a focus on their learning experience. I think we’re really seeing the fruits of that now. It was a little difficult at first just kind of communicating with the adjudicators that we didn’t really want a first, second and third kind of thing.”

Groves added that by moving the focus of the competitive side, the student’s are now able to be simply take the time to keep improving.

One thing that makes the festival so special in the pass is the feeling of togetherness people receive while being a part of the event.

“The festival is fairly robust for such a small community. One adjudicator I talked to said that even in Lethbridge they don’t have all the family music and community music and the different participation we have,” said Groves.

After last week, the focus now shifts to preparing for the Grand Concert taking place this Friday, March 22 at Isabelle Sellon School.

Groves says this concert is really the highlight of the festival.

“We try to put together a show that displays the totality of the festival. It might be a really cute kid that had a beautiful little performance. We will also highlight the people that really studied and performed well because we want to make sure those people get another opportunity to perform their pieces again.”

Groves emphasized that this concert is a great way for people who didn’t get to take in any of last week’s festivities, to highlight what all happened.

Groves says he is thankful for everyone that makes this festival happen.
“This was a great festival this year. The adjudicators were awesome, the venues were fantastic and the schools are so accommodating. It was great.”

Digital issues of the Pass Herald are now available:

Subscribe and read the FULL Pass Herald online.

or read just this issue of the Pass Herald online.