Published on Facebook by:

  Anne-Marie Zajdlik 

  Studied Medicine at McMaster University

  Studied Bio-medical Science at University of Guelph

  Family Physician

TO MASK OR NOT TO MASK

Soon it will be a personal choice. So, how do you decide? It's true that we are well past the peak of Omicron. All tracking numbers continue to decline but no longer at a precipitous rate. The curve is flattening. But it is flattening at 1800 new, known cases/day. Hospitalizations are just under 800 in Ontario and ICU admissions still hover over 200.

We have done amazingly well, that's true. New daily cases went as high as 18,000 in Jan and that was just folks who tested positive, not those with no access to testing. Hospitalizations peaked at over 4,000 and ICU admissions at over 500.

https://covid19-scienceta

That's a dramatic decline thanks to vaccinations and public health restrictions including masks in schools and public spaces.

Look at all three of these graphs which you can find when you click on the above link and scroll down:

/Daily COVID-19 Hospital and ICU Occupancy in Ontario

2/Daily COVID-19 Deaths in Ontario

3/Estimated Rate of COVID-19 Cases per 1 Million Inhabitants per Day in Ontario

I see stabilization and possibly a continued, slow decline but COVID-19 is still definitely with us. There are still lots of cases under the line in each graph. It is still making people sick enough to require hospitalization and people are still dying. Masks should be at the ready. I think we should keep them on in certain circumstances until we see where we stand in the summer months or until the majority of kids over 5 are vaccinated. Keep them close until we have a vaccine for kids under 5. Most kids skate through a COVID-19 infection with little more than symptoms of a mild to moderate cold. Serious illness and death are very rare in kids under 11.

Here is my fear. When we eliminate masks and other public health mandates, my main concern is that we will have another wave in the fall. The immunity we have gained after three doses will likely wane by August according to research. If in the months leading up to our waning immunity our daily case counts increase because we have removed all restrictions too early, a pre-winter wave may happen as we move back indoors.

A new booster and then an annual booster will likely be available to all of us in the fall. It is also now known that 6 million people were infected with COVID-19 during the Omicron wave in Ontario. Add that, and there is cross over here, to the 12 million who have received 2 doses and the over 7 million who have received three doses and we have a lot of immunity built in to our population. BUT WE HAVE NOT REACHED HERD IMMUNITY. We are not yet in a position to rely solely on vaccines and natural immunity to keep COVID at bay. That is important to understand.

Once our vaccinations rates are over 80% and possibly more, in all age groups, COVID-19 will be a manageable and perhaps seasonal illness, one that we need to live with. We will have to manage the risk and get on with our lives at some point. But I don't think we are there yet. I will continue to wear a mask in stores, at work, in restaurants and theatres. If there is a frail or elderly person indoors, I will keep my distance and wear a mask there too. I would keep wearing a mask if I were a teacher in front of a class or if I get on a bus or into a cab. You get my drift.

Do I agree with masks no longer being mandated? Yes, I do.

Mandates cannot be in place forever. In a free and democratic society like ours, they should be lifted as soon as possible and, in this case, as soon as we are past the worst of the Omicron wave. Which is now. But that does not mean that masks should come off. It is time for us to take responsibility for our own well-being and the well-being of our family, friends and neighbours. You will soon be responsible for deciding when you need to wear a mask to protect yourself and others. Would I like to see masks stay on in schools? Yes. Vaccination rates need to be higher among school-aged children before I would take away the layer of protection provided by masks. It's all about finding a balance between the spread of the virus and our ability to protect and treat the vulnerable. In my opinion, there is still too much going on under the lines in those graphs.

For people who remain vaccine hesitant based on their concerns about the mRNA vaccines, there soon will be two more traditional vaccines available in our area: Novovax and Medicago. These vaccines are not available yet but they have been approved for use by Health Canada.

We have done extremely well as a country in fighting this pandemic which, by the way, remains a pandemic. We have lost so many things: joy, a sense of security in our world and for some, in our relationships. Our sense of emotional, physical and economic well being and a confidence in the fact that all will be well, the future is bright. I have two sons. If they lived in Ukraine, they would be fighting a war. Perspective spurs us to take action when we witness the senseless suffering of others. Perspective also builds resilience. It can make our troubles seem minor in comparison. Some say that Canadians have lost their sense of politeness and kindness. We are angrier, more irritable, more prone to lashing out and being self-centred. Let's stop that nonsense, shall we? You feel better, you are healthier and your future is more hopeful when you remain polite, kind and patient.

And, as I used to tell my now adult children before they left the house, "Make good choices". Wear a mask when it makes sense to do so. Socialize responsibly, stay home if you have symptoms, get vaccinated and boosted. Get your children vaccinated. We have the tools we need to get to herd immunity, tools that we did not have in the winter of 2021. Let's keep using them even when we are no longer told we have to.

Most of all, be kind and patient whether you agree with the people around you being masked or unmasked. It will soon be our individual choice and that choice should be respected.

At the recent Board of the Directors’ meeting, the focus of our discussion was whether or not we should go ahead with our plans for the 2022 Festival this May. The Program Secretary reported that there are enough entries to make a 2-day event and so, with all of the Covid-19 safety protocols that will be in place, the Board agreed to go ahead with this year’s Festival to be held at the Portal Village Bible Chapel.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to a scheduling conflict, it was necessary to move the dates to the following week. The revised dates are:

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11th & THURSDAY, MAY 12th.

Although this will be a much smaller version of past Festivals, after two years without being able to plan anything, we are looking forward to a new beginning.

We hope you are too!

Please watch for any updates/changes on our website, here on NOTES, and on our FACEBOOK page.

Speaking of FACEBOOK, I’m delighted to report that we now have almost 600 LIKES and 627 people are FOLLOWING us. Please continue to LIKE and SHARE the latest news, as posted, so that more people become aware of what’s happening with PCFA this year and in the future.

Stay safe everyone!

ARE YOU A LEADER?

As the new year approaches, we reflect on the year that is almost over and look forward to a new beginning. 2021 has been the year that Covid continued to sweep across the globe and just lately, with the Omicron variant, has run rampant throughout the world. What have we learned?

The following excerpt is from a Guest Commentary by Mohamad Fakih published in the December 29th issue of the Tribune…

The truly inspiring displays of leadership during the past two years have come not from our elected leaders. They have come from ordinary people.

These everyday leaders are all around us: The health professionals caring for the sick and vulnerable in hospitals. The business owners fighting to keep the doors open and employees on the payroll. The teachers overcoming impossible obstacles to engage their students in online learning. The generous donors supporting local food banks and countless other essential charities.

From this crisis, a new generation of leaders has emerged – people who have a fresh understanding of their capabilities, their strengths and their ambition. They don’t shy away from a problem; they run toward it.

True leaders don’t sit back and hope that our problems go away on their own, or that someone else will take on the burden of solving them. True leaders see a problem and try to solve it. They see an opportunity and try to seize it.

A new dawn is coming. When this is over, people will remember how you stepped up. They will remember that you cared and went above and beyond.

What will 2022 bring us? For me, it is hope. Hope that we can finally get this virus under control and return to a more normal lifestyle. Hope that we have learned some valuable lessons along the way. Hope that our leaders have learned some important lessons too.

BE A LEADER!

Happy New Year everyone! Here’s hoping 2022 is the year for new beginnings.

Welcome November

It seems as though summer was just a few weeks ago and yet, here we are in November! I hate to say it but I guess Christmas is right around the corner!!

Our regular monthly Board meeting was held this past Monday and we all seemed to have one thought in mind as we move forward and prepare for our 2022 Festival. During these uncertain times, it is important to move cautiously and plan an event that will be safe for everyone involved. This means keeping it small…solos only…in a venue that works well for our students, teachers, parents & volunteers.  We have secured the Portal Village Bible Chapel which we feel will work well. There is still a lot of planning to do, keeping Covid protocols at the forefront of our decision making.

A smaller Festival is reminiscent of our very first Festival in 1988. After being approached by the Port Colborne Operatic Society, spearheaded by Bette Kalailieff*, and after almost 2 years in the planning stages, we launched a 2-day event consisting of piano and vocal classes. Our Chair, Darlene Tuck, hosted a “meet & greet” the evening before so that the Board members could welcome our first adjudicator, Janet Fothergill. We were all giddy with excitement but at the same time, nervous that everything would run smoothly. We were so fortunate to have Janet that first year as she gave us excellent guidance and advice. At the end of the Festival, she told us to expand but to do it slowly. And so, over the last 35 years, we did just that, adding choirs, choral speaking, individual verse speaking, solo instruments, bands and dance. Hopefully, we will grow again as the world begins to return to “normal”.

*Read Remembering Bette Kalailieff in our NOTE ARCHIVES.

A discussion was held at our September PCFA Board of Directors meeting regarding the future of the Festival. After two years without this annual event, we have begun planning for a small 2022 Festival!!!! It is scheduled for May 2 – 6 and will be held at Portal Village Bible Chapel, 309 Elgin Street, Port Colborne. The actual number of days is dependent upon the number of entries received.

The health and safety of everyone concerned is our primary focus and so, with that in mind, and with an abundance of caution, we have decided to limit classes to SOLO ONLY and, as this goes to print, we have the following Syllabi available on the website:

Composition, Improvisation, Piano Solo with Accompaniment

Individual Verse Speaking

Piano

Solo Instrumental (no percussion)

Vocal

We will update the above list if any changes occur.

The Board of Directors will ensure that all safety procedures relating to Covid-19 will be followed by EVERYONE in attendance at the 2022 Festival. This includes proof of vaccination for all those eligible at the time of the Festival. A detailed list of applicable procedures and protocols will be announced well ahead of the Festival.

We are also pleased to announce that we have hired Guy Few to adjudicate all of the above classes. He has been our adjudicator in previous years and we are thrilled that he has agreed to return.

We look forward to your continued support…students, teachers, parents & volunteers...as we look to the future and our 2022 Festival.

Another month full of restrictions that have got us all feeling a little low. Here is a humourous take on our situation that I received from one of our Board members. Enjoy!

My Pandemic Life

The Covid is raging...my life is a mess,
I live in pyjamas and don't have to dress;
I'm in isolation, just staying at home,
And would give my last dollar to be free to roam;
I'm seriously at risk (or that's what they say),
Telling me to stay in and not go out each day...
In my head, I'm so young, though my licence reveals
I'm a 70+ senior (but that's not how it feels);
When I run out of food and deliveries are late,
I have to buy groceries between 7 and 8,
So, early in the morning, I head out to restock,
And discover a lineup that winds 'round the block;
Social distancing seniors, all 6 feet apart
Make me wonder just when I became an old fart.
My meals are repetitive (a lot like my gas!)
And I'm tired of discussing why Trump is an ass;
My latest new outfit is gloves and a mask,
And I'm starting to wonder if I'm up to the task;
I wash all my groceries, all fruit, meat and veg......
Will this additional precaution tip me over the edge?
My beautiful brown hair has wide roots of grey,
No hairdresser around to help wash them away;
I've been talking to myself...now I'm answering back,
Is it Monday or Friday? I've really lost track;
I've stopped doing housework...it's weeks since I've dusted,
And I know without visitors, I'll never get busted;
I Facetime my friends or we group chat on Zoom,
And try to pretend we're all in the same room;
Thank God liquor stores are considered "essential",
Without daily drinks, this would drive us all mental!
Every once in awhile it is good to reflect
On what this all means and what we can expect;
It's a time to be grateful for all that we've got,
Like a warm house and food that others have not;
The bottom line here, by the time this all ends,
Is that we'll get through it with our family and friends.

Stay safe everyone!

So the New Year begins and the pandemic roars on. It has become more and more difficult to find something to write about on our monthly NOTES blog. Instead, I found the following...

T’was a Month Before Christmas 2020

Written by: Shawna Hickling, Calgary, Alberta

Edited by: Nancy Gyetko

T’was a month before Christmas and all through the town,

People wore masks that covered their frown.

The frown had begun way back in the Spring,

When a global pandemic changed everything.

They called it corona, but unlike the beer,

It didn’t bring good times; it didn’t bring cheer.

Contagious and deadly, this virus spread fast,

Like a wildfire that starts when fuelled by gas.

Airplanes were grounded, travel was banned.

Borders were closed across air, sea and land.

As the world entered lockdown to flatten the curve,

The economy halted, and folks lost their verve.

From March to July we rode the first wave,

People stayed home; they tried to behave.

When summer emerged the lockdown was lifted.

But away from caution, many folks drifted.

Now it’s December and cases are spiking,

Wave two has arrived, much to our disliking.

Frontline workers, doctors and nurses,

Try to save people from riding in hearses.

This virus is awful, this COVID-19.

We’re anxiously awaiting a new vaccine.

It’s true that this year has had sadness a plenty,

We’ll never forget the year 2020.

And just ‘round the corner – the holiday season,

But why be merry? Is there even a reason

To decorate the house and put up the tree,

When no one will see it…no one but me?

But outside my window, the snow gently falls,

And I think to myself…let’s deck the halls!!!

So, I gather the ribbon, the garland and bows,

As I play those old carols, my happiness grows.

Christmas isn’t cancelled and neither is hope.

If we lean on each other, I know we can cope.

Merry Christmas to all, both far and near,

We hope life is better in the coming year.

Whatever your Christmas plans may be…stay safe everyone!

IT'S NOVEMBER

Do you find yourself losing your temper more easily or becoming less forgiving of others? Are you often critical of the way people are choosing to handle the restrictions…maybe you feel some are too lax while others are bordering on paranoia? We need to prepare ourselves for the long winter that lies ahead. Grab a cup of coffee (or tea) and enjoy the following analogy that I found on Facebook.

You are holding a cup of coffee when someone comes along and bumps into you or shakes your arm, making you spill your coffee everywhere.

Why did you spill the coffee?

“Because someone bumped into me!!!”

Wrong answer.

You spilled the coffee because there was coffee in your cup.

Had there been tea in the cup, you would have spilled tea.

*Whatever is inside the cup is what will spill out*

Therefore, when life comes along and shakes you (which WILL happen), whatever is inside you will come out.  It’s easy to fake it, until you get rattled.

*So we have to ask ourselves…“What’s in my cup?”*

When life gets tough, what spills over?

Joy, gratefulness, peace and humility?

Anger, bitterness, harsh words and reactions?

Life provides the cup. YOU choose how to fill it.

Now, more than ever, let’s work towards filling our cups with gratitude, forgiveness, joy, words of affirmation; and kindness, gentleness and love for others.

Stay safe. Let’s all work together to flatten the curve before Christmas!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

October is the time when the Festival Board would normally be securing venues and hiring adjudicators for the upcoming Festival. Of course, due to covid19, none of this is happening as we’ve tabled the Festival until 2022. This is a strange year indeed!

October is also the month we celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada. A time to be grateful for all that we have. Are you wondering how we can be thankful during, what seems to be, the second wave of the pandemic which is resulting in new restrictions?

Here are some things to think about…

We live in a great country whose leaders are trying to figure out (although never having done this before) what’s best for our future. It can be confusing and sometimes frustrating but we should be grateful for their hard work and do our best to follow the guidelines.

Take a walk or a drive anywhere and you will see Autumn…one of the most beautiful and colourful seasons of the year. Where else can you see leaves in golds, reds, oranges and yellows. And pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks, mums & more…everywhere! As the seasons change, Nature has certainly blessed us with her splendor!

And our friends & family…how do we celebrate and stay safe? Maybe your group is small and you are able to join in the festivities. For those who are unable to gather together, for whatever the reason, maybe a virtual visit is for you. Zoom, Facetime and other sites are wonderful additions to our digital world. Perhaps we opt not to gather now so we can gather later. Whatever works best, enjoy your time together! It is precious.

Don’t lose sight of all these things and always look for more. Our gratitude for the blessings that surround us can get us through these tough times.

May each new day bring you sunshine, peace, love and laughter.

 Greetings!

 So that we can stay in touch, we hope to publish a monthly newsletter here on our new website. Here is the first issue.

 At our recent meeting, the Board of Directors made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 Festival. This was not easy, but,  due to the many unknowns involving the pandemic, we felt it was the best choice. No one can predict the future. Will venues be available? Will we be able to hire qualified adjudicators? How many private music studios will be comfortable preparing students for competition? What protocols will be in place for the dance studios? Community and church choirs are still making decisions regarding practices so our Choral Evening is in jeopardy. And then there are the schools…with the “new normal” that is just now being introduced, school choirs/bands and choral speaking are very low or non-existent on the teachers’ priority list. These are all issues we completely understand and why the decision to cancel was made.

And on another "note"...due to social distancing issues and how each Board member is choosing to handle covid19 protocols, it was decided to forgo our Annual General Meeting/dinner, which was to be held later this month. Instead, the Board members have received the printed Annual Report and any discussion regarding the committee reports will take place via email. Safety is our primary concern.

Though we’re apart, we are working together and are looking forward to planning the 2022 Festival. Stay tuned!

Bette Kalailieff had a vision. In 1986, as business manager of the Port Colborne Operatic Society, Bette approached a group of music teachers to discuss the feasibility of reviving the Festival.  In 1988, with the financial backing of PCOS, the Port Colborne Festival of the Arts was born and a two-day Festival was held. Bette's vision was to go beyond just Piano and Vocal classes and so, with that in mind, the Festival gradually expanded into other disciplines.

Each year, Bette & her husband Ed, devoted their time as volunteers during the days of the Festival and also attended many sessions as spectators. In time, Bette accepted a position on the Board of Directors and brought a wealth of knowledge to the meetings. She served as a member of the Finance Committee, lending her expertise there as well.  Over her 35 years of dedicated service, Bette was able to see the Festival expand to include Piano, Vocal, Individual Verse & Choral Speaking, Dance, School Bands & Choirs and Individual Instrumental classes. Thanks to Bette's vision, the current Festival of the Arts became a reality.

The Board of Directors is grateful for the generosity shown by so many who gave memorial donations, totaling $1,109.00, in Bette's name.

To honour Bette's vision and her dedication to the Port Colborne Festival of the Arts, the Board of Directors is pleased that the following dance scholarship will be presented annually in her name:

Bette Kalailieff Memorial Scholarship
Donated by Brett & Rachel Gracey
Highest Score for a Medium Group - any category

ORMTA Scholarships for Highest Mark in:

Turner Clarke Memorial Scholarship for Students with 1 or 2 yrs. of Lessons or Less

Florence T. Schwartz Memorial Scholarship for Highest Mark in Classes P1, P2, P3, P4

Muriel Wallis Memorial Scholarship for Highest Mark in Quick Study Classes

Ruth & Walter J. Smith Memorial Award for Highest Mark in Intermediate Piano Classes

Christopher Bennett Memorial Scholarship for Most Promising Performer in Popular Music Classes

Julie Salanki Memorial Award donated by Dr. David Salanki for Highest Mark in Jazz Classes

Gwen Mewburn Scholarship donated by Port Colborne Music Club for Highest Mark in Sonata Classes

Canadian Composer Scholarship for Highest Mark in Canadian Composer Classes

Concerto Scholarship donated by Welland/PC Branch ORMTA for Highest Mark in Concerto Classes

Concerto Scholarship donated by Armstrong Funeral Home for Most Promising Performer in Concerto Classes

Armstrong Funeral Home Scholarship for Best Performance in the Open Graded Classes

Lois Noxel Memorial Scholarship for Highest Mark in Study Classes

Port Colborne Lions Club Scholarship for Highest Mark in Senior Piano Classes

Beverly Jamieson Junior Concert Trophy for Highest Mark in Junior Concert Classes

Beverly Jamieson Intermediate Concert Trophy for Highest Mark in Intermediate Concert Classes

Rivoli Iesulauro Senior Concert Trophy for Highest Mark in Senior Concert Classes

Alice McIntosh Memorial Scholarship for Highest Mark in Grade 9 Classes

Elizabeth Wilson Black Memorial Scholarship donated by Welland/Port Colborne Branch ORMTA and Port Colborne Music Club for Highest Mark in Grade 10 and Over Classes

Pat & Dora Macdonald Memorial Scholarship for Highest Mark in Duet Classes

Douglas Burr Memorial Scholarship for Most Outstanding Performer in Piano Classes

Robert Wood Singers Scholarship presented for Highest Mark in Junior Vocal Classes

Robert Wood Scholarship donated by Robert Wood for Highest Mark in Intermediate Vocal Classes

Don Horne Memorial Scholarship donated by Port Colborne Operatic Society for Highest Mark in Senior Vocal Classes

Vera Wolfenden Memorial Scholarship provided by Welland/Port Colborne Branch of ORMTA and Port Colborne Music Club for Highest Mark in Grade 7 or 8 Classes

Reg Steeves Memorial Scholarship presented for Highest Mark in Non-Graded Classes

Reg Steeves Memorial Scholarship presented for Highest Mark in Open Vocal as chosen by adjudicator

Scholarship for Vocal Duets donated by John Tuck for Highest Mark in Vocal Duet Classes

Scholarship for Vocal Classes donated by Betty Mahaffey for Most Outstanding Performer(s) in Vocal Classes

---

Dot Fort/Gwen Goss Memorial Scholarship donated by Port Colborne Operatic Society for Highest Mark in Individual Verse Speaking Classes

Instrumental Ensemble Scholarship donated by Mrs. Cheryl MacMillan for Highest Mark in Instrumental Ensemble Classes – duet, trio, quartet

Awards of Merit in Piano & Voice provided by the Port Colborne Festival of the Arts

Post Secondary School Scholarship awarded by the Port Colborne Festival of the Arts to a secondary school graduate from the Class of 2019 who is pursuing a Fine Arts Major at a post secondary institution in the fall of  2019.

Gold* Ryan Baxter

Piano Solo – Grade 1 Canadian Composer

                          Own Choice

Piano Solo – Grade 2 Study

                            Own Choice

Robert Wood Singers Scholarship and Award for Best Performance by a

Primary School Choir – McKay Public School

Port Colborne Operatic Society Scholarship and Award for Best Performance by a

              Junior/Intermediate School Choir – Our Lady of Victory Elementary Catholic School


Robert Wood Scholarship and Award donated by Harbour Lite Singers for Best Performance by an 

              Elementary School Choir – St. John Bosco Catholic Elementary School
            
Robert Wood Scholarship and Award given by the Harbour Lite Singers for Best Performance by

              an Intermediate School Choir – McKay Public School

Andrew Koroway Memorial Award for Best Performance by a

Pre-Primary Classroom Choral Speaking – McKay Public School JK/SK2

Andrew Koroway Memorial Award for Best Performance by a

Pre-Primary Classroom Choir– St. Elizabeth Catholic Elementary School JK/SK

Charles & Anita LaPointe Scholarship and Award for Best Performance by a

Primary Classroom Choral Speaking – Steele Street School Grade 2

Charles & Anita LaPointe Scholarship and Award for Best Performance by a

Primary Classroom Choir – St. Elizabeth Catholic Elementary School Grade 1/2

Canadian Federation of University Women Welland & District for Best Performance by a

Junior Classroom Choir – St. Elizabeth Catholic Elementary School Grade 3/4

W.C.R.C.S.S. Lois Leach Memorial Scholarship and Award for Best Performance by an Intermediate

              Classroom Choir – St. Elizabeth Catholic Elementary School Grade 7/8

Port Colborne Festival of the Arts Scholarship and Award (donated this year by Canadian Federation of University Women Welland & District) for Best Performance by an Intermediate Classroom
              Choral Speaking – Garrison Road School – Grade 8F

Ryson’s United Studios of Music Inc. Scholarship and Award for Best Performance in

Primary SchoolEnsemble Classes – McKay Public School

Central Music, Welland Scholarship for Best Performance in

Junior School Ensemble Classes –  McKay Public School

Port Colborne Festival of the Arts Scholarship and Award for Best Performance in

Intermediate School Ensemble Classes – McKay Public School

Port Colborne Festival of the Arts Scholarship and Award for Best Performance in

Intermediate Classroom Instrumental Classes – Winger Public School        

Port Colborne Festival of the Arts Scholarship and Award (donated this year by Port Colborne Chorale) for Best Performance by a

Vocal Ensemble – Port Colborne High School

Port Colborne Festival of the Arts Scholarship and Award for Best Performance by a

Jazz Band – Port Colborne High School

Port Colborne Festival of the Arts Scholarship and Award for Best Performance by an

Instrumental Ensemble (donated this year by Harbour Lite Singers) – Port Colborne High School

Port Colborne Festival of the Arts Scholarship and Award for Best Performance by a

Concert Drumline – Port Colborne High School

Wednesday, May 1st
 

Scholarships were presented at the end of the Dance Competition – April 27, 2019

Scholarships provided by Wilson, Opatovsky Barristers & Solicitors
              Two scholarships for Senior Students (15 – 18 yrs.)
              Pointe – 15 – 16 yrs. – Avery Smits-Talving “Prelude” – Dance Expressions Inc.
              Lyrical – 15 – 16 yrs. – Rose Atkinson “Landslide” – Dunnville Dance Centre

Dot Blakely Memorial Award provided by the Port Colborne Operatic Society
              Highest Score in Senior Tap or Jazz Solo
              Tap – 17 – 18 yrs. – ShaeLyn Pinnance “Expensive” – Dunnville Dance Centre

Miss Val Wilson Memorial Scholarship
              Highest Score in Ballet Small Group Classes
              “North” (13-14 yrs.) – Dance Expressions Inc.

              Highest Score in Pointe Small Group Classes
              “Faust” (13-14yrs.) – Dance Expressions Inc.*

Andrew Koroway Memorial Award

Tim Carter Memorial Scholarship
              Highest Score in Junior Tap or Jazz Solo Classes
               Jazz – 13 – 14 yrs. – Emily Hines “Just Got Paid” – Dunnville Dance Centre

Scholarships provided by Port Colborne Festival of the Arts
              Highest Score in Junior Tap or Jazz Small Group
              Jazz – 9 – 10 yrs.  “Vogue” – Miss Dar’s School of Dance*
             Highest Score in Senior Tap or Jazz Small Group

              Jazz – 17 – 18 yrs. “Greatest Show” – Miss Dar’s School of Dance*

              Highest Score in a Medium Group – Any Category
              Lyrical – 13 – 14 yrs. “The End of Love” – Dance Expressions Inc.*

Awards of Merit

Choreography Award – “Boogie” – Dance Expressions Inc.
          
Patterns & Formations – “Use Somebody” – Tara’s School of Highland Dance

The Comedian – Caryns Vaughn – “Do You Want to be a Superhero” – Dunnville Dance Centre

The Professional – Sarah Mitchell – “Sleep Talk” – Dance Expressions Inc.

RECIPIENTS OF 2018 AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS

VOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Port Colborne Festival of the Arts Scholarship
Highest Mark in Vocal Classes for Students with 1or 2 yrs. or Less of Lessons
Kasia Grabowski

Robert Wood Singers Scholarship

Highest Mark in Junior Vocal Classes
Lauren Clarke

Robert Wood Scholarship

Donated by Robert Wood
Highest Mark in Intermediate Vocal Classes
Ashley Christopher

Don Horne Memorial Scholarship 
Presented by Port Colborne Operatic Society Scholarship
Highest Mark in Senior Vocal Classes
Faith Dehghan

Vera Wolfenden Memorial Scholarship

Presented by Welland/P.C. Branch ORMTA and P.C. Music Club
Highest Mark in Grade 7 or 8 List C Classes
Faith Dehghan

Reg Steeves Memorial Award

Highest Mark in Non-Graded Vocal Classes
Kasia Grabowski

Reg Steeves Memorial Award

Highest Mark in Open Vocal Classes
Rachel Gracey

Scholarship for Concert Classes

Donated in honour of our Teacher, Linda Caldwell
Most Promising Performer in Vocal Concert Classes
Ashley Christopher

Scholarship for Vocal Duets

Donated by Mr. John Tuck
Highest Mark in Vocal Duet Classes
Rachel Gracey & Leslie Kennedy

Scholarship for Vocal Trios

Donated by Shades of Harmony
Highest Mark in Vocal Trio Classes
No entries

Port Colborne Festival of the Arts Scholarship

Most Outstanding Performer in Vocal Classes
Kasia Grabowski
Rachel Gracey

PIANO SCHOLARSHIPS

ORMTA Scholarships

Highest Mark in Junior Piano Classes
Randall Marsh

Highest Mark in ORMTA Junior Piano Class

Alex DeAngelis

Highest Mark in ORMTA Intermediate Piano Class

Laurenda Irwin

Highest Mark in ORMTA Senior Piano Class

Reid Ciolfi

Turner Clarke Memorial Scholarship

Highest Mark in Piano Classes for Students with 1 or 2 yrs. or Less of Lessons
Chloe Pasma

Florence T. Schwartz Memorial Scholarship

For Piano Students in Classes P1, P2, P3 & P4
Willow Winger

Muriel Wallis Memorial Scholarship

Highest Mark in Quick Study Classes
Kolton Anger

Ruth & Walter J. Smith Memorial Award

Highest Mark in Intermediate Piano Classes
Luca Motola

Christopher Bennett Memorial Scholarship

Most Promising Performer in Popular Music Classes
Brielle Anger

Julie Salanki Memorial Award

Donated by Daivid Salanki
Highest Mark in Jazz Classes
Kolton Anger

Gwen Mewburn Memorial Scholarship

Donated by Port Colborne Music Club
Highest Mark in Sonata Classes
Lauren Voronov

Canadian Composer Scholarship

Highest Mark in Canadian Composer Classes
Sarah Egert

Concerto Scholarship

Donated by Welland/P.C. Branch ORMTA
Most Promising Performer in Concerto Classes
Terrence Wu

John Micheal Martin Memorial Awards

Donated by John & Diane Martin
Most Promising Performers in Composition Classes 
No entries

Armstrong Funeral Home Scholarship

Best performance in the Open Graded Classes
Cora House

Lois Noxel Memorial Scholarship

Highest Mark in Study Classes
Jacklyn Saddler

Port Colborne Lions Club Scholarship

Highest Mark in Senior Piano Classes
Ethan Torkos

Beverly Jamieson Junior Concert Trophy

Highest Mark in Junior – Gr. 5 & 6 – Concert Classes
No entries

Beverly Jamieson Intermediate Concert Trophy

Highest Mark in Intermediate – Gr. 7 & 8 – Concert Classes
Ethan Torkos

Rivoli Iesulauro Senior Concert Trophy

Highest Mark in Senior – Gr. 9 & 10 – Concert Classes
Terrence Wu

Alice McIntosh Memorial Scholarship

Highest Mark in Grade 9 Piano Classes
Trinity Robbins

Elizabeth Wilson Black Memorial Scholarship

Presented by Welland/P.C. Branch ORMTA and P.C. Music Club
Highest Mark in Advanced Piano Classes – Gr. 10 and Over
Rowena Hobbs

Pat & Dora Macdonald Memorial Scholarship

Highest Mark in Piano Duet Classes
Allan Buri & Alex DeAngelis

Zelma Lymburner Memorial Piano Ensemble Scholarship

Highest Mark in Piano Trio Classes
Sullivan Feduck, Willow Winger & Phoenix Leach

Douglas Burr Memorial Scholarship

Most Outstanding Performer in Piano Classes
Terrence Wu

ADDITIONAL AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS

INDIVIDUAL VERSE SPEAKING SCHOLARSHIP

Dot Fort/Gwen Goss Scholarship

Presented by Port Colborne Operatic Society
Highest Mark in Individual Verse Speaking Classes
Allan Buri

INDIVIDUAL INSTRUMENTAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Donated by Andrea Dickson-Foebel for Individual Instrumental Classes
as chosen by the Adjudicator
Kolton Anger
Christine Kin
Elizabeth Kim

Awarded by The Port Colborne Festival of the Arts

Piano Awards
Sullivan Feduck - Junior, Alexander Hobbs – Senior 
Carter Feduck - Junior, Teo Ordinario – Senior 
Phoenix Leach – Junior, Kaitlyn Balicki – Senior 
Ksenia Rungi-Ruston - Junior

Post Secondary School Scholarship
Presented by The Port Colborne Festival of the Arts 
to a Festival participant who is graduating from secondary school
and pursuing a Major in Fine Arts at the post secondary school level
No recipient
 

at the Festival Showcase, Saturday, May 26, 2018

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

Robert Wood Singers Scholarship & Award
Best Performance by a Primary School Choir
Harriet Tubman Public School

Port Colborne Operatic Society Scholarship & Award

Best Performance by a Junior/Intermediate School Choir
Niagara Christian Colliegiate

Robert Wood Scholarship & Award

Donated by the Harbour Lite Singers*
Best Performance by an Intermediate School Choir
No entries

Robert Wood Scholarship & Award

Donated by the Harbour Lite Singers
Best Performance by an Elementary School Choir
St. John Bosco Catholic Elementary School

Andrew Koroway Memorial Award

Best Performance in the following categories:
Pre-Primary Classroom Choir 
St. Elizabeth Catholic Elementary School Kindergarten

Pre-Primary Classroom Choral Speaking

McKay Public JK/SK

Charles & Anita LaPointe Memorial Award

Best Performance in the following categories:
Primary Classroom Choir
St. Elizabneth Catholic Elementary School Gr. 1/2

Primary Classroom Choral Speaking

McKay Public School Gr. 3FI

Canadian Federation of University Women ~ Welland & District Award

Best Performance in the following categories:
Junior Classroom Choir
St. Elizabeth Catholic Elementary School Gr. 3/4

Junior Classroom Choral Speaking

St. Elizabeth Catholic Elementary School Gr. 5/6

W.C.R.C.S.S. Board – Lois Leach Memorial Award

Best Performance by an Intermediate Classroom Choir
No entries

Port Colborne Festival of the Arts Scholarship & Award

Intermediate Classroom Choral Speaking
McKay Public School Gr. 7/8FI

Ryson’s United Studios of Music Inc. Scholarship

Best Performance in Primary Classroom Instrumental Classes
McKay Public School Gr. 2/3

Port Colborne Festival of the Arts Scholarships & Awards

Best Performance in the following Classroom Instrumental Classes
Junior (donated this year by the Koroway Family)                                                                                                                                                                        
McKay Public School Gr. 6FI

Intermediate (donated this year by the Koroway family)                                                                                                                                                                        

McKay Public School Gr. 7/8FI
 

Port Colborne Festival of the Arts Scholarships & Awards
Best Performance in the following School Band Classes
Beginner
McKay Public School Rock Band #3

Concert, Jazz, Concert Drumline (Stationary)

No entries

Port Colborne Festival of the Arts Scholarships & Awards

Best Performance in the following School Ensemble Classes
Primary, Junior        
No entries

Intermediate

E.I. McCulley School

SECONDARY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

Port Colborne Chorale Scholarships
Best Performance in the following categories:
Secondary School Choir ~ less than 25 members
Port Colborne High School - Frequency

Secondary School Choir ~ more than 25 members

Niagara Christian Collegiate

Port Colborne Festival of the Arts Scholarships & Awards

Best Performance in the following School Band Classes
Junior, Senior, Concert, Concert Drumline (Stationary)      

No entries

Jazz * (donated this year by Harbour Lite Singers)

Port Colborne High School - Bluetones

Instrumental Ensemble * (donated this year by Harbour Lite Singers)

Port Colborne High School - Pulse

Elementary and Secondary School Awards & Scholarships were presented at the conclusion of each class.

DANCE SCHOLARSHIPS
 

Two scholarships for Senior Students (15 – 18 yrs.)
Pointe – 15 – 16 yrs. – Gracie Kohinski “Blue Bird” – Peacock School of Dance
Lyrical – 15 – 16 yrs. – Hannah Pontello “Battle From Within” – Peacock School of Dance
 

Highest Score in Senior Tap or Jazz Solo
Victoria Kuronen (15-16 yrs) “Too Darn Hot” – Peacock School of Dance
 

Highest Score in Ballet Small Group Classes
“Final Flight” (13 – 14 yrs) – Dance Expressions Inc.
 

“Your Song” (15 – 16 yrs) – Dance Expressions Inc.
 

Highest Score in JuniorTap or Jazz Solo Classes
Carys Vaughn (9 – 10 yrs. NOVICE) “Respect” – Dunnville Dance Centre
 

Highest Score in Junior Tap or Jazz Small Group
“Bond ” (13 – 14 yrs) – Dance Expressions Inc.
 

“Montego Bay” (15 – 16 yrs) – Dunnville Dance Centre
 

“Suits” – Jazz (13 – 14 yrs.) – Peacock School of Dance
 

Dance Scholarships were presented as the finale to the Dance Competition, Saturday, April 21, 2018

Piano Trio – 8 yrs. & under         “Mary’s Other Lambs”
Gold                1. Phoenix Leach, Willow Winger & Sullivan Feduck   
                             Zelma Lymburner Memorial Piano Ensemble Scholarship
 

silver             Addison Doucett

 

Gold                1. Holden Barnhardt
 

Gold                1. Lucas Motola
 

Gold                1. Kolton Anger
 

Gold                1. Eleanora Schroeder   Silver     2. Ella Ristine
 

Gold                1. Russell Bronn
 

Gold                1. Lauren Clarke        Silver          2. Kirsten Li
 

Gold                1. Gabriel Forte       Silver            2. Emily Knutt
 

Gold                1. Cora House   Armstrong Funeral Home Scholarship          
Silver              2. Kenan Elayan
 

Gold                1. Trinity Robbins
 

Silver              1. Anita Bussi           
Gold               2. Ethan Torkos   Beverly Jamieson Intermediate Concert Trophy
               
Piano Solo – Grade 8 Concert Class
Gold               1. Christine Kim
 

Silver              1. Alexander Hobbs        
Gold                2. Trinity Robbins   Alice McIntosh Memorial Scholarship
 

Gold               1. Terrence Wu   Rivoli Iesulauro Senior Concert Trophy

 Piano Duet – 14 yrs. & under
   Back on Holiday” or “Floating Away”
Gold                1. Allan Buri & Alex DeAngelis  
                                                Pat & Dora Macdonald Memorial Scholarship
Silver              2. Emilio Geremia & Lucas Motola
 

Bronze            1. Lauren Clarke              Gold      4. Ksenia Rungi-Ruston
                        2. Micah William                          5. Laken Marsh
Silver              3. Lukas Anger                              6. Lauren Voronov
 

Gold                1. Carter Feduck          Silver       2. Evan Collings
 

Gold                1. Eryn vanderWeyden
 

Gold                1. Jacklyn Saddler       Silver       2. Kali Love MacDonald
 

Bronze            1, Alexander Colangelo   Gold    4. Willow Winger   Florence T. Schwartz Memorial Schol.
Silver              2. Phoenix Leach                          5. Logan Beck
Silver              3. Sullivan Feduck                        6. Abigail Knutt
 

Silver              1. Lukas Anger          Gold           3. William Wales
Bronze            2. Lauren Clark
 

Gold                1. Alexander Colangelo
 

Gold                1. Faith Phibbs
 

Gold                1. Colton Weaver
 

Gold                1. Alexx Hill
 

Piano Solo – Grade 3 List B
Gold                1. Kasia Grabowski
 

Gold                1. Emily Knutt

Piano Solo – Quick Study – Grade 6       A selection chosen by the Adjudicator
Silver              1. Elisa Hobbs           Gold  2. Lucas Motola
 

Gold                1. Kolton Anger   Muriel Wallis Memorial Scholarship
 

Gold                1. Brielle Anger
 

Gold                1. Kali Love MacDonald

Piano Solo – Grade 7 Jazz
Gold               1. Anita Bussi            Silver  2. Colton Weaver
 

Bronze            1. Faith Phibbs         Gold    3. Kolton Anger   Julie Salanki Memorial Award
Silver              2. Cody Henson
 

Gold                1. Ethan Torkos    Port Colborne Lions Club Scholarship
Bronze            2. Brielle Anger
Silver              3. Iain Macfarlane
 

Silver              1. Alexander Hobbs   Bronze    3. Stuart Nisbet
Gold                2. Sarah Egert
 

Gold                1. Brielle Anger   Christopher Bennett Memorial Scholarship
 

Gold                1. Reid Ciolfi         ORMTA Senior Piano scholarship
Silver              2. Kaitlyn Balicki      
Bronze            3. Kathryn Mullins
Silver              4. Alexander Hobbs

Piano Solo – Grade 3 Jazz
Gold                1. Gabriel Forte
 

Gold                1. Benjamin Hebert
 

Silver              1. Lucas Motola 
Gold               2. Allan Buri
 

Gold                1. Sullivan Feduck  
 

Gold                1. Phoenix Leach
 

Gold                1. Carter Feduck
 

                                    A selection chosen by the Adjudicator
Adjudication 1. Alexander Hobbs   Port Colborne Festival of the Arts Award of Merit

Piano Solo – Grade 5 Popular Music
Gold                1. Alex DeAngelis
 

Gold                1. Kolton Anger
 

Gold                1. Colton Weaver & Adeline Willett
 

Silver              1. Teo Ordinario             Bronze    2. Brielle Anger
Silver              3. Kaitlyn Balicki           Gold        4. Cora House
 

Gold                1. Sarah Egert
 

 Gold Exc     1. Terrence Wu   Concerto Scholarship 
                             Douglas Burr Memorial Scholarship for Outstanding Piano Performer

Junior Classes - -Lucas Anger

ORMTA Intermediate Class – Kathryn Mullins

ORMTA Junior Class – Lucas Motola

ORMTA Senior Class – Alexander Hobbs
 

 Cora House, Sam Massey, James McAvoy, Sydney Torkos, Colton Weaver, Adeline Willett
 

Piano Duet – 14 years & under
“Pizzicatto Polka” or “I’ll Wait for You”
Allan Buri, Alex DeAngelis - gold
Anandi Dajka, Kasia Grabowski - silver
 

Grade 7 List A selection
Iain Macfarlane - gold
        
Open-Graded Class – Grade 6
Romantic or Contemporary
Anita Bussi - gold
 

Grade 2 List A selection
Jacklyn Saddler - gold
 

Grade 5 List C selection
Turner Clarke - gold
 

Jessica Cizmar - gold
Quinn Rungi-Ruston - silver
Molly Hemauer - bronze
 

Addison Doucet - gold
Randall Marsh - silver
Antonio Geremia – silver
Abigail Knutt – bronze
Alexis Fairlie - bronze
 

Evan Collings - gold
           
Piano Solo – Intermediate ORMTA Class – Grade 6 or 7
List C selection
Kathryn Mullins – gold
Iain Macfarlane - silver
Kaitlyn Balicki - bronze
 

Romantic or Contemporary
Kasia Grabowski - gold

Piano Solo – 14 years & under
Grade 5 Sonata/Sonatina
Allan Buri - gold
Turner Clarke - silver

Piano Solo – Grade 6 Concert Class
2 contrasting selections
Patrick Li - gold
Lexie Thompson-Ferrusi - silver
Colton Weaver - silver
Emmerson Secord - bronze
 

Evening Session

Piano Solo – 18 years & under 
Grade 8 Sonata/Sonatina Class
Trinity Robbins - gold
Stuart Nisbet - silver
 

List C selection
Sarah Egert - gold

Piano Solo – Grade 8
List D selection
Trinity Robbins - gold
Jessica Traynor - silver
Mackenzie Nisbet - bronze
 

Sydney Torkos, James McAvoy, Cora House, Sam Massey,
Adeline Willett, Colton Weaver - gold
 

Sheila Brown, Linda Caldwell, Ted Ellis, Margie Feduck,
Sam Massey, Haley Morrison - gold

Piano Solo – 16 years & under
Grade 7 List C selection
Ethan Torkos - gold
Rachel Dobbie - silver
 

Adeline Willett - gold
Isabella Daneyko - silver
             
Trio Class – 8 years & under
”Sing a Song of Sixpence”
Ava Vanderwerf, Sullivan Feduck, Willow Winger - gold
 

Grade 5 List A selection
Turner Clarke - gold

Open Graded Class – Grade 5 Baroque
Faith Phibbs - gold
 

Eryn VanderWeyden - gold
 

Lucas Motola - gold
Emilio Germia - silver

Quick Study Class – Grade 6
Kolton Anger - gold

Quick Study Class – Grade 7
Kaitlyn Balicki - gold

Kathryn Mullins - gold
Kolton Anger - silver
 

List C selection
Stuart Nisbet - gold
Benjamin Shoalts - silver
    
Piano Solo – Grade 10
List A selection
Rowena Hobbs - gold
Jessie Feng - silver
         
Piano Solo – Senior ORMTA Class – grade 8 or 9
List D selection
Alexander Hobbs - gold
 

Kathryn Mullins, Sierra Orfei - gold

Piano Solo – Grade 9
List B selection
Chloe Speck - silver

Piano Solo – ARCT & over
Concert Etude
Ryan Baxter – gold 

Piano Duet – 12 years & under
Emilio Geremia, Lucas Motola - gold
Brielle Anger, Kolton Anger - silver
              
Piano Solo – 13 years & under
Grade 4 List A selection
Kali Love MacDonald - gold
 

Romantic or Contemporary selection
Faith Phibbs - gold

Piano Solo – Grade 1 Popular Music Class
Ksenia Rungi-Ruston - gold
Ava deWaard - silver
Joey Fraelic - bronze
Lukas Anger
Quynn Fraipont
Laken Marsh
Addison Doucet
 

Ava Vanderwerf - gold
Holden Barnhardt - silver
Willow Winger - bronze
 

Jacklyn Saddler – gold
Claire McCarthy – silver
Benjamin Hebert - bronze
Ciara Thorne - bronze
 

Piano Solo – Grade 4 Canadian Composter Class
Eryn VanderWeyden - gold
 

Phoenix Leach - gold
Sullivan Feduck - silver
Antonio Geremia - bronze
 

Ava Vanderwerf - gold
 

Kirsten Li - gold
Lauren Clarke - silver
Micah William - bronze
Evan Collings - bronze
 

Emily Knutt - gold
 

Grade 5 List A selection
Cora House - gold
 

Baroque selection
Anita Bussi - gold
 

Emilio Geremia - gold
 

Lexie Thompson-Ferrusi - gold
Kolton Anger - silver
 

Grade 4 List C selection
Richard Liu - gold
Claire McCarthy - silver
 

Grade 1 List B selection
Lauren Voronov - gold
Ksenia Rungi-Ruston – silver
Lauren Clarke - bronze
Laken Marsh
Quynn Fraipont
 

Carter Feduck - gold
Emilio Geremia - silver
Lucas Motola - bronze
     
Piano Solo – 15 years & under 
Grade 6 Sonata/Sonatina
Emily Booth - gold
 

Grade 7 Sonata/Sonatina
Kaitlyn Balicki – gold
 

Brielle Anger - gold
Benjamin Shoalts - silver
 

Chloe Speck - bronze
 

List B selection
Benjamin Shoalts - gold
Jessica Traynor - bronze
 

Emilio Geremia - gold
 

Allan Buri - gold
 

Ryan Baxter - gold
 

Faith Phibbs - silver
 

Ethan Torkos - gold
 

List B selection
Rowena Hobbs - gold