 |
Durham Region
Westben education programs receive community support
 Mon Jul 5 2010
Page: 1
Section: News
Byline: Moya Dillon, mdillon@indynews.ca
CAMPBELLFORD -- Westben will be able to expose more youth to the arts thanks to new funding for its Youth and Educational Initiatives programming.
"I grew up in Campbellford so I really wanted to introduce music to kids," said Donna Bennett, marketing director for Westben.
"It's important to introduce them to the arts when they're young and their minds are more open. Then the option is there and they can choose it."
Newman, Oliver and McCarten Insurance partnered with Intact Insurance Foundation to provide $4,000 in funding for the theatre's youth and education initiatives. The funding will be used to support Westben's 2010 programs, which include bringing artists into area schools, a piano master class with Robert Silverman, a guitar workshop with Don Ross and Jimmy Wahlsteen and the ongoing youth and teen chorus programs.
In another education initiative, Westben partners with the University of British Columbia's (UBC) opera program for a visiting artists program, where students travel to the area and perform an opera at Westben.
This year marked the fifth iteration of the program, and the 25 participating students presented The Magic Flute.
Lauren Solomon, who just graduated with a bachelor of music and who will be entering the UBC opera master's program in September, was impressed with the theatre and its community involvement.
"It's kind of a clash of cultures that makes this beautiful gem," the 22-year-old said of having quality theatre in a rural setting.
"It's been a really great experience for me to have almost a summer camp setting but then tied in with this higher-end performance. The theatre is such a great asset to the community and it really gives kids
an opportunity they may not otherwise get in a rural community."
Ms. Solomon worked closely with several of Westben's youth members while rehearsing for the show, which ran from July 2 through 5.
"This is such a fantastic program, I'm jealous," Ms. Solomon said of the Youth and Teen Choruses.
"I never really had an opportunity to participate with professionals and semi-professionals when I was that young. I always had the desire to be a singer but I never had the actual experience so I think the education programs provide such a great experience and I know I would have found it so rewarding at that age."
The programs have made a big difference for Evangeline Dryburgh. A member of the youth chorus, Evangeline says participating in performances and working with Westben has made her want to be a singer.
"I wasn't sure before I started, but now I know," she said.
For more information on programs and performances visit www.westben.ca .
© 2010 Metroland Printing, Publishing & Distributing
|
|
More
