Cochrane youth with a flare for the performing arts have an opportunity to showcase their talents this February with the 35th annual Cochrane Rotary Youth Talent Festival. The event, scheduled for Feb 3. to Feb. 5 with the finale set for Feb 8, is a chance to bring community talent together and give young performers a chance at professional-style development and adjudication. "Festivals foster creative ideas, taking chances, harnessing opportunities and learning through challenges. There are very few- non-competitive opportunities for young people to test and grow in their skills but they are incredibly valuable as young people embark in this changing and competitive world," said festival chair Cyndie Baum, who has been at the helm of the event since the early years. At its inception, the festival featured vocal, instrumental and dance performances before evolving to include musical theatre, speech, bands, composition and the growing category of visual arts. Baum said key to the success of the festival is its philosophy of proving performance opportunities and build confidence in a safe and supportive atmosphere. "What we know is the calibre of performers we have had in the past. They range in age from five to 18-years-old. They range in ability from beginners to extremely accomplished. The best part of this festival is that there is a place for each one. Participants are placed in groups that reflect their age and abilities," Baum said. Often, the festival helps them determine if they want to continue; some will find teachers and some will be introduced to instruments and performance opportunities that they would never have had without this festival." To foster an environment of learning, Baum said beginner participants perform in small classes to alleviate some of the pressure while those with more experience are paired with performers of their own age and skill level so they can enjoy each other’s accomplishments and learn from each other. The performances are topped off with comments adjudicators. "Our adjudicators are incredibly experienced and accomplished in their own right, but they are chosen based on their passion for young people and a desire to build into their lives. Unlike many other festivals, adjudicators are tasked with encouraging the best from a child and a performance, rather than testing and judging them," said Baum. Baum highlighted the Rotary Club's part in helping to support aspiring artists with $10,000 in scholarships handed out during the festival finale. "I believe that we cannot over-invest both time and opportunities for our young people. Rotary has held this belief for generations, and that is part of the reason why they have adopted this festival. Cochrane Rotary Youth Talent Festival is an opportunity for children to be up in front of people, to test their skills in a safe yet disciplined atmosphere; to feel comfortable taking a risk; to be rewarded for hard work and to feel like mistakes made are learning and growing opportunities," Baum said. The scholarship was made possible by Gordon Rumpel who donated the funds in memory of his wife, Illa. Continued in perpetuity by the Rumpel family, the scholarship honours Illa's love for music and dance and provides youth opportunities they might not otherwise have access to. "The scholarship is given based on a child’s need and potential for further learning opportunities or the need of an instrument to further their performance potential," said Baum. This festival is a non-profit activity run by a volunteer from the community. It showcases creative excellence in performing arts, and the focus is to encourage quality and healthy performance in an inspiring atmosphere. Registration is now open and those interested in the event can go to www.cochraneyouthtalent.ca.
