All award winners are chosen by the adjudicators and are not necessarily winners of classes. If you have been chosen as an award recipient, and/or have been chosen to perform in the Grand Concert, you will be contacted prior to the concert and asked to be in attendance that day. The Grand Concert participants are suggested by the adjudicators and the Festival Committee. The concert is programmed to provide variety and audience appeal and to recognize excellence.

 

To be the recipient of an award, a student must have a minimum of two entries in a discipline.

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Perennial trophies are the property of the North Peace Performing Arts Festival Association. Recipients are responsible for returning trophies in sound condition before the following year's festival begins.

 

The adjudicator and the festival committee reserve the right to not grant an award should an appropriate candidate not be found.

 

Awards List for 2023 

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North Peace Performing Arts Festival Award of Excellence- Trophy and Award- $100

This trophy is given to a student who has exhibited a high level of performance in two or more disciplines, at least one of which is at a senior standard.

 

Greg Corcoran Passion & Excellence Award – $300 

Greg Corcoran was a gifted artist who was well known for the many instruments he played. An outstanding vocalist, he was a long-time member of Peace Players both on stage and in the orchestra pit, and played with various bands for community events. Greg also conducted award-winning junior high and high school bands and mentored many students through private lessons. This award goes to a multi-faceted performer who exemplifies a love of music, a zest for learning and a high standard of performance, in tribute to Greg's spirit.

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The Unsung Hero Award – $400 
Terry Brunham was an integral part of the Festival Movement in Northern Alberta. Be it moving risers, attending sessions, or producing Sound at Grand Concert, Terry always quietly supported North Peace Performing Arts and Provincial Festivals. The Unsung Hero Award will be presented to a youth who supports his/her attitude with selfless qualities. Please help us recognize and thank them with this award by emailing their name to northpeacefestival@gmail.com by March 28th. Please include reasons why they deserve this award.

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Rotary Club of Peace River Music Education Award – $500 

This award is presented to a deserving intermediate or senior standard student to help offset the cost of advanced music training in a discipline of their choice. Students must submit a letter of interest by March 28 via email to northpeacefestival@gmail.com outlining the desired training.

 

  County of Northern Lights – Most Promising All Round Instrumentalist Trophy and $100

This award is provided by the Council of Northern Lights and presented to a student who demonstrates proficiency on two or more instruments.

 

 Fairview Music Teachers Most promising Adult – Trophy and $50

The Fairview and Area teachers created this award to encourage learners of all ages.

 

Catherine Whitney Memorial Award- Piano- $50

This award is to honour the memory of Catherine Whitney. Catherine loved listening to her great-grandchildren play the piano.

 

Peace River Senior Citizens- two of $50

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James Bunn Memorial Award- $250

James Bunn, a long time Peace River resident, was a music enthusiast who was self-taught on piano and guitar. He always enjoyed attending the music festival to hear children, especially his grandchildren, display their talents. This award is presented to a promising piano student who shows enthusiasm and a love for music.

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St. James ACW Frank Richardson Memorial (Duet)- $200

Frank Richardson was an active supporter of the festival, starting in 1926. He taught piano and organ for years and was organist at St. James Anglican Cathedral for forty years.

 

Donnelly Machining & Fabricating

• Junior Piano- $100

• Senior Piano- $100

Grant & Sally Barkwell- $100

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Peace River School Division #10- $100

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Mody Family Memorial Strings- $50

In memory of Rusi Mody, who played the viola and violin with the Montreal, Edmonton and Bombay Symphony Orchestras.

 

Dan Mody & Audrey DeWit-$50

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Holy Family Catholic Regional Division #37 (Band Travel)- $200

This award is designed to help offset the costs of travelling to festivals and performances.

 

Melody and Matt Taylor Instrumental Awards

• Small Ensemble or Chamber Group- $50

• Strings- $50

• Wind- $50

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Peace River School Division # 10 Chorus Award- $100

 

Eckhart Family Band or Chorus Award- $200

 

Brennan Family Award- Musical Theatre- $100

Tenielle Brennan was a festival entrant in voice and speech for 10 years. She remembers the exciting times of preparation and the rewards of her commitment.

 

Bobby Dodds- Musical Theatre Comedy- $100

Sponsored by the Lac Cardinal Regional Performing Arts Society. Bobby was a prominent musician and storyteller in the Peace Country. His work always included a string of comedic verse. His love for children and their interest in the Arts always brought a smile to those around him.

 

Catholic Women's League- two of $50

 

Royal Canadian Legion #62- two of $100

 

Peace Players (Senior)- $100

Peace Players has promoted live theatre for over 50 years in the community. Their regular season begins with a Junior (Gr. 3- Gr. 12) Production in the fall, a Christmas Show and a Spring Musical. Everyone is welcome!

 

Aurelia Vangrud Memorial Speech (Junior)- $50

Martha Aurelia Elizabeth Vangrud resided in the Peace Country for 38 years, teaching in Dixonville, Brownvale, Grimshaw and Peace River. Her major was Language and Literature and many students will remember her Historic Sites and Sights classes, complete with interesting objects that she would gather from her travels to Japan, Egypt, Rome and Norway. Aurelia sponsored the Junior Speaking Award, which Adele Boucher continues to support in her honour.

 

Millership Family Music- $200

The Millership family believes in family music. This award is for a performance by a group consisting of only family members in any discipline.

 

Joseph Becher Sacred Music Award- $75

Joseph Becher was a violinist and church organist in Manning. He helped promote and prepare entrants for the former Battle River festivals.

 

“Relaxations Massage Therapy for Women” Sacred Music Award- $50

This award is given to a student in the area of a sacred performance. All disciplines will be considered.

 

Marie Plaizier Sacred Music Award- $100

 

Cheryl Carruthers Award- $100

 

Mike & Gloria Lovsin Award- $100

 

Norman & Vivian St. Andre Award- $100​

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Don & Margot Weaver Award-$100

Don is a founding member of Peace Players and has directed and performed in many musical productions over the years.

 

Peace River Masonic Lodge Choral Speech Award- $300

The Peace River Masons place a high value on good speech and memorization. They are pleased to sponsor a festival award to encourage these talents.

 

Taplin Family Award- two of $50

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