A Century of Music

A century of music is a milestone few communities can claim, yet here in Crowsnest Pass, the Music Festival has stood as a testament to the enduring spirit of artistic excellence for one hundred years. Music has not merely been an extracurricular activity or a fleeting pastime in this community. It has been a defining element of our identity, woven into our cultural fabric, passed from generation to generation.

The list of accomplished musicians who have come from this small but mighty community is remarkable. We have produced world-class performers who have showcased their talents on international stages, yet their roots remain firmly planted in the local festival that nurtured them. This festival has been more than a competition; it has been a training ground, a launchpad, and a celebration of the power of music to transform lives.

My own journey in music began at six years old, sitting at the piano under the watchful eye of Madeline Pinkney. She was not a young woman when I started, but she carried an aura of discipline and dedication that made you want to be better. Perhaps there was a touch of fear, but mostly it was respect. My father would drop me off at her house, and if I played well, I was rewarded with a chocolate chip cookie, the taste of which still lingers in my memory.

When Mrs. Pinkney retired, I continued my studies with Mrs. Costigan, her former student. She lived at the end of my block and carried the same high expectations. She was kind but unwavering in her demand for preparation and practice. Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was to have had two of the best teachers guiding my musical education. They taught me not just how to play the piano but how to truly understand music, its structure, emotion, and the commitment required to excel.

I also studied theory with Elsie Thornton, spending many lunch hours at her house beside ISS school, absorbing her wisdom and deepening my appreciation for the intricacies of music. Those years solidified the foundation that had been built in my childhood, reinforcing that music was not just a hobby but an integral part of who I was.

Junior high brought a new ambition. I wanted to join the symphony, and my mother arranged flute lessons with Carol Habdas. While I never fully mastered the instrument, I was competent enough to participate. In Grade 7, when I attempted to join the symphony, I was disappointed to find out they didn’t have enough flutes. Mr. Upton, however, saw an opportunity and asked if I would take up the French horn. I agreed, and it became one of my greatest musical loves. Playing alongside Shelly Kuta and Margaret Jones was an experience I treasure to this day. The French horn required a different kind of skill, one that demanded precision and breath control. It was challenging but rewarding, and it expanded my appreciation for orchestral music.

When I went to university, my minor in education was music. I continued playing piano and had the incredible opportunity to play French horn in a brass quintet. 

Music is not just my story; it is my family’s story. My grandmother Anne and her sister Josephine Kubik were pianists, accordion players, and singers. My father was the lead singer of the Lighterman and played bass. My brother was an exceptional drummer. The legendary Buddy and his family were some of the finest saxophone players in Canada. Music has never been absent from my life. It is part of my DNA.

The Music Festival has been a constant in that journey. I first competed in Grade 1 and continued for more than a decade. Piano was my primary instrument, but I also competed in singing, flute, and symphony. The approach of the festival each year brings back a flood of memories, but none more cherished than those with Buddy. Before each festival, he would come to my house and spend hours listening to my pieces, critiquing and encouraging me. He had a way of making me feel like my music mattered, like every note was important. He never missed a competition, and his presence gave me the confidence to play my best.

Buddy’s passion for music was infectious. He had an incredible ear and could pinpoint exactly where I needed to improve. He would sit for hours, offering guidance, pushing me to be better, and celebrating even the smallest victories. Those sessions were some of the most formative musical experiences of my life. He was not just a mentor but a steadfast supporter, someone who believed in me when I doubted myself. When I walked onto the festival stage, I always knew he was there, watching and rooting for me. His encouragement was a gift that shaped my approach to music and performance.

One hundred years is a long time. If we measured the calibre of musicians our festival has produced per capita, it would rank among the finest music communities in Canada. The legacy of this festival is not just in the trophies or certificates awarded but in the musicians it has shaped and the love of music it has fostered. As we celebrate this centennial, we honour every teacher, mentor, family member, and friend who has supported a performer on this stage. We honour the discipline, passion, and excellence that continue to define Crowsnest Pass as a powerhouse of musical talent.

Thank you to the festival committee for your dedication and hard work. Your efforts have ensured that this festival remains a premier event, celebrating the rich musical heritage of Crowsnest Pass while maintaining the highest standards of excellence.