Carbonear Kiwanis Music Festival has staged muti-generations of Newfoundland talent in 50 years | Regional-Lifestyles | Lifestyles

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CARBONEAR, N.L. —

BY VALERIE MORGAN

For someone like Bay Roberts’ Anna Mercer, the Carbonear Kiwanis Music Festival has been an important part of her life as she honed her skills as a vocalist.

Crescent Collegiate's Vocal Ensemble and Jazz Band were Kiwanis Music Festival Rose Bowl winners. CONTRIBUTED BY RUTH BROWN
Crescent Collegiate’s Vocal Ensemble and Jazz Band were Kiwanis Music Festival Rose Bowl winners. CONTRIBUTED BY RUTH BROWN

Today, Mercer is enrolled in Memorial University’s School of Music but she recalls it all started when she began performing in the Kiwanis Festival with her school choir while in Grade 1.

“I performed with my school every year all the way through to high school,” she tells The Compass.

“I started singing lessons in Grade 3 and in Grade 4, I entered the festival as a solo vocalist as well.”

This year, the Carbonear Kiwanis Music Festival will celebrate its golden anniversary.

During the inaugural festival launched in 1970, music rang through the auditoriums of the Bethany United Church, Davis Elementary and James Moore Centre High School.

“They had 1,300 participants that first year,” says Danny Button, president of the 2020 Carbonear Kiwanis Musical Festival committee. “That year they held a ‘Stars of the Festival’ concert where winners performed and the first one was held in Davis Elementary in May of 1970. That’s where the festival started.”

Memorial University of Newfoundland music student Anna Mercer is a two-time Junior Rose Bowl and Senior Rose Bowl winner. CONTRIBUTED
Memorial University of Newfoundland music student Anna Mercer is a two-time Junior Rose Bowl and Senior Rose Bowl winner. CONTRIBUTED

The event has grown exponentially over the decades. Organizers estimate 125,000 participants from all over the Trinity-Conception-Placentia region have performed at the Carbonear festival since its inception.

Button says that the music festival is not only well known, but has become a multi-generation event.

“About 75 per cent of the teachers in our area are past music festival participants themselves.”

Musical theatre performers Noah and Hannah Dawson. CONTRIBUTED BY RUTH BROWN
Musical theatre performers Noah and Hannah Dawson. CONTRIBUTED BY RUTH BROWN

A deep connection spanning decades keeps this popular festival going.

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“(The festival) is a valuable opportunity to perform and be adjudicated by experts in the industry,” says Button, adding local winners have gone on to represent the area in both provincial and national music festivals.

Along with the strong support of the Kiwanis Club itself, whose mandate is to promote music and youth, Button says a combination of moving parts gives the music festival longevity.


“We need to give accolades to them for all they do to promote the festival.”“We have had major support over the years from the community and that has helped us (continue and grow), along with the support of the schools — teachers and the school board — who allow the students and choirs to be a part of the festival.

Shana Brown was a recent Rose Bowl Winner. CONTRIBUTED BY RUTH BROWN
Shana Brown was a recent Rose Bowl Winner. CONTRIBUTED BY RUTH BROWN

Throughout her school career, Mercer worked hard to balance her courses and daily vocal training. She says it was a great incentive to have the Kiwanis Festival to work toward each year.

Her hard work has certainly paid off. Among her many accolades are three Kiwanis Festival Rose Bowl wins — two junior and one senior. She also went on to perform at both the provincial and national festivals at the age of 17.

“I was so proud to represent Carbonear (music festival) in that way.”

Last year, Mercer saw the festival from a different perspective.

Her own music students performed for the first time.

“Until that moment, I never realized how my mom felt every time I get up to sing. I was way more nervous than I’ve ever been for myself,” she adds with a laugh. “I encourage my own students that it’s not all about winning — it’s about having fun and working towards that goal. Seeing them perform — well, we were all so proud and they were so proud of themselves. That alone is an important (part of the festival), that experience and support.”

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