The Chatham Kiwanis Music Festival is going virtual in 2021.
According to event chair George Service, the move was made as a response to the ever-changing situation with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Service said it was a tough decision to forego in-person competitions after 75 years of a festival organized with opportunities for participants to perform before a live audience. However, it was ultimately the safest choice.
"We did want the children and the teachers to have a chance to show their stuff but we don't want anyone getting sick because of it," he said. "On top of that, the Chatham festival is entirely volunteer-run. We have no paid employees, and many of the volunteers are seniors. So we're protecting ourselves too."
Registrants for piano, vocal, musical theatre, speech arts, strings and brass/woodwinds classes must submit videos of their performances no later than April 1. Adjudicators will then assess their performances and provide feedback and assessments.
Adjudicators participating in the virtual festival include Amber Morphy, Lynda Metelsky, Allison Arends, Caroleve Thompson, Vanessa Mio, and Aaron Hodgson.
Service said that organizers have made the decision to eliminate certain classes this year.
"Unfortunately, we're not going to be able to do any bands, orchestras or choirs this year," explained Service. "We decided against that beforehand, simply because of the spreadability of COVID when people are singing and playing instruments."
Some adjustments have been made to the festival syllabus, which can be viewed on the festival's website or Facebook page.
Copies of the syllabus are also available at Frank’s Music Centre, Tony’s One Stop Music Shoppe and Musical Strings “N” Things.
Online registrations are encouraged and can be completed on the festival's webpage. The firm deadline for all registrations is December 1.
Service said there are still plans for a virtual Grand Concert presented by selected festival participants.
