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As we prepare for, and then enjoy, the wonderful talent abounding at the Pacific Northwest Music Festival, maybe it's time for a little back-patting. After all, the festival, the 47th annual, has so much to celebrate.
The participants keep coming, and new disciplines have emerged. Students that once took part years ago now have their children taking part - a cause for celebration. The teachers in school see enormous value in preparing their classes to attend, giving them goals to attain, and a reason to celebrate after achieving that goal.
The community pulls together, providing sponsorship awards and advertising to let others know that something really wonderful is happening. The festival becomes the "talk of the town" for a full three weeks in April. Volunteers give freely of their time and energy to greet the participants and audience, and handle all the paperwork. We certainly have cause for celebration when they put their names forward to help.
Many of our students have gone on to continue their musical education at university, playing orchestras, travelling and studying world-wide. Many have returned to be part of the music community in the Pacific northwest - all causes for celebration.
New people come on board each year to help organize the festival, and we welcome their fresh ideas, energy and interest. We need to think about the future and involve those who see the long-term value of the PNMF. At the same time, we must value those who have been involved from the start. They help avoid "re-inventing the wheel" when it comes to operational issues.
Parents encourage their children to practise just a little harder, strive for perfection and try for their personal best. Everyone puts in added effort and yet despite the fact that festival is a competition, we don't let winning get in the way of friendship, encouragement of others, and learning. We all win just by taking part. Be assured that is not the case everywhere. Let's wholeheartedly celebrate what we have.
Yes, we can all pat ourselves on the back a little when we enjoy the final two nights of festival - scholarship and the Gala - because we worked together to make it all happen.
So go ahead- CELEBRATE!! President: Bonnie Juniper 2012
