Meet your Adjudicator – Musical Theatre

Marion Abbott is a proud graduate of the Musical Theatre Performance Program at Sheridan College. Upon graduating, she was immediately hired to teach for the program and was later named one of the top twenty graduates of the program. She has her Grade 10 Voice and A.R.C.T. in Piano Performance from The Royal Conservatory of Music.

Marion has produced over 400 productions in Toronto and other cities. Of the many (many!) shows Marion has worked on, some of her favourites include The Scarlet Pimpernel, All Shook Up, Anne And Maud, No Safe Harbour, Ragtime, Streetcar Named Desire and Passion. 

As a private teacher, Marion has taught voice, piano and acting for 34 years to students of all ages. From festivals to recitals to performing in Disney World, Marion cherishes her memories of her time with her students dearly. Many of her former students now work in the arts full time. Marion is now in demand as a director-music director, consultant, adjudicator and private coach.

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In Memoriam Don Braddon

Don joined the Kiwanis Club of Chatham in March 1997, shortly after retiring as Superintendent of Education with the Kent County Board of Education. He was a very active member of that club until the merger of that Club and the Kiwanis Club of Chatham-Kent Golden K in March 2014. He served as an officer or director of the Board over most of those years and served as Club President in 2006-07. He was an active participant and volunteer for virtually every club project.

Don was a strong advocate of the Chatham Kiwanis Music Festival and coordinated management of Music Festival sites, a committee position he called Manpower, for 15 years beginning in 2000. He would truck signs, tables, chairs etc. to the various sites and be sure that everything detail was looked after for smooth operation of each day’s events. He always preferred to work quietly behind the scenes to be certain everything was running smoothly than to be in the forefront.

Don was recognized for his service when presented with a Kiwanis International President’s Legion of Honour three years.

Many who knew Don well knew about his skill working with wood, his love for curling and his joy of sailing his sailboat out of Erieau.

Don’s visitation also takes place this Saturday, March 16 from 11am-12pm with memorial service at 12pm at McKinlay Funeral Home. You may read his obituary, which states that “donations made in memory of Don to the Chatham Kiwanis Music Festival or Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated by the family”.

Thank you for over 26 years of Kiwanis service, Don. We will be forever grateful for all you’ve done for our community and club.

In Memoriam Austin Hadlock

Austin was a dedicated Kiwanis member for nearly 21 years, having joined the Chatham Golden K on October 16, 2003. He volunteered his time creating and sending out bulletins from 2009-2023 and as the Bingo Chairperson from 2013-2023. He planted trees, attended countless cheque presentations, and was a Director of the Board for many years. In December 2021, he was recognized for having sent out 500 bulletins and in 2023 he received a YES certificate for 20 years of Kiwanis membership. Austin’s wife, Diane, attended most meetings and Kiwanis functions with Austin and is a Kiwanian at heart.

Family and friends are invited to the Alexander & Houle Funeral Home, 245 Wellington St. West, Chatham, on Friday March 15th, 2024, with visiting from 7 to 9 pm and visiting on Saturday March 16th, 2024, from 12 noon to 1 pm. A memorial service will follow at 1pm and will be conducted from the chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Mike Maroney officiating. The memorial service will be live streamed. Cremation has taken place.

Friends planning an expression of remembrance are asked to consider London Health Sciences Foundation-“Renal Patients Assistance Fund” and Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation. On-line condolences may be left at www.alexanderandhoulefuneralhome.ca

Meet your Adjudicator – Sr Piano

Described as a “thoughtful and immensely exciting performer” with “scintillating technique” (Barrie Examiner) and “intelligently rounded musicianship” (The Irish Times), pianist Benjamin Smith has performed as soloist and chamber musician across Canada and the United States. He has been a laureate of numerous competitions, including the Dublin International Piano Competition, the Virginia Waring International Piano Competition, and the CMC Stepping Stone Competition. Guest appearances include the Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra, the New Juilliard Ensemble, the Las Vegas Young Artists Orchestra, the Ontario Philharmonic, Orchestra London, the Burlington Symphony, and the University of Toronto’s Hart House Orchestra. As soloist, he has performed under esteemed conductors Rossen Milanov, Timothy Vernon, Marco Parisotto, and Yunior Lopez, with concertos including uncommon rarities such as the Schoenberg Piano Concerto. Festival performances include repeat appearances at Toronto, Stratford, Niagara, and New Park (Ithaca, NY). American performances include recitals for the Texas Chopin Society and Chicago’s Landowska Harpsichord Society. Recent seasons have seen two concerts in Carnegie Hall: once as soloist in Gershwin’s Rhapsody In Blue with the Hart House Orchestra, and previously in recital with Canadian cellist Dongkyun An. A disc with Mr. An of Saint-Saens, Schumann, and Beethoven was released in December 2016.

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Euchre Tournament Great Success!

We’re thrilled to announce the triumphant conclusion of our Euchre Tournament at Turns and Tales!

Here’s a recap of the exciting event:

  1. Packed Gaming Area:
    • The gaming area was buzzing with excitement, as Euchre enthusiasts gathered to showcase their card-playing skills.
    • Almost every seat was filled, creating an electric atmosphere.
  2. Six Intense Games:
    • Participants engaged in six thrilling games, each filled with strategic moves, laughter, and camaraderie.
    • The competition was fierce, and players gave it their all.
  3. Champion Duo: Fallon and Josh Sluys:
    • After an intense battle, Fallon and Josh Sluys emerged as the top scorers!
    • Their Euchre prowess and teamwork were truly impressive.
  4. Turns and Tales: Our Incredible Host:
    • Special thanks to Turns and Tales for providing the perfect venue.
    • Your warm hospitality and fantastic ambiance added to the tournament’s success.
  5. Gratitude to Our Sponsors:
    • A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors:
      • Boston Pizza
      • Roesch Meats
      • 99.1 CKXS radio
      • Scotty’s B’Z Automotive
    • Your support made this event possible, and we’re immensely grateful.

Stay tuned for more exciting events and gatherings!

#EuchreChampions #CommunityGaming #TurnsAndTales

Turns and Tales is your go-to spot for gaming, good food, and great company!

Meet your Adjudicator – Strings

Lance Ouellette has been a featured soloist, chamber musician, and has performed with orchestras across Canada and abroad for over 2 decades. Highlights include concert tours of Mexico, Europe, and Asia along with productions for film, radio, and television.

Currently, Lance holds the position of Associate Concertmaster for the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra, Associate Concertmaster for the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, and performs regularly with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

As an educator, Lance teaches violin for the University of Waterloo as well as privately and online. He has collaborated with the National Academy Orchestra of Canada and the National Youth Orchestra of Canada as a mentor and masterclass clinician.

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Last Tickets for Stratford!

Trip Includes: 9:30 a.m. departure travelling directly to Revival House (a beautifully restored church) for a buffet lunch, 2:00 p.m. matinee with A+ seats at the Festival Theatre, returning to Chatham around 7:30 p.m. with a comfort stop at an ONroute service centre on the way home.

Contact Cathy Telfer or email: bustrips@chathamkiwanis.com

Scheduling CKMF Completed

The scheduling for our upcoming Chatham Kiwanis Music Festival has been completed. For students, parents, teachers and adjudicators the schedule is available on the MFS website. They will only see their own classes.

To see the times and venues, please log into the MFS website (https://ckmf.musicfestivalsuite.com). Once logged in, click on Menu and choose Registrations or Schedule.

The complete Programme will become available later.