YORKTON – The Yorkton Music Festival, now in its 99th year, is set to commence on March 10, running through March 21.
The festival will conclude with the Hi-Lites Concert and Awards Presentation at St. Andrew’s United Church on March 23 at 2 p.m.
"This is the 99th year for the music festival,” said Diane Jones, Publicist for the Yorkton Music Festival and local piano teacher, in an email with Â鶹ÊÓƵ.ca
Jones reported 317 registrations and 623 participants this year. More information about the festival program and the Hi-Lites Concert and Awards Presentation can be found on Facebook and Instagram under the Yorkton Music Festival Association page.
Those recommended will advance to the 2025 Provincial Finals Competition, scheduled from May 29 to June 1 in Regina.
The band portion of the festival will take place at the Yorkton Regional High School from March 10-12, adjudicated by Daryl McKinnon. McKinnon, the director of the Moose Jaw Adult Concert Band, has extensive experience teaching various musical disciplines since 1982. He holds a B.Mus. Ed. (voice) from the University of Regina and a Diploma of Fine Arts (wind ensemble repertoire) from the University of Calgary. McKinnon has participated in numerous professional development opportunities and served on several cultural boards, including the Saskatchewan Music Educators' Association and the Saskatchewan Choral Federation.
The vocal portion will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church from March 13-15 and adjudicated by Dianne Gryba. Gryba, based in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, has been a teacher and accompanist since 1989. She completed her music degrees in piano performance at the University of Saskatchewan and has a passion for choral singing. Gryba is the president-elect of the Saskatchewan Music Festival Association and past president of the Battlefords District Music Festival. She regularly adjudicates festivals and has received awards for her contributions from several community organizations.
The piano portion will also take place at St. Andrew’s United Church, from March 17-21, adjudicated by Peggy L’Hoir. L’Hoir, a seasoned teacher, clinician, adjudicator, examiner, collaborative artist, and composer, has been an active member of her music community for over four decades. Based in Biggar, Saskatchewan, she teaches piano, theory, accompanying, and composition. L’Hoir has served as President of both the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers' Association and the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers' Association. She was honoured with the Saskatchewan Music Festival's Outstanding Adjudicator Award in 2019.
