Heather Parker, co-ordinator of the Kiwanis Music Festival of Sudbury, is the 2019 recipient of the Joan Mantle Music Trust Community Award.
The award will be presented at the International Dinner and Silent Auction in support of the Trust April 13.
The evening will mark the 11th anniversary of the Joan Mantle Music Trust, which has raised more than $240,000 since its inception.
“Heather Parker works quietly and effectively behind the scenes to ensure that musicians of all ages have an opportunity to perform before adjudicators and live audiences, be acknowledged for their talent, and grow in their musical abilities and aspirations,” said Ralph McIntosh, Chair of the Joan Mantle Music Trust Steering Committee, in a press release.
“The Kiwanis Music Festival of Sudbury is a much anticipated annual event that has a positive and powerful impact on its participants long after the final curtain has closed.”
A graduate of Levack District High School, Parker participated in music festivals and theatre productions while growing up in Onaping. A talented pianist, organist and vocalist, she earned her teaching credentials from the Royal Conservatory of Music.
Throughout the years, Parker has shared her love of music with infants, children, young people and adults.
She has provided outstanding musical leadership at St. John’s United Church in Levack as organist, hand chime director, music director and adult choir director.
She has accompanied school choirs at Larchwood Public School and Levack Public School, provided musical leadership at St. Gabriel’s Villa in Chelmsford, and been a valued member of the Bel Canto Chorus. She has also been a piano instructor, vocal coach, and Kindermusik educator.
“When I was six years old, my parents bought me a piano and asked if I was interested in taking lessons,” says Stephane Ostrander, a music teacher at Sudbury Secondary School.
“Heather Parker became my piano teacher and every week for the next 13 years I went to Mrs. Parker’s house for a lesson. I didn’t just learn about music and the piano, I learned about communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, determination and discipline. Heather Parker inspired me to be the musician and teacher I am today.”
“Heather Parker has spent her life encouraging students to discover their talents and to grow in their musical accomplishments,” said Sylvia Carscadden, the inaugural recipient of the Joan Mantle Music Trust Community Award.
“The Kiwanis Festival, as an educational event, has a high profile in our community and provides a venue for learning through performance and adjudication. Participation in the Kiwanis Festival is an experience that promotes growth and confidence for young people and adults.”
As co-ordinator of the festival, Parker ensures the 10-day event runs smoothly from start to finish - preparing the syllabus, hiring adjudicators, scheduling performances, producing the program, recruiting volunteers, liaising with musicians, organizing the final concert, and making arrangements for musicians who qualify for other levels of competition. She also raises an impressive amount of money for scholarships, an important component of the festival.
“Heather tackles all this with poise and a calm demeanor,” said Kiwanis Club of Sudbury treasurer Susan Ross.
“Heather believes passionately that people from all walks of life be included in the musical experience. She encourages school bands and choirs which include children who may not otherwise have an opportunity to receive some musical instruction. The delight on these children’s faces when they perform at the Kiwanis Highlights concert in front of family and friends is a joy to see.”
