Joan Balinson & John Terence, Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival

"Grand Finale" photo taken by Gary McWilliams, Ontario Visited
Interview with Ms. Joan Balinson, Executive Director &
Mr. John Terence, Producer
Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival

The IMPORTANCE OF SPONSORSHIP, FUNDING & GRANTS … Part 2

 With regard to Corporate Sponsorship, Executive Director Joan Balinson states … “It is increasingly difficult to obtain corporate sponsorship for a two show event which happens only once a year.  We have a full sponsorship fulfillment package tailored to meet the marketing needs of each company.  Our sponsors are invited to a very exclusive Chairman’s Reception in one of Hamilton’s finest military messes and given tickets in VIP seating to the show of their choice.”

As an aside, Mr. Terence reiterates how important Corporate Sponsorship is to the funding of this event (and festivals and events alike). Because of the scope of the show and the costs, this festival relies on sponsorship and grant funding to help make the shows viable. John shares his vision and sells the concepts and conveys his message to these groups, because once they believe in what you are trying to accomplish they are more apt to assist.

I spoke with Mr. John Terence, the Producer of the Festival about the encouragement of Youth to either participate or appreciate the performances during the Tattoo. Both he and Joan acknowledge that this Festival does Encouragement of Youth - On the Friday before the show; we run a full education programme for elementary students, in particular from inner city schools.  There is no charge to the students as the program is funded by The Rotary Club and The Hamilton Spectator.  The students have a hearty lunch, a brief talk on the role Military Music has played throughout the centuries, a performance by our guest bands, then an opportunity to move to the floor of the coliseum and mingle with the musicians.

(To Be Continued)