Westben Arts Festival Theatre - Donna Bennett - soprano, pianist/composer

Donna Bennett & Brian Finley
Westben Arts Festival Theatre

For this edition of THE INSIDE SCOOP, I bring to you Scoop from the Westben Arts Festival Theatre. Here I have the privilege of interviewing Donna Bennett Marketing Director, soprano, pianist/composer. “Bringing culture and nature together in perfect harmony, the magnificent 400–seat timber-frame barn opens onto a lush meadow, surrounded by the gently rolling hills of Northumberland County. The stage hosts an incredible array of renowned Canadian and international artists, from full symphony orchestras & choruses to chamber music and soloists. The best in class in a relaxed country setting!”

I begin with asking Ms. Bennett …. “It was noted that you were enjoying your international career as a soprano, when in 1990 you returned to your hometown, Campbellford. We were interested to learn about your background what led you to this career?” Donna replied … “I grew up in Campbellford and came from a musical family. Have a Bachelor of Music in voice from U of T (where I met Brian) and a Masters of Music in voice performance from Munich. Studied at opera schools in London, England, Banff and Victoria. Sang professionally in England, Scotland, Germany, Italy, US and Canada – see bio.”
As mentioned above, in 1990, soprano Donna Bennett and pianist /composer Brian Finley were enjoying the early stages of international careers. Having lived and worked for several years in Europe, they returned to Donna’s hometown of Campbellford, Ontario to start a family. Inspired by the talented and energetic community, the couple shared their love of music making by performing and hosting events at local venues. They also began teaching advanced level music students and leading the music program at St. John’s United Church in Campbellford. I asked Donna if she still taught advanced level music students and was she still leading the music program at St. John’s United Church in Campbellford? Donna tells us … “I teach privately and at Trinity College School in Port Hope - no longer at St John’s. I lead the Westben Youth and Teen Chorus (40 children)”.

I was wondering if Donna got to enjoy watching the performances. She said … “My first opera was when I was 15 and my mom took me to Toronto to see Die Walkure by Wagner by the Canadian Opera Company. I later sang professionally in the chorus and then leading roles. I see all the performances at Westben and it gives me great joy.” In fairness to all, Donna tells us that she enjoys “the variety of performers that come to Westben”. If you ever get to attend Westben, you can enjoy its’ magical blend of world class music, wonderful people and a magnificent setting.
(To Be Continued)

Gardens Plus ... The Scoop, The Spade & The Shovel ...

"Will you remember this advice"
Dawn Tack, Owner, Gardens Plus

Part 2 …

More fun INSIDE SCOOP with Gardens Plus owner Dawn Tack, sharing some of Dawn’s “tips” so you might avoid some of the “challenges” that I did while planting…..

Full Sun (Southern or West exposure)

Coreopsis 'Sternaler' another long bloomer with 2 1/2” daisy shaped bloom with dark centers and serrated edges.

Daylilies and I am not talking about the roadside wild ones. The hybrids grow in controllable clumps and often re-bloom Check out these for starters; 'Going Banana's', 'Huckleberry Candy' and the crème of the crop as well as best bloomer of all in a watermelon pink 'Endless Heart'. You can create a rainbow of colours and have bloom from June to later October .

Cone flowers are always an awesome choice. Some highly desirable new choices include; Raspberry Truffle and Solar Flare. These are not only attractive in the garden, they make great bouquets of blooms to bring indoors.

The following take full sun or part shade so even more versatile.

Columbine -Some of the more resent introductions are way more easy care. Check out 'Dorothy Rose' it has a double bonnet of pink. Very unique.

Geranium yes, but hardy geranium also known as Crainsbill. Try 'Rozanne' blooms from later in June right through to October. Purple blooms and foliage that will meander around and between your other plants.

Can not leave out Salvia's. Check out the brand new 'Sweet 16' , 'Plumosa' and old time favorite with purple stems 'Caradonna'. These are known for long blooming specially if you cut off spent blooms.

With just a bit more consideration in your choices this season and looking beyond the blooms you can be the envy of your neighborhood this season with way less effort.

To find out more “tips” from Dawn, you can contact her by visiting her website at http://www.gardensplus.ca/ , or calling her at 705-742-5918 or e-mail at info@gardensplus.ca.

Gardens Plus ... The Scoop, The Spade & The Shovel ...

"Take Notes .... You will need them"
Dawn Tack, Gardens Plus
 at Peterborough Garden Show

This past Spring the Festival Nomad and myself had the privilege of enjoying the Peterborough Garden Show put on by The Peterborough Horticultural Society, the Peterborough and Area Master Gardeners, and the Northumberland Master Gardeners. We considered this show to be one of the best organized, well attended and informative events we have been to. Our friend Dawn Tack, owner of Gardens Plus located in Peterborough was there that day giving a demonstration on “planting, splitting and much more about Hosta’s”. I DO NOT have a “green thumb”. It turns out that EVERYTHING I did last year with my Hosta plants was completely incorrect! Dawn tried to comfort me in saying that they should come back this year, alas, they did not. For a fun INSIDE SCOOP, I thought I would share some of Dawn’s “tips” so you might avoid some of the “challenges” that I did while planting…..

Easy care Perennial top picks for 2012

Not all perennials are created equal. Before you consider adding anything to your gardens consider their requirements in lighting and overall needs. So what does easy care mean? What qualifies them to earn a place on our list?

·         they should thrive year after year

·         not needing to be divided very often

·         tolerant to drought conditions or surviving by a once a week watering or rain.

·         resistance to disease and insects

·         do not need to be supported by stakes

·         hardy and not needing winter protection

·         long blooming at least 6-8 weeks and maybe even re-bloom

Gardening should be a pleasure not a strain.

Part Shade (Northern or East exposure)

Perennial of the year for 2012 is Brunnera 'Jack Frost' chosen by PPA and one of our long time favorites. It emerges in the early spring even before the Hosta and blooms tiny blue clusters. The blooms resemble forget-me-nots. The silver veined heart shaped leaves glow and just keep growing as the season goes on.

Some new and exciting Hosta picks are 'Empress Wu' (the new giant) , 'Sparkler'(smaller long leaves with streaks), 'Little Miss Sunshine'(bright gold long leaves), 'Fireworks'(mini thick leaved green and white), Hosta of the year for 2012 'Liberty' (very wide edge of cream and green centered). 8,000 different varieties to choose from these days.

Most Coral Bells have the best of both worlds great colourful foliage and blooms. The colours available are endless from gold tones to deep burgundy's. Like ' Midnight Rose' (dark purple with splashes of pink dots), 'Electra' (bright yellow with red veins), 'Melting Fire' (curly burgundy with lighter undersides) and a close relative 'Solar Eclipse' (burgundy cut leaves with edges of lime green). Just one tip during spring is the time to push your coral bells back down into the soil if they heave up with the frost.

To find out more “tips” from Dawn, you can contact her by visiting her website at http://www.gardensplus.ca/ , or calling her at 705-742-5918 or e-mail at info@gardensplus.ca. Or Stay tuned for Part 2 of this Blog ….

(To Be Continued)

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

BEING ORGANIZED … IS IT THE KEY TO SUCCESS …

In regards to Organization – Joan shares with us … “Behind my desk, on the wall, is a poster of a woman riding horseback and juggling several balls in the air.  She is my muse.  We multi task by setting up extensive files on all email correspondence; hard copy binders in alpha order tracking our volunteer job descriptions; give our Senior Managers the responsibility of planning throughout the year; keep hard copy binders for our marketing materials and media coverage (for easy reference) the following year.  Our bookkeeping is done in Quick Books and Excel programs.  Our office is located in the same coliseum where the show takes place and we have plenty of space for dressing rooms and satellite offices during show weekend.”

BEHIND THE SCENES - PROBLEM SOLVING …

I asked Joan... "As an Executive Director of the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival, I would imagine you are good at problem solving and managing people! As hectic as it is with all the chaos and details, how do you maintain your professionalize and composure."

Ms. Balinson replies … “Problem Solving Techniques - Many of our volunteers have been with us for years and served in different capacities.  If someone is unable to show up, we can find another person, give them a quick review of the job descriptions and get on with the show.  Weather is not an issue as we are inside.  Last minute performer cancellations are rare but we would just shorten the show by that one act.  There is no one act that carries the whole show.”  I appreciate Ms. Balinson’s further insight and knowledge when she discussed with me the issue of Risk Management. She states … “Risk Management - We carry heavy public liability insurance; work with a venue that has evacuation plans in place; have a heavy military presence in our performers and veterans who respond well to changes and emergencies.”   After speaking with Mr. Terence, the Producer, I learned also that if something were to go “challenging”, what better place to be then with a building full of Military service men and women.”

All the best for this years Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival!

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)

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 …

With the economic challenges today, it would seem it is critical to obtain/maintain Sponsor funding and Other Sources of funding. How you go about obtain funding? I asked Ms. Balinson, of the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival how their Festival keeps “Sponsors” interested in supporting your efforts and “keep them happy”. With regard to Funding, she replies ... “We find it impossible to mount a show with a budget of $ 300,000 and cover the costs by ticket sales.  We offer a very low ticket price for seniors, veterans and families.  Consequently, we are very dependent on corporate sponsorship and grants.”  With regard to Grants, Joan tells us … “Due to the unique nature of the program, music, dancing, military drills, pageantry, and the fulfillment of our mandate “Connecting Canadians to their Military through Music” we submit government grant applications at all three levels.  The challenge is that the available grants are being reduced each year.  The problem with the special funding for the Commemoration of the War of 1812 set aside by the Federal Government and administered by Department of Canadian Heritage is that the announcement of the funding and the amount of time allotted to submit the application process was very short.  Then the review and notification of the successful applicants was going to take 5 months.  In the case of the Tattoo, with a theme of the beginning of the War 1812 and show dates of late June, 2012, we could not wait until May to know if we had the funds to engage the Re-enactment Bands and Units from outside the Country so we had to decline the opportunity.  I was informed by staff that we could only apply for 2012 despite the fact that we are commemorating the War in our shows, 2012, 2013 and 2014.”

(To Be Continued)

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

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION ...

As many of you know, I volunteer at a Pioneer Village which is fairly close to my home community. I realize the importance of the Volunteers being appreciated. I, as one of them, have been truly blessed with the ongoing, constant courteous appreciation extended to me from the Lang Pioneer Village & Museum Managers and Staff. It makes me feel very much appreciated and needed. They have even called me “a valuable part of their team”. That, my friends, goes a long way for me. I want to volunteer all the more, knowing that somehow I can make a difference, that what I am contributing is appreciated and does matter. Joan at the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival tells us that … “On-site volunteers receive a t-shirt for identification; meals and snacks.  Within the following few weeks we send letters of appreciation, hold an appreciation dinner and present certificates according to years of service.  Also, volunteers are scheduled so that they can see show on the off day.  We treat our performers very well, and there is a waiting list of international bands who would like to perform in Canada.  We are limited only by funding.”  With that being said, next week Ms. Balinson shares with us the Importance of Sponsorship Funding and Grants.

(To Be Continued)