Interview with Judy MCWHIRTER - BUCKHORN COMMUNITY CENTRE

Judy McWhirter
Buckhorn Community Centre

Interview with Judy MCWHIRTER - BUCKHORN COMMUNITY CENTRE

Celebrating 35 Years

"Key to Success … LISTS"

"THE INSIDE SCOOP" continues speaking with Judy McWhirter, Manager of the Buckhorn Community Centre. I go on to ask Manager Judy McWhirter.

"To be as successful as you are Judy, it would seem you would need to maintain your professionalize and composure. Perhaps volunteers/vendors/visitors require your attention at peak moments during an event (problems that need immediate answers). I wondered if you have a system to help you stay organized and could you share some of your "secrets" with us! " The reply ... "LISTS! ... What has to be done . check it off it you do it. Have some key volunteers that will make decisions on things". Can you share some "problem solving techniques" used during a special event! (For example . a busload of visitors that were not planned for, weather conditions, volunteers/staff being absent due to unforeseen emergencies, running out of "supplies" during an event, etc.) Ms. McWhirter states . "Always try to book floater volunteers in case someone forgets to come or is ill. Depending on the supplies, always have something in back-up. Think ahead if the weather will be inclement and try to be prepared!"
(To Be Continued)

Interview with Judy MCWHIRTER - BUCKHORN COMMUNITY CENTRE

Judy McWhirter
Buckhorn Community Centre

Interview with Judy MCWHIRTER - BUCKHORN COMMUNITY CENTRE

Celebrating 35 Years

"Volunteers"

Getting "THE INSIDE SCOOP" Ontario Visited focuses on specific questions that may help festivals, events, organizers, and others interested in SUCCESS in their endeavors! For this edition, I was fortunate to grab a few moments with Judy McWhirter, Manager of the Buckhorn Community Centre.

Judy McWhirter has been involved with the Buckhorn Community Centre for 28 years. Starting as a part-time cleaner, she now has spent the last 26 years as the Manager. I wondered if Judy had any previous experience to which she tells me "no experience what so ever!" With the success of the Buckhorn Community Centre, it is clear that Judy was a quick study. Some of the daily duties/roles at the Centre include booking, creating event, managing volunteers and I would imagine lots more.

For many festivals and events, it is critical to have volunteers! I said to Judy ..."You have a wonderful program available and in place Judy, congratulations! I will be writing "excerpts" from your program to share with THE INSIDE SCOOP readers, but I still have a few questions for you here. I asked Ms. McWhirter what she attributes the success and longevity the Buckhorn Community Centre. She replies ... "Our volunteers are awesome and dedicated to the BCC's success". I asked Judy if she could share with us some techniques on managing so many volunteers. She states ... "Always, Always, Always have coffee breaks, water, and snacks and feed them!" Also ... "You can never say thank you enough!"
 (To Be Continued)

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

Donna Bennett & Brian Finley
Westben Arts Festival Theatre

I will finish this THE INSIDE SCOOP, with Scoop from the Westben Arts Festival Theatre. Here I have the privilege of interviewing Donna Bennett Marketing Director, soprano, pianist/composer. I was wondering what advice you might give to others in the field that may just be starting out, THE INSIDE SCOOP as it were? Excellent answer from Donna … “Follow your heart and plan, plan, plan. Give to your community”.
Over the course of the year, I am collecting some anecdotes to publish. I asked Donna if she had something she would like to share in our THE INSIDE SCOOP special “anecdote” edition …“Artists consistently comment on the beauty of the barn and the meadow and how inspiring it is to be performing on the stage and see the fields, daisies and sunny skies.” “Due to the open nature of the facility, Meadow Passes allow listeners to experience the music from the surrounding grounds. Sit at one of the picnic tables or on a bench next to the pond. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the music al fresco! Feel free to bring a picnic or order a picnic basket from Westben. Meadow Passes are half the price of a ticket inside The Barn and are available on the day of performance (weather permitting) 90 minutes before performance time. Please call ahead to make sure they are available.”
The Westben Arts Festival Theatre website is fantastic for all the information you will need in planning your visit. I highly recommend attending! See their great website at http://www.westben.ca/.

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

Donna Bennett & Brian Finley
Westben Arts Festival Theatre

I will continue with THE INSIDE SCOOP, with Scoop from the Westben Arts Festival Theatre. Here I have the privilege of interviewing Donna Bennett Marketing Director, soprano, pianist/composer.

My next question to Ms. Bennett was did she encourage the youth of today to attend performances? Ms. Bennett replies … “Education is important to Westben both for the Youth and Life Long Learners. We have 3 choruses – the Adult Festival Chorus and Youth and Teen chorus, where they learn technique of singing and performing, languages, styles of music, ear training etc. We bring professional artists into the schools and school children to the Barn. At times we have concerts geared for kids. All professional concerts only cost $5 for children 18 and under.”

Westben is located in the vibrant community of Campbellford. Previously Donna stated that the community was strong, talented and energetic. She tells us that … “Westben has great community support through schools, businesses and volunteers – tourism and arts and culture groups.” "Brimming with enthusiasm, Donna and Brian led the young organization in building a new concert hall to reflect the co-founders’ multi-faceted artistic vision. This new facility must be acoustically suited for classical music, accessible for audiences, in both comfort and style, and harmonious with the surrounding farmland."...

The Westben Arts Festival Theatre is extremely accomplished and clearly passionate and dedicated to these Arts! I was able to ask Ms. Bennett why she thought the Westben Arts Festival Theatre is an important part of our society today and what role do you see as its importance? … The reply … “My goal is to introduce and share music with my community. Arts can change lives and open doors to new feelings and thoughts. I just want to make a difference in people’s lives.” I asked Donna where did they draw the performances/performers from and what would the process be to be accepted at Westben to perform. … The reply … “Brian receives numerous emails and CD’s from artists across the country, us and Europe. He does a lot of research and also has a talent for bringing artists together for new projects.”
(To Be Continued)

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

Donna Bennett & Brian Finley
Westben Arts Festival Theatre

I will continue with THE INSIDE SCOOP, with Scoop from the Westben Arts Festival Theatre. Here I have the privilege of interviewing Donna Bennett Marketing Director, soprano, pianist/composer.

  “In 1999, The Westben Arts Festival Theatre was formed as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating, enriching and integrating professionals and amateurs in musical projects and educational activities. Run by a Board of Directors, Westben received its charitable status in 2000.” My question to Donna … “As Westben has it's 'Charitable Status", does it have fundraising events, and if so, can you describe what you choose to do and why. Perhaps discuss the pitfalls and successes here.” … Ms. Bennett’s reply here … “We have an annual fundraiser – the last concert in August (this year is August 5th called The Big Band Theory celebrating Gershwin with pianist and AD of Westben – Brian Finley and the Brian Barlow Big Band. We also do 2 small fundraisers through out the year and sell Fundscript cards.”

Many times I like to find the SCOOP about how festivals/events “keep things fresh” for the patrons and actors? I know many festivals/events offer visitors/participants alike things like new fresh healthy choice foods, shaded rest areas, cool water sources and such. Donna tells us … “This is always a challenge. We try to do something new – an upgrade on site every season – this year we have a new trailer of flush washrooms – thanks to Celebrate Ontario and Brian always keeps the programming fresh and interesting.” A comforting and welcomed new upgrade indeed!

“Co–founders, Brian Finley (Artistic Director) and Donna Bennett (Marketing Director), lead Westben’s wonderfully energetic full-time staff of five. The 12-member Board of Directors heads up a huge support team of volunteers, sponsors, donors and members. Westben also appreciates the support from all levels of government and several foundations.” I was able to ask Ms. Bennett what are her duties/roles prior to and during a production? She states … “This is a huge topic. We have a year round box office organizing sales, marketing, grants, memberships, sponsorships, production. The day of each concert there is a production ritual of getting the on site box office ready and grounds prepped and Barn prepared.” This led me to my next question … “What are some of the challenges that the “audience” does not see?” Behind the scenes as it were. Often, event/festival organizers reply is about lighting issues, timing, choreography, weather conditions and so on. Donna simply replies … “Funding”.
(To Be Continued)

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

Donna Bennett & Brian Finley
Westben Arts Festival Theatre

I will continue with THE INSIDE SCOOP, with Scoop from the Westben Arts Festival Theatre. Here I have the privilege of interviewing Donna Bennett Marketing Director, soprano, pianist/composer.

A little history about Westben … “Westben’s primary venue, The Barn is located three kilometres north-west of Campbellford, on gently rolling farmland previously owned by three generations of the West family. West School and West Cemetery lie just to the north, while the area’s principal brick-making machine sits in retirement in the front field. Purchased by the Bennett family in the 1960’s, the area was dubbed “Westben,” Westben’s co-founders, Donna Bennett & Brian Finley built The Barn in 2000 with the help of the community. The Westben Board of Directors formed in 1999 and received charitable status in the year 2000. Conceived to compliment its naturally beautiful setting, the timber-frame structure was designed and built by Didier Schvartz of Lakefield’s Sun Wood Company. With its massive fir and hemlock beams and locally-milled pine ceiling, The Barn has excellent acoustics. Walls and doors roll back to allow music to waft over the surrounding meadow. The stage is elevated by 4 feet. 300 cushioned theatre seats are located directly in front of the stage in 20 rows of 15 seats, all with an unobstructed view. Each of the two wings can accommodate an additional 50 chairs which offer good proximity to the stage and generally good sight-lines. These seats are offered at a discounted rate.” This year, Westben "is trilled to present the world premiere of a brand new Canadian Folk Opera, The Auction".

I was wondering how Donna chose the direction of the thyme for the season and what the process entails. Ms. Bennett shares with us … “We wanted to open the Concerts at The Barn Season with the premiere of this new opera.”

For many festivals and events, it is critical to have volunteers! ... I asked Donna how many volunteers Westben required for the season and do you have any systems in place to “keep them happy”. I wasn’t surprised to learn ... “Westben has an amazing volunteer coordinator – Marilyn Keene who had 2 assistants that organized 250 volunteers. It takes 10-20 volunteers on site per concert.”
(To Be Continued)

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)