May 12, 2010

Students put their Best Foote Forward for Fine Arts

KELOWNA, BC: On May 17, Springvalley Elementary School (SVE) students will perform with Norman Foote, winner of the 2010 Juno award for his children’s album: Love My New Shirt.  Foote will perform new songs from this album and many old favourites with choreographed backup vocals by more than 90 students.  One dollar from the ticket price will benefit a school in Haiti and another $2 will help to fund the new Excellence through the Arts program.

“With budget restrictions and limited funds from outside sources, people involved in fine arts in our District felt we needed a fresh, new approach to ensuring we continue to have vibrant arts programs for our students,” says Fiona McCormack, Musical Director at SVE.  

“Excellence through the Arts was recently established in School District No. 23 by Principal John McMahon and Rhonda Draper.  Teachers at several schools are now involved.  We have been developing many fundraising projects so that our students can continue to access fine arts training and instruments and have exposure to local and national artists and performers.  We hope that families and others in our community will come out to Best Foote Forward to enjoy award-winning music and help to keep the arts alive in our schools.”

This concert marks that first time that Foote has performed solely with the SVE choir.  In recent years, the popular musician invited multiple school choirs to perform with him at the Kelowna Community Theatre.  After three years of performing together, Springvalley Elementary asked Foote to join them for a benefit concert in support of Excellence through the Arts.  

“We appreciate that Norman Foote recognizes the amazing talent of this choir and Fiona, our Musical Director,” says Linda Fehr, Principal at SVE.  McCormack has 15 years of experience in fine arts at School District No. 23.  The choir is made up of 92 students in Grades 3 to 6.  “It is a great thrill for students to perform with a top Canadian musician.” 

The Best Foote Forward concert will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 17 in the gymnasium at Springvalley Middle School (next to SVE).  Tickets are $8 and can be purchased in advance at SVE or at the door. 

Approved by the Superintendent, Principal Linda Fehr and Fiona McCormack on May 12, 2010

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For comments, please contact:

Fiona McCormack, Musical Director, Springvalley Elementary School, (250) 860-4526

Linda Fehr, Principal, Springvalley Elementary School, (250) 860-4526

Norman Foote, www.normanfoote.com, (604) 985-7873

Hugh Gloster, Superintendent of Schools, (250) 860-8888

For background information, please contact Lisa Harrison lharriso@sd23.bc.ca or 470-3284.