Symphony Of The Canyons
Dear Editor,
Values at the heart of success bring together, talent, leadership and a community.All year the talented musicians from Kanab and surrounding areas gathered to together under the directorship of Kortney Stirland.Unified these 50+ endowed artists have provided the community with free concerts all through 2011.
Months back the Symphony Board began the planning of the annual Fund Raiser.The Theme “It’s Christmas Time” a creation of Lee Ann Chamberlain, long time designer of the annual event was adopted by the planning committee for the 2011 Christmas Festival held at the Kanab Middle School.
Many hours of planning and gathering of donations from our generous local businesses shaped the success of the two days of activities devoted to the Christmas Season.Thanks to our key chairs Fay Lynn Baron, Elizabeth Berkhoudt, Donna Casebolt, Greg DeLuca, Terra Sue Honey, Vickie Hooper, John Jacobs, Jean Mitrani, Heidi Reidhead, and Director Kortney Stirland.
Thanks to Stacy Grosz for creating the bigger than life Grandfather Clocks to exemplify “It’s Christmas Time” at the Festival.Linda Alderman, we thank you for sharing the props from the drama department.
Ladies of the table décor – again you brought out your best to make each of the tables a theme of its own.Thank you for sharing your treasured Christmas decorations and favors.
The Symphony thanks the dedication of the orchestra members for their committed hours of rehearsals to unify the resounding concert production for Friday night’s dinner.
A special thanks to Linda Ghidossi-DeLuca, Concertmaster. As instructor she inspires, cultivates and brings out the best of the students of the “Encore!” and “Bravo!” Chamber Orchestras of Kanab Elementary, Middle, and High Schools.
Cheers to our Social hour entertainers JoAnn Mosier on Piano and the Jazz on the Red Rock Band.
Those of you that had the tender and juicy Prime Rib dinner can thank Robert Houston’s Trails Inn and the first ever Vegan dinner thanks go to European Chef, Elizabeth Berkhoudt.
The Symphony is grateful for the 36 Vendors from Kanab and as far away as Salt Lake City arriving early in the morning cold, assisting each other carry in and individually setting up for the day’s Festival Market.
Visited by the citizens of Kanab and traveling guests, the happenings of the Festival Market can be attributed to longtime supporters Boyd Corey, Dave Owens, Wendy Allen, Lotsa Motsa Pizza, Pizza Hut, Joretta Stewart and the many volunteers that stepped up to serve at the registration table, the Basket Gift Tables, and the food court.The Symphony extends special recognition to Connor Bower for his outstanding service and role model of student support from the “Encore!” Chamber Orchestra.
Saturday’s entertainment enchanted the audience with a wide variety.The Red Rock Dance groups certainly captivated the audience and we thank all participants for your time and talents.
The event would not be possible without the use of the Middle School facilities thanks to Kane County School District.
Thanks to Joe Decker, Fire Chief, for keeping the festival layout safe for all and to the Kanab Firefighters Association for their help with décor lighting and clean up.The local children were delighted that you delivered Santa for his visit to this year’s event.
Merilee Terry served as Advisor to the Coordinator.She graciously shared her many years of expertise guiding us through the expected and unexpected challenges of the coordination of an event of this magnitude.
Every person’s contribution is greatly appreciated – large or small it is the collective efforts of many that bring together the best of all for the victory of success.
The value of the Annual Christmas Festival is more than just a traditional dress up Christmas event that honors the reason for the season and entertains the attendees with music and social affair.It is the unity of the team players stepping beyond themselves to extend a hand to help a fellow team member complete a task for the benefit of the celebration.It is this unselfish dedication that exemplifies “United we stand”.
Thanks to one and all for your support to the Symphony of the Canyons.
May you be blessed in the coming New 2012 Year.
Symphony of the Canyons
Betty Colston, Festival Coordinator
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