Peter and Audrey Switzer Trophy Room

Donated By: Cora B. Ahrens, Stratford
First Presented: 1944
Criteria: Excellent Achievement in Piano - Preparatory / Beginner, Primary Elementary Levels Level

Cora B. Ahrens was hailed as "one of Stratford's most outstanding citizens in the field of music". She was a highly regarded teacher of piano who had a studio at 28 North Waterloo St. She also had a studio in her house on Hibernia St. She was much in demand as a lecturer and this role took her to every major city across Canada. Ms. Ahrens also wrote several books in the field of teaching music theory and piano.

Cora B. Ahrens is credited with co-founding the Perth County Music Festival along with W. B. Rothwell. In 1926, she was the President of the Perth County Music Teachers' Federation. When W. B. Rothwell approached this body to consider establishing this Festival, Cora agreed and said, "Why not make Stratford the most musical city in Ontario?".

Cora was a tower of strength in the institution and ongoing support of the Festival throughout the next four decades, both as a member of the Perth County Music Teachers' Federation (later the Stratford Music Teachers' Association) and in various roles on the Executive of the Festival.