Peter and Audrey Switzer Trophy Room

Donated By: Sprucedale Public School, Shakespeare
First Presented: 2009
Criteria: Originally for Recorder Group, Reassigned to Best Primary Grade Choir

Doug Mountain began teaching for the Perth County Board of Education (later the Avon Maitland District School Board) in 1977. Right from the beginning of his teaching career, he entered classes, choirs, ensembles, solos and duets in the Music Festival. It became his mission the make sure every student from Gr. 1 to 8 was able to perform in the Festival at least once (often more then once) each year. Mr. Mountain's choirs and recorder groups delighted School and Festival audiences with outstanding performances. The Parent Council of Sprucedale Public School donated this trophy in recognition of Doug Mountain's 23 years as music teacher at Sprucedale School.

Since his retirement in 2008, Mr. M., as he is affectionately called by many students throughout the county, has volunteered countless hours to mentor music teachers in their preparation for the Festival as well as accompanying them on the piano at the competitions.