Peter and Audrey Switzer Trophy Room

Donated By: W. B Rothwell. Esq., Toronto
First Presented: 1932
Criteria: Best or Most Promising Vocalist - Diploma/Advanced Level

W.B. Rothwell, the man who inspired the formation of the Perth County Musical Festival in 1926, served as its president from 1927 to 1930. He was a music master at the provincial Normal School in Stratford as well as a "teacher, accompanist and coach". He returned to the Festival and served as its president from 1940 until 1951.

In 1951, after celebrating the silver anniversary of the festival, the Stratford Music Teachers' Association approached the Kiwanis club of Stratford to take over the management of and complete responsibility for the Stratford Music Festival. Mr. Rothwell, a Kiwanian, assisted the club and its members with the transition. He continued to serve as chairman of the Music Festival Committee as well as the Director of Competitions from 1952 until 1957.