PETER and AUDREY SWITZER TROPHY ROOM
Bands
Yeandle Plaque
Shaw Family Trophy
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Yeandle Plaque
Donated by: Harry Yeandle
First presented: 2002
Criteria: Community/Concert Band – Best band in the competitionHarry Yeandle was a well-known public figure in Stratford who enjoyed the concerts performed by the community’s concert bands. He was also known for his generosity in supporting many community organizations and undertakings. Mr. Yeandle presented the Yeandle Plaque to the Best Band in the Competition in 2002.
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Shaw Family Trophy
Donated by: The Shaw Family
First presented: 2009
Criteria: Best Family Ensemble: Opening NightThis trophy has been donated in honor of the Shaw family who settled in Stratford in 1910 and whose musical history includes performances in the early Stratford Musical Festivals. Frank Shaw played a violin duet with Verna Siegel in the original Festival in 1927. Edith Shaw accompanied them on the piano. Arthur Shaw competed in the Open Coronet class in the 1928 Festival.
The Shaw Family Trophy also pays tribute to a family that loved ensemble work. Art Shaw founded the 1925 Casino Band. Len Shaw’s band entertained appreciative audiences until 1934 when he left to join Frank Shaw’s Quartet that also featured Edith playing piano and Charles on the Trombone.
Choirs
Beacon Herald Trophy
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Beacon Herald Trophy
Donated by: The Stratford Beacon Herald
First presented in: 1948
Criteria: Church choir (35 or less) SATBThe Beacon Herald has supported the Festival since its earliest days. A column published in 1927 described how the Perth County Music Teachers’ Federation, seizing upon the idea proposed by W.B. Rothwell, prepared for and carried out the first Perth County Musical Festival from May 7 to 10 that year. In every year thereafter, the Beacon Herald has promoted the Festival by printing articles featuring its events, adjudicators, competitors, and results. In 1941 it donated the Beacon Herald Challenge Trophy for Madrigal Ensembles.
In an editorial dated February 28, 1959, the writer described the Kiwanis Music Festival of Stratford as “one of the steadily-progressive culture projects of this community…. which it has closely observed and warmly supported …through its years of upward climb.” The writer goes on to encourage readers to “stimulate an invaluable civic asset…by attending more sessions during the (Festival) period.”
Piano
Beare Intermediate Piano Trophy
Beta Sigma Phi – Perceptor Epsilon Plaque
McTavish Junior Piano Trophy
Miriam Haines Root Proficiency Trophy
Normal School Silver Anniversary Trophy
Pollex Juvenile Piano Trophy
Radiant Star Trophy
Ronald Goldwin Yundt Trophy
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Beare Intermediate Piano Trophy
Donated by: Beare and sons
First presented: 1936
Criteria: Trophy Class – Intermediate Piano (14 to 16 years)Beare & Sons, a company located at 4 Albert Street in Toronto, placed an advertisement in the 1936 Syllabus of the Stratford Musical Festival proclaiming that it sold World Famous Musical Instruments. It was in 1936 that this company also presented the Beare Intermediate Piano Trophy to the winner of the piano trophy class for students from 14 to 16 years. This company had presented the Beare Junior Violin Trophy in 1930 but it is no longer in the Festival’s collection.
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Beta Sigma Phi – Perceptor Epsilon Plaque
Donated by: Beta Sigma Phi
First presented: 1999
Criteria: Most Promising Student – popular pianoBeta Sigma Phi is a worldwide women’s organization, which was founded in 1931, originally as a ‘reading club’. During the Second World War they prepared care packages for soldiers. Today the groups quietly support their communities in social and cultural areas of interest to their members.
In 1999, several members of this local chapter had children participating in the Kiwanis Music Festival and these members spearheaded the campaign to donate a trophy. The Beta Sigma Phi – Preceptor Epsilon Plaque is awarded to the most promising student in the Popular Piano Class. -
McTavish Junior Piano Trophy
Donated by: Dorothy McTavish
First presented: 1986
Criteria: Most promising piano soloist (12 years & under)Dorothy McTavish was the pianist for the Sunday School at Central United Church in Stratford for many years before her retirement. She had perfect pitch and played the piano by ear. Her family spent many hours around the piano singing while Dorothy played show tunes and gospel songs. Dorothy had completed in the original music festival in 1927, playing a piano duet. Dorothy worked as a sales clerk at Bradshaw’s and also as a receptionist for the Perth Mutual Insurance Company. She retired at the age of 72. After her death, her family donated the McTavish Junior Piano Trophy in her memory to encourage young people in their love of music. The trophy is made from a rose bowl presented to her by her employer.
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Miriam Haines Root Proficiency Trophy
Donated by: David N. Root and family, Stratford
First presented in: 1967
Criteria: Highest aggregate mark in 3 senior piano and/or voice classes from Stratford High School area.Miriam Haines Root, B.A., A.R.C.M., L.R.A.M., L.T.C.M., offered lessons in Piano, Voice Culture, and Singing in her studio at 175 John Street North. She had also served on the Faculty of the Toronto Conservatory of Music. She had a long association with the Stratford Music Teachers’ Association, which she served as president in 1959 and 1960. From 1962 through 1987 she served on the Music Selection Committee of the Kiwanis Music Festival selecting music for the piano classes. Miriam Root died in 1997.
David and Miriam Root had children, Miriam, Kathryn, John and Helen who participated in the Kiwanis Music Festival during the 1950’s and 1960’s and often won top honors in piano and voice. The family presented this trophy for proficiency in piano and voice as a tribute to Miriam’s love for music and contribution to the Festival over much of her lifetime. -
Normal School Silver Anniversary Trophy
Donated by: Dr. S. Silcox
First presented: 1933
Criteria: Stratford competitor with highest marks in piano classesDr. S. Silcox was the principal of the Stratford Normal School from December 1909 until 1935. He presented the Normal School Silver Anniversary Trophy to the Stratford competitor with the highest marks in piano classes. It was donated in 1933 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Stratford Normal School.
The instructors of the Normal School, particularly the music masters, were strong supporters of the music programs in the area schools as well as the Music Festival. Dr. Silcox was an Honorary Patron the Perth County Musical Festival from its beginning in 1927 until 1935. -
Pollex Juvenile Piano Trophy
Donated by: Rev. A.F. Pollex & Family
First presented: 1951
Criteria: Trophy Class – (8 years & under)Rev. A. F. Pollex was the Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church at Sebach’s Hill. He had a very musical family. Eunice Pollex entered the Festival for the first time in 1935 in Piano Duet, and Piano Solo Classes. In 1937, her sister Judith joined her in the competitions. The third sister, Ruth participated in the Festival in 1939 and that year all three Pollex sister competed in the piano classes, both solo and duets. In 1943 young Paul Pollex who competed in both in piano and vocal classes.
Judith Pollex was a music teacher and choir leader at Avon School in Stratford from 1949 through 1952. She was also a member of the Stratford Music Teachers’ Federation.
In recognition of the important place that the Stratford Musical Festival had had in their lives, Rev. Pollex and his family donated the Pollex Juvenile Piano Trophy for the Trophy Class in Piano for competitors 8 years and under. -
Radiant Star Trophy
Donated by: Radiant Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star #134, Stratford
First presented: 1978
Criteria: Piano Solo – local counties (11 years & under)The Radiant Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star has a long history with the Music Festival. Festival founder, W.B. Rothwell conducted the Radiant Chapter Choir at the 1931 and 1932 Festivals.
In 1978 the members voted to donate a trophy to the Festival as a lasting reminder of their organization. The name Radiant Star comes from the key words in the organization’s name: Radiant Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. -
Ronald Goldwin Yundt Trophy
Donated by: Carolyn Yundt
First presented: 2005
Criteria: Junior piano awardRonald Yundt competed for years in the Kiwanis Music Festival in piano solo, duet and quartet classes. The Yundt home was always full of music. Ronald was not a music teacher, but he enjoyed coaching young musicians as they prepared for Festival competitions. “Music was his life”, explained his wife, Carolyn. In 2005 she presented the Ronald Goldwin Yundt Trophy for Junior Piano as a memorial tribute to her husband.
School Music
Albert Furtney Trophy
Becca Shaw Trophy
Bottomley Memorial Trophy
Beta Sigma Phi Golden Anniversary Trophy
Perth Music Educators’ Trophy
Triple Trio Trophy
Stratford Kiwanis Club Trophy
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Albert Furtney Trophy
Donated by: Albert Furtney, Esq., Ingersoll
First presented: 1968
Criteria: Intermediate Choir (Gr. 7 & 8) – highest markAlbert Furtney of St. Marys participated in the Kiwanis Music Festival in boys solo vocal and piano classes from 1953 though 1958. Albert succeeded Mrs. Percy Cook as the organist at Parkview United Church and he returned to the Festival in 1965 as the director of the Parkview United Church Junior Choir and the Stratford Youth Choir.
In 1966 Albert also conducted the Juliet School Choir (Gr. 7 & 8) and Juliet Senior Chorus. Two years later, having moved from Stratford to Ingersoll, Albert donated the Albert Furtney Trophy for the Intermediate School Choir (Grade 7 & 8) with the highest mark. -
Becca Shaw Trophy
Donated by: Perth County Youth Choir
First presented:
Criteria: Gr. 4 – 6 Classroom ChoirBecca Shaw was a young girl who died in a tragic accident September 18, 1999. She was a keen participant in the Music Festival who had received the ‘Spirit of the Festival Award in 1999. The Festival Director recalled this story about Becca.
In one of her classes that year, Becca had been unhappy with her performance. Undaunted she returned the next week to perform in another speech arts class. She presented the adjudicator with a beautifully decorated box to which she attached tiny slips of paper, each listing one of the pointers that the adjudicator had suggested to her the week before. Undoubtedly, Becca Shaw understood that the purpose of the festival was ‘not to gain a prize or defeat a rival, but to pace herself on the road to excellence’.
Becca was a member of the Children’s Chorus Group of the Perth County Youth Choir. After her death, the Choir donated the Becca Shaw Trophy as a way to perpetuate her memory. -
Bottomley Memorial Trophy
Donated by: Staff of the Stratford Normal School & Stratford Teachers Association
First presented: 1930
Criteria: Classroom Choirs (Gr. 1 to 6) Perth County. Total points/total entriesJames Bottomley, A.R.C.O. (Associate of the Royal College of Organists) of London was a native of Dewsbury, Yorkshire, England where he was recognized as ‘a choir leader and organist of great ability’.
He came to Canada in 1906 and in 1908 he joined the staff of the Stratford Normal School where he was the instructor in vocal music. He was also the music supervisor for the public schools in Stratford. He held these positions until his ‘untimely death’ in 1925.
His picture in the Normal School’s yearbook was accompanied by this quote:
I thank you for your voices,
Your most sweet voices (Wm. Shakespeare) -
Beta Sigma Phi Golden Anniversary Trophy
Donated by: The Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Stratford
First presented: 1981
Criteria: Perth County Junior School (Gr. 1 to 6) for overall merit in Speech Arts
Note: Missing in 2012, 2013. Last presented to Bedford PS in 2011 at Stars of the Festival.Beta Sigma Phi is a worldwide women’s organization, which was founded in 1931, originally as a ‘reading club’. During the Second World War they prepared care packages for soldiers. Today the groups quietly support their communities in social and cultural areas of interest to their members. One of this group’s best-known local community projects is Heart Burn Day. This event became very successful and is now run by the Heart and Stroke Association.
In 1981 Beta Sigma Phi celebrated its 50th Anniversary and in honor of this occasion, they donated the Beta Sigma Phi Golden Anniversary Trophy to the Perth County Junior School for overall merit in Speech Arts. -
Perth Music Educators’ Trophy
Donated by: The Perth Music Educators
First presented: 1982
Criteria: Gr. 4, 5 and 6 Unconducted Ensemble (SSA) – highest markThe Perth Music Educator’s Association, a branch of the Ontario Music Educators Association, was a group of music teachers from Perth County Schools. In 1982 they raised the money to donate a trophy to the Kiwanis Music Festival for the Junior Unconducted Ensemble with the highest mark.
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Triple Trio Trophy
Donated by: J.D. Staples
First presented: 1966
Criteria: Triple Trio – Gr. 7/8-unconducted and unaccompanied – highest markJ.D. Staples was the Music Master at the Stratford Teachers’ College from 1959 until the college closed in 1973. The Normal School had a long history of sending students to compete in the Festival in the triple trio classes. To encourage participation in this discipline, J.D. Staples donated the Triple Trio Trophy to the group with the highest mark.
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Stratford Kiwanis Club Trophy
Donated by: The Kiwanis Club of Stratford
First presented: 1960
Criteria: Choral Speaking Choir – highest mark
Note: Missing in 2013. (Shared by Bedford PS and Avon PS in 2012)
Speech Arts
Festival Trophy Speech Arts
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Festival Trophy Speech Arts
Donated by: Dr. Biju Matthew
First presented: 1994
Criteria: Outstanding speech arts studentThis trophy is one of the largest in the collection. It is presented at Stars of the Festival to an outstanding performer in Speech and Drama.
Strings
Dorothy Bickle Solo Strings Trophy
Burtanger String Trophy
Lorne Francis Memorial String Trophy
Marjory Lofft Senior String Trophy
Lorne C. Small Memorial Trophy
Stratford String School Trophy
KFPA Junior Fiddle Plaque
Doris Westman Trophy
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Dorothy Bickle Solo Strings Trophy
Donated by: Dorothy Bickle, Tavistock
First presented: 1987
Criteria: Solo violin (9 & under) Highest mark or most promising -
Burtanger String Trophy
Donated by: H.L. Burtanger, Esq., Stratford
First presented: 1949
Criteria: Trophy Class – Strings (12 to 14 years)Harold Burtanger owned Burt’s Music Store at 16 Ontario Street in Stratford. He purchased The Music Shop, formerly owned by Alex Smith in 1949. An ad in the 1950 Festival program announced that Burt’s Music Store was stocked with ‘RCA Victor Records, Music, Musical Instruments and Supplies’.
Mr. Burtanger was active on the local music scene in a variety of ways. He was a violinist who enjoyed calling the square dances at parties and was a member of the Stratford Civic Orchestra. In 1949 he donated the Burtanger String Trophy for the Trophy Class in Strings. -
Lorne Francis Memorial String Trophy
Donated by: Mrs. Lorne Francis & Family, Stratford
First presented: 1974
Criteria: Trophy Class – Strings (10 to 11 years)Lorne Francis was an avid musician who played a wide variety of musical instruments. Lorne, his mother, wife and son, were all classically trained violinists. As a tribute to Lorne and his love for music, his wife and family donated the Lorne Francis Memorial String Trophy to the Festival in his memory.
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Marjory Lofft Senior String Trophy
Donated by: Marjory Lofft, St. Marys
First presented: 1983
Criteria: Trophy Class – Violin (Senior)Marjory Lofft was a well-known violinist, violin teacher and accompanist in her hometown of St. Marys. She was highly regarded as a teacher, and had the opportunity of guiding many young violinists at the start of their careers. Many achieved distinction in music festivals in Stratford, London and Woodstock, and some went on to choose music as a career.
She retired from teaching only months before her death in 1990, after more than 60 years in the field – one of the longest musical teaching careers in Ontario.
In addition to preparing her students for competition in the Kiwanis Music Festival, Marjory served on the Festival’s Music Selection Committee for Strings in 1989 and 1990. -
Lorne C. Small Memorial Trophy
Donated by: H.A. Clark, Esq., Woodstock
First presented: 1943
Criteria: Strings – Stratford Competitor – highest markDonated by: H.A. Clark, Esq., Woodstock
First presented: 1943
Criteria: Strings – Stratford Competitor – highest markLorne C. Small, a talented violinist, competed in the Stratford Musical Festival from 1931 through 1938 in violin solo and duet classes ‘with distinction’.
While training to be a pilot in the Second World War, Sergeant Pilot Small was killed in an airplane crash over Canadian soil. His teacher, Henry Clark donated the Lorne C. Small Trophy for the competitor from Stratford with the highest marks in strings in his memory.</p -
Stratford String School Trophy
Donated by: Carole Aitken, Stratford
First presented: 1987
Criteria: Strings – highest mark or most promising (7 years and under) -
KFPA Junior Fiddle Plaque
Donated by: Kiwanis Festival of the Performing Arts
First presented: 2002
Criteria: Best Junior Fiddler or Pop Strings Player -
Doris Westman Trophy
Donated by: The Westman Family
First presented: 2007
Criteria: Most promising fiddler in the competitionWorld-renowned Baritone, James Westman surprised his mother, Doris Westman on her 70th birthday with a trophy named in her honour – a gorgeous green glass bowl mounted on a wooden platform. Doris Westman performed, taught and adjudicated the art of Canadian fiddling for years. Her husband Eldon, and her children Barbara, Laurie and James established the Doris Westman memorial fund honouring fiddlers for generations to come. The Doris Westman Trophy is accompanied by an award of $100.
Voice
Kathleen Anderson Memorial Trophy
Co-operators Peter Decoo Memorial Trophy
Elmhurst Plaque
David Fisher Memorial Trophy
Gould Trophy
McLagan Rose Bowl
Patricia Million Award
Pounder Trophy (replaced by Plaque)
Miriam Haines Root Proficiency Trophy
W.B. Rothwell Rose Bowl
Gordon Scott Memorial Trophy
Wallace John Skinner Trophy
Small Family Memorial Scholarship Trophy
David Smith Memorial Trophy
Peggy Whiteman Junior Piano Trophy
Lois Whitney Hamilton Memorial Trophy
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Kathleen Anderson Memorial Trophy
Donated by: E.K. Anderson
First presented: 2002
Criteria: Most promising Junior VocalistThis trophy and the accompanying award were donated by Mr. Anderson in memory of his late wife, Kathleen (Small) Anderson. Kathleen had a beautiful voice and had enjoyed participating in the Stratford Music Festival in her youth.
She was a member of talented Small family, which included Lorne C. Small, for whom a memorial trophy has been presented annually since 1943 for excellence in the strings competition. In 2002 Kathleen and her brother, Robert, and sister, Mary Louise, had established the Small Family Memorial Scholarship Trophy to be awarded to the most promising student in voice. -
Co-operators Peter Decoo Memorial Trophy
Donated by: Co-operators Insurance, Stratford
First presented in: 1979
Criteria: Trophy Class – Female vocal (11 to 15 years) -
Elmhurst Plaque
Donated by: Elmhurst Students’ Reunion
First Presented: 1996
Criteria: Elementary School DuetU.S.S. No. 9, Elmhurst School was built in 1926, the last one-room schoolhouse to be built in South Easthope. Ida Kollman was the weekly, itinerant music teacher, so it should be no surprise that the pupils from Elmhurst always did extremely well at music festivals. The Elmhurst School choir sang for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on the Royal Visit to Stratford in 1939 and teacher Evelyn Freeborn received a gold medal for conducting the choir. The Elmhurst School was closed when the central school was built in the town of Shakespeare.
On May 19, 1996, U.S.S. No. 9, Elmhurst, held a reunion attended by 73 former students and five former teachers. They concluded that ‘back then, Elmhurst couldn’t play ball very well, but they surely could sing!” They also decided to donate the Elmhurst Plaque for best elementary school duet in the Kiwanis Music Festival.
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David Fisher Memorial Trophy
Donated by: The Fisher Family
First presented: 2008
Criteria: Most promising – Pop VocalDavid Fisher, known to his friends as ‘Fish’, was a well-known and much loved Stratford musician. “Fish’s life,” according to friend Craig Foster, “was all about the music. He inspired many young people in this community to learn and play music. You can see his portrait in Allen’s Alley off Wellington Street, in downtown Stratford.”
After David’s death, his friends and family held a benefit concert. They raised enough money to purchase several instruments for the Instrument Lenders. They decided that the money that remained in the fund should be put towards the purchase of a trophy in his memory. The David Fisher Memorial Trophy was presented for the first time to the ‘most promising pop vocalist’ at the 2008 Kiwanis Festival of the Performing Arts. -
Gould Trophy
Donated by: Kiwanis Club of Stratford
First presented in: 1977
Criteria: Perth County – highest mark (alternating between piano and vocal)Isa Gould was the Director of Competitions of the Kiwanis Music Festival from 1966 to 1977. She had also held the role of secretary to the adjudicators for the previous 8 years during the time when Grace Severt was Director of Competitions.
In an interview in 1969, Mrs. Gould described her role: “It’s really a continuous process. We just get the festival over for one year and it’s time to start on the next!” Mrs. Gould had to balance this demanding job with the responsibility of a young family.
She resigned as director of competitions at the end of the Music Festival’s 50th Season, and the Kiwanis Club established the Isa Gould Trophy in recognition of her 20 years of service. -
McLagan Rose Bowl
Donated by: McLagan Phonograph Corporation
First presented: 1929
Criteria: Trophy class – Female vocal (amateur or professional)The McLagan Phonograph Corporation (1921-1929) was a part of the larger McLagan Furniture Factory located at 83 Trinity Street. The McLagan Furniture Factory employed 200 men. It was the second largest industry in Stratford, next to the Grand Trunk Railway repair shops, and one of the largest furniture manufacturers in Canada.
Mr. McLagan was a generous supporter of the local community, in particular the park system. Mrs. McLagan and her daughter were loyal financial supporters of the Musical Festival. In 1929, the McLagan Phonograph Corporation donated the McLagan Rose Bowl for the top Female Vocalist in the Trophy Class. It is one of the two oldest in the collection (the other being the St. Marys Trophy). -
Patricia Million Award
Donated by: Patricia Million
First presented: 2003
Criteria: Junior female vocalistPatricia Million has enjoyed a long association with the Festival. For 18 years she entered her kindergarten classes from Hamlet Public School in Stratford in the Festival. After she retired from teaching, she has been a valued volunteer, supporting the fundraising committee.
In 2003, Patricia purchased a beautifully framed print of a young girl at a grand piano and donated it to the Festival. The Director of Competitions determined that it should be The Patricia Million Award. It has been presented each year since to a Junior Female Vocalist along with a cash prize. -
Pounder Trophy (replaced by Plaque)
Donated by: Pounder Brothers, Stratford
First presented in: 1953
Criteria: Trophy class – Male vocal (amateur or professional)The Pounder Brothers presented the Challenge Trophy for the top Male Chorus in 1933. The company was a long time financial supporter of the Festival through their annual advertisement in the Program.
Ivan Pounder’s daughter, Joyce, began participating in the Festival in piano and vocal solo classes in 1935. She won top honors at the Stratford Musical Festival in 1940 for junior vocal and at the Toronto Music Festival in 1947 for soprano soloist. She continued to compete in Stratford in vocal solo and duet classes until 1946.
In 1952 the Kiwanis Club of Stratford took over the operation of the Festival from the Music Teachers’ Association and at that time, Ray Pounder was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Stratford. He was an active member of the organizing committee for several years, handling such tasks as Program Sales, Scholarships, and Advertising. -
Miriam Haines Root Proficiency Trophy
Donated by: David N. Root and family, Stratford
First presented in: 1967
Criteria: Highest aggregate mark in 3 senior piano and/or voice classes from Stratford High School area.Miriam Haines Root, B.A., A.R.C.M., L.R.A.M., L.T.C.M., offered lessons in Piano, Voice Culture, and Singing in her studio at 175 John Street North. She had also served on the Faculty of the Toronto Conservatory of Music. She had a long association with the Stratford Music Teachers’ Association, which she served as president in 1959 and 1960. From 1962 through 1987 she served on the Music Selection Committee of the Kiwanis Music Festival selecting music for the piano classes. Miriam Root died in 1997.
David and Miriam Root had children, Miriam, Kathryn, John and Helen who participated in the Kiwanis Music Festival during the 1950’s and 1960’s and often won top honors in piano and voice. The family presented this trophy for proficiency in piano and voice as a tribute to Miriam’s love for music and contribution to the Festival over much of her lifetime. -
W.B. Rothwell Rose Bowl
Donated by W.B. Rothwell, Esq. Toronto
First presented in: 1932
Criteria: Trophy class – Female vocal (amateurs only)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 Teacher’s 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. -
Gordon Scott Memorial Trophy
Donated by: Velda M. Scott, Stratford
First presented: 1989
Criteria: Trophy class – Male vocal (11 to 15 years)Gordon Scott was a popular piano and singing teacher, choral director and organist. He was the Director of Music at St. John’s United Church for 46 years, from 1942 until his death in May 1988. His junior choir from St. John’s won the coveted Verney-Cave Trophy on several occasions. He was recognized for his generosity in accompanying many young singers during the Festival. He was also the founder of the renowned Stratford Boys Choir.
Gordon won international recognition for his musical ability at age 13 when he achieved the highest standing in Canada for his intermediate Toronto Conservatory of Music examination. Gordon Scott was a member of the Perth County Music Teachers’ Federation and its President in 1954-5 and 1961. He joined the Stratford Musical Festival in 1943 on the Music Selection Committee and also served on a variety of other committees such as: ‘Halls’, ‘Programs’, ‘Publicity’, and ‘Scholarships’. After the Kiwanis Club of Stratford assumed the operation of the Festival, Gordon Scott continued to serve on the Music Selection Committee (Choral, Senior Vocal) until 1987. -
Wallace John Skinner Trophy
Donated by: Joan Gaffney
First presented: 1994
Criteria: Vocal achievementJoan Gaffney presented this trophy in honor of her uncle John Wallace Skinner. Mr. Skinner, who had been raised on a farm in the Mitchell area, was a concert pianist in the 1920’s. He was a member of the local Happy Gang Group during the period after World War 1. He died of pneumonia at the age of 39.
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Small Family Memorial Scholarship Trophy
Donated by: The Small Family
First presented: 2002
Criteria: Oratorio – female: most promising female voiceThe family of the late Lorne C. Small, for whom a memorial trophy has been presented annually since 1943 for excellence in the string competition, recently established the Small Family Memorial Scholarship to be awarded to the most promising student in voice.
The family members include Kathleen (Small) Anderson of Stratford, Mary Louise (Small) Reynierse of Jacksonville, Florida, Robert Small of Rockford, Ill., and the late Lorne C. Small. The family established the scholarship and trophy to acknowledge the enjoyment they received as participants in the music festival. -
David Smith Memorial Trophy
Donated by: Mr. and Mrs. David Smith and Family, Stratford
First presented: 1973
Criteria: Oratorio – Male (unchanged voice)Mr. and Mrs. David Smith donated this trophy in memory of their son, David, who had competed in the Stratford Music Festival on numerous occasions. It was first presented in 1973 to the winner in class 110, Boys Solo (Oratorio), 15 years and under – the last class that David had competed in at the Festival.
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Peggy Whiteman Junior Piano Trophy
Donated by: Samuel Weir, Esq., Belfast, Ireland
First presented: 1939
Criteria: Trophy Class – Junior Piano (9 & 10 Years)Peggy Whiteman from Stratford first competed in the Girls’ Solo Class in 1935. From 1936 through 1946 she won awards in several Festivals in piano solo, piano duet and vocal solo classes. She was 11 years old when her grandfather, Samuel Weir from Belfast, Ireland, donated a trophy in her name for the Trophy Class – Junior Piano.
In 2004 the designation of this trophy was changed and was presented for the best performance in handbells or chimes for three years. It has been presented at the senior voice finals ever since. -
Lois Whitney Hamilton Memorial Trophy
Donated by: Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Miller & James, Stratford
First presented in: 1958
Criteria: Trophy class – Female vocal (16 to 20 Years)As a youngster Lois participated as a competitor in the 1938 Festival in the Girls’ Solo (under 11) class. She continued to compete until 1945 when she entered the vocal solo and the soprano solo classes.
Lois Whitney Hamilton later served as a Secretary to Festival adjudicators for a number of years. As an adjudicator’s secretary, Lois would act as his/her assistant, giving them their timetable, ensuring that they had copies of the music, writing up the certificates after the adjudication, and assisting the adjudicator with the prize presentations.
The Miller family presented this trophy in her memory after her tragic drowning during the summer of 1957.