ROTARY MINUTES AUG 22

There were 31 members and one guest, Lois Brown, to hear Dr. Andy Janikowski speak about Music at Port Milford. He said that it is a hidden treasure in the County, established in 1987, to bring musical young people together. Doris McLaughlin and her daughter, Meg Hill, started it and Meg continues today as the Artistic Director. 

This year they had 48 students mainly from Ontario and the USA, being trained by the best professionals in Canada from opera and the Toronto Symphony. The emphasis is on chamber music; a “string” camp. Applicants must send in a demo tape of their performance for consideration and to determine for the successful ones, where their level is.The goal is to advance their music education while having fun at a summer camp with canoeing and swimming and games in their off-time.It is a serious camp with 3-4 hours a day of lessons and practise. In the four week course, for 12-19 years olds, they offer chamber, orchestra, voice and exposure to audiences. It opens up the world to the students.

COVID has cut the attendance (60 would be desirable) and reduced the funding donations. Classical living is becoming more tenuous and fewer people are going into the profession. However, the camp will provide bursaries and grants to those who need it and they are trying to make the students more diverse. A problem is schools dropping their music program. No County kids are developing their music ability to the level needed to attend this camp.

There is also a five day Choral day camp for PEC elementary students and a six day Adult Chamber Intensive for age 19 years plus. The latter is attended by 2/3 County residents. Funding these programs would be an opportunity for our Club to support this camp.

There were weekly Festival Concerts at St. Mary Magdalene Church, Picton by the teachers and there will be a Faculty Concert in September. Thus there is lots of opportunity for PEC residents to hear and enjoy world-class music.

Club Business:

Howard is taking orders for anyone needing a new Rotary ball cap. The cost is usually under $20.

A debriefing was held on the Wellington party on Sunday. Everyone agreed that it was a great party. Many thanks were given to Tim and Bill Mitchell for organizing it and putting it on. They, in turn, thanked all the Rotarians and their spouses who volunteered for the whole day to carry it off. Special mention was made of all the children who enjoyed the games, face painting, the balloons and candy floss. The drone picture of the crowd will be in this week’s The Times.

Bill Mitchell and Lyn reminded everyone that the Brighton Bar BQ and Karaoke contest, of which we are the defending champs, is being held Monday, August 28. Participants are asked to contact Lyn and Bill to see if we have a team to go.

Kim Lee had his 50:50 ticket drawn but he did not draw the ace of spades.