EARTH: a Night of Indigenous Expression

Howe Sound Performing Arts Association (HSPAA) is a vibrant and dedicated organization run entirely by volunteers. We are proud of our past and current partnerships in the community. HSPAA was founded by local piano teachers in 1993 as a nonprofit society. The board's goal was to purchase a grand piano for the use and enjoyment of the community. In the early years, even as HSPAA fundraised for the instrument, we gave back. We partnered with Squamish Rotary on several occasions. One such concert/auction at Totem Hall raised $10,000 for a heart monitor for the hospital. We partnered again with the Rotary club in 1996 to host international pianist Janina Fialkowska, performing on a grand piano donated for the occasion by Tom Lee Music in Vancouver. Together we raised $23,000 for the piano fund and Rotary set aside a sizeable amount towards a community park. In 1997, HSPAA purchased the grand piano from Tom Lee Music using: $6000 raised over four years from our local events $6000 matched by the Vancouver foundation $23,000 from the joint HSPAA/Rotary fundraiser and $10,000, from the Tiampo family. For a total investment of $45,000. Since that time, the grand piano has served us well. The HSPAA is known for bringing professional level performers to Squamish. We have presented artists such as Janina Fialkowska (on three occasions), Jon Kimura Parker, Angela Cheng, Sara Buechner, Lorne Elliott, Borealis Quartet, Chor Leoni and Avan Yu to name a few. In addition we produced concerts for local artists and students including Star Search and Festival of the Canadian Arts. Currently, we produce several shows each year that feature talented local performers. The Howe Sound Music Festival (HSMF) is held each spring for pianists, singers and choirs. Performers of all ages -- from Pemberton to Britannia -- are welcome to compete for adjudication by professional adjudicators, scholarships and the chance to compete in the Provincial Music Festival. Performances culminate in a gala showcase of gold medal winning performances. I think it's safe to say that HSPAA has contributed greatly to the culture of our community and indeed, inspired other artists. HSPAA and Squamish Rotary, supported by the District of Squamish, hosted a third major event in 2005: the fundraiser for victims of the tsunami in Indonesia -- Waves of Compassion. We raised $46,000 and the event was a highlight of community cooperation and service. It's worth noting that from start to finish this fundraiser was organized and took place within a three week time period. In the past, we donated several thousand dollars to the Access Music Education fund (AME) which benefitted deserving students in their performing arts endeavors. At present, HSPAA is proud to support a Howe Sound Secondary student financially with our annual performing arts award. What does the future hold for HSPAA? We want to mentor others, especially young people, in production and the technical aspects of sound and lighting. We will continue to support artists at a grassroots level and bring touring artists to play on our quality instrument.