The amazing display of talent at the Cochrane Rotary Youth Talent Festival Finale on Mar. 11 told the story of how the pandemic hasn't stopped youth from pursuing their passions.

"I think one of the key things that I came away with, is that our young people are resilience, and they will learn and do what they love to do, and a pandemic can't stop them," says Festival chair Cyndia Baum.

She points to one lasting impression of how nine-year-old Glenn Knickle learned to play piano this past year online and went on to be awarded one of the five awards of distinction.

Nearly 500 people, one of the largest crowds ever, came out to enthusiastically applaud the 30 performances included in the finale, held at the RockPointe Church.

Vocalist Natalie Evans, 18, was the recipient of the Rotary Award of Excellence as well as one of the seven Illa Rumpel Scholarships. It's her last year at a festival that she's been passionate about since a young age.

"It's honestly such an honour, and I'm so blessed because I also received an Illa Rumpel Scholarship this year," says Evans. "I've been doing this festival since I was nine, so it's all full circle, and it means the world to me."

She particularly enjoys musical theatre and will soon be pursuing it at a post-secondary level.

"A lot of singing, dancing, and acting is what my passion is and how I like to use my free time. I do a lot of musicals, and I'm going to school for theatre."

It was her first voice teacher who first encouraged her to participate in the festival.

"I 100 per cent believe that I would not be where I am today without this festival because there's not a lot of performance opportunities in Cochrane. Having this opportunity to perform in the community has always been a highlight of my year, and I think it's a huge stepping stone for others."

Baum says it's a common scenario.

"The young people that do start early come back every year," says Baum. "I think that's why we love the festival as much as we do because it's an open arms kind of festival where you don't have to be a Royal Conservatory expert in your performance to be able to perform."

Almost 200 youth were adjudicated in advance of the finale. They were broken into smaller groups of five or six, with only their immediate family in attendance to provide a level of comfort. The festival handpicks its adjudicators with the full understanding that they are also there to teach and encourage.

"Parents are elated by hearing what the adjudicator says in a kind and encouraging way."

One participant wasn't able to make her time slot and was given a time of her own. The adjudicator took the opportunity to sit next to the student and give her a lesson. The youth was thrilled.

"It was just so cool to see that kind of interaction happen, and really what the festival's all about, giving the kids the confidence to perform. They know they're going to be criticized, but they're also going to be encouraged, and they're going to come away learning something."

The following received awards at the end of the finale.

Illa Rumpel Scholarship winners:

  • Norah Macdonald
  • Sydney Simoneau
  • Katie Watterson
  • Avery Clark
  • Kaitlyn Henry
  • Natalie Evans
  • Alexia Strutzenberger

FINALE award winners:

Awards of Distinction

  • Bella Vogelaar
  • Tess and Turner Bates
  • Glenn Knickle
  • Tap group - Running Behind
  • Sydney Simoneau

Rotary Award of Excellence:

Natalie Evans

Cynthia BaumCynthia Baum was presented a community builder award from Dan Kroffat near the end of the performance.

Cynthia Baum presented a special award

Near the end of the performance, Dan Kroffat presented Cynthia Baum with a community builder award.

Kroffat said there are many community builders working quietly in the background, seeking nothing in return but the smiles on the faces of the people they are serving. He lists Cynthia among these people.

"She is a person who brings compassion and caring in every project she's ever been involved in."

Cynthia was surprised by the presentation and appreciates the heartfelt gesture.

"The plaque is going to sit in my office forever. It was a very kind gesture. That being said, I told Dan I don't want this to take the place of the celebration of the kids. It's really about the young people, and their resilience through COVID to be able to come out and provide a night of entertainment of such."