Press Releases

Taking It To The Streets - An Education Program

May 6th, 2010

Burlington ON (May 6, 2010). Burlington's Sound of Music Festival is pleased to announce our NEW Education Program. Presenting Taking it to the Streets Saturday June 19, 2010 at the Burlington Art Centre.

Festival President, Gerry Murphy made several promises when he came on board; more programming funding, bigger and better initiatives and an education program, all of which are coming to fruition. "We hope to grow the education program to be year round; hopefully, one day this will lead to a once a month program for the Festival", says Murphy. Children 4-14 years old will enjoy a 45 minute interactive, educational workshop opportunity to sing and dance.

As the children work with our award winning team, they will be introduced to the possibilities of becoming a "triple threat" performer by combining music, drama and theatre dance. These workshops will also serve as an introduction to drama skills, singing instruction and movement to music theatre songs. 

MEET OUR AWARD WINNING TEAM

Helen Zdriluk developed the award-winning music theatre program at Burlington Central High School.  She is currently artistic director for Centre Stage Productions and has conducted workshops internationally for both students and adults.  In addition to completing a music theatre internship at the Shaw Festival, Helen teaches drama and music theatre at Stars Academy Burlington, drama in education and children's theatre at Brock University, and collaborative practices at Sheridan College.

Adam Falcone is an award-winning actor and a graduate of the renowned performance program at University of Toronto and Sheridan College.  He is also a certified teacher and a founding member of Centre Stage Production's educational outreach program.

Sara Jeffries is an award-winning performer who pioneered the music theatre program at M.M. Robinson High School.  She currently teaches music theatre at MMR, at Stars Academy, and through the Centre Stage Productions educational outreach program.

Franci Nicassio a graduate of the National Ballet of Canada is the artistic director of Stars Academy for the Performing Arts.  Franci has taught dance and choreographed both locally and provincially, and her music theatre dancers are consistent award-winners at the national level.

Workshop times will be from 1:00-1:45 pm, 2:00-2:45 pm and 3:00-3:45 pm.
Enrollment is limited so register on line today.  You do not want to be disappointed!

June 17th to 20th will mark Burlington's Sound of Music Festival's 31st year of creating "Four Fabulous Days of Free Music and Fun" along our beautiful picturesque waterfront, Spencer Smith Park, and throughout downtown Burlington.  Through the generosity and support of sponsors and the dedication of over 500 volunteers, the Festival continues to be a free event for music lovers of all ages, welcoming close to 190,000 visitors annually.

For more information on last year's talent and performance schedules or current Festival information visit soundofmusic.ca or call the Festival Hotline 905-333-6364.

Presenting Sponsor Tim Hortons

Feature Sponsors  ArcelorMittal Dofasco, Burlington Hyundai, Cogeco, Burlington Downtown Business Association, Nickelbrook, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, Performing Arts Burlington, S. B. Prime At The Hotel Raymond, TD Canada Trust Music, VEX, Galaxie, Mohawk College

Support Sponsors Canadian Heritage, City of Burlington, Employment Ontario, Ontario Yours to Discover, SOCAN Foundation, Tourism Ontario, TD Friends of the Environment

Burlington's Sound of Music Festival
Kimberly Calderbank-Allington, Sponsorship & PR Manager
Phone 905-634-6258 or Email sponsorship@soundofmusic.ca

Dave Miller, Executive Director
Phone 905-634-6309 or Email executivedirector@soundofmusic.ca

Gerry Murphy, President
Email president@soundofmusic.ca

Rick Rossini, Communications Director – Print and Design
Phone 905-635-7660 or Email rossini@rossinimagic.com