Symphony of the Kootenays – AGM – “Things are Looking Good”

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Symphony of the Kootenay Association – 39th Annual General Meeting Wednesday September 24, 2014 7pm at Christ Church Anglican Hall Cranbrook

The Board

Over the past three season this is the way it has gone. Season 2011/2012 was the season of crisis; attendances had been falling and finances were in disarray; the future of the organization was far from being assured. Season 2012/2013 was a time to suspend performances while the wheels of restructuring ground through a very necessary process. For season 2013/2014 the organization came roaring out of the gate with a renewed purpose, a new invigorated board and a new Musical Director. So here we are at the end of this first season with evidence of success. Attendances are up, the open rehearsals were wildly successful, the orchestra was having fun and the musical guests (THE SULTANS OF SWING) added punch and zest to the concert season. And last but no least, thanks to the City of Cranbook stepping up to the plate with increased financial support,  the organization is in the black . The AGM went as all good meetings should go – smoothly productive. There are some changes to the board; Steen Erickson remains on the Board but but has stepped down as President. The new President is Ian Adams. There are several new boards members. Michelle Wilson and Barry Coulter have come on board (pun intended). To keep costs down  the organization will continue to operate without a paid manager. This may change in the future. The only wrinkle in the parchment that I can see is the problem of demographics. It was identified as a significant issue prior to the re-organization and it probably has not gone away  To survive the organization needs to attract a younger audience. It would be nice to have some statistical evidence to to support the notion that a shift is underway. Perhaps a review of membership demographics could shed some light on that issue. 
Of course the icing on the cake for the evening was a performance by Jeff Faragher (cello) and Aurora Smith (violin). It was an exciting and adventurous exploration of Classical and Celtic music with Jeff throwing in lots of percussive effects, electronic pedal and looping effects. Aurora, despite her unneeded misgivings,  stepped up to the plate with Natalie MacMaster’s Volcanic Jig. Things are looking very good indeed and the new season promises to be as exciting as the one just ended. Here are some more images from the night.
Jeff Faragher and Aurora Smith        Jeff Faragher and Aurora Smith
Jeff Faragher  Jeff Faragher  Jeff Faragher
Aurora Smith
AND DON’T FORGET THE THE FIRST CONCERT OF THE NEW SEASON
Symphony of the Kootenays Old to New TB 10.09
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