The K.S.S. Fine Arts Society annual Premiere Performance is going ahead next week despite the withdrawal of extra-curricular activities by B.C. teachers in their ongoing labour dispute with the government.
The Premiere Performance will take place at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre on Tuesday, May 1 at 8 p.m. but this year the program will be a scaled down version and will not include the visual arts.
Music students from Kwalikum Secondary School will be on stage performing and the program will include a combination of the concert bands and the choir.
In the past the evening has also included displays of award winning student art work and drama presentations — but that component will be absent this year.
Ian Lindsay a spokesperson for the K.S.S. Fine Arts Society, said this year they will focus on the music program which is well known for its multi-medal performances over the years.
“This event is warm up for going to nationals that will take place later in the month in Ottawa,” he said and added, “the kids are ready and are excited about it. We are looking forward to the community coming out to support it because it’s a wonderful evening.”
The society, which is independent of the high school, was formed to support high school fine arts.
Lindsay said the society started the Premiere Performance 18 years ago as a way to showcase the talents of youth in the community.
“We had some incredible students displaying their talent in other parts of B.C. and Canada but they never had a chance to display or perform in their own community outside of school. A number of sponsors came on board, and high school fine arts groups came in and put on incredible show.
“It grew over the years from just music to include visual arts and drama.”
He said the event is important for students and although there is no formal arrangement for visual arts or drama students to be involved this year, Lindsay did say the Civic Centre does have rooms if kids want to display their work on their own.
Tickets for the 8 p.m. concert May 1 are $8 and can be purchased at the Mulberry Bush Bookstore in Qualicum Beach of at Re/Max First Realty at Wembley Mall in Parksville.