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Don’t miss symphony concert
By Joni Macfarlane
reporter
Friday May 09, 2008
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Conductor Jerry Lonsbury rehearsing, preparing for the Annual Spring Concert.
Joni MacFarlane Photo
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The sound of music is in the air. The Crowsnest Pass Symphony Orchestra has been busy tuning up for its Annual Spring Concert.
According to conductor, Jerry Lonsbury, there is no specific theme to the concert this year, but he would like to see people leave with a tune on their lips. "I like to play pieces that people carry with them, something along the whistle a tune theme," said Lonsbury.
Some of the pieces you will hear at this year's concert are Die Fledermaus Overture by Johann Strauss, a medley of tunes called Hullabaloo, songs from Evita, and some Russian pieces, one called Hopak and another, Russian Fantasy.
Ted Moser will be playing first violin and James Skierka, a student at University of Lethbridge, is joining them on violin.
There are approximately 25 musicians in the orchestra, and one of the most interesting aspects is the diversity of the group. Musicians range in age from 13 to "nearly 80". They have been practising some of the pieces together since September, playing some for the Christmas concert and some for the music festival in March.
This is Lonsbury's 12th year as conductor and one of the things he enjoys about doing it is "the difference between where we are when we start up and where we end up." As musicians it can be a lonely endeavour playing alone sometimes. "There is a great deal of value getting together and playing as a group," said Lonsbury. "And we have a great deal of fun doing it, too."
The Spring Concert will be held Wednesday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Crowsnest Centre. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
Local wins prestigious photo award
By Joni MacFarlane
Reporter
Friday May 09, 2008
A former resident has won a photography award at her first international competition.
Tanya Plonka has received special honours in the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) 2008 Awards of Excellence 16x20 Print Competition. Designed to recognize outstanding photographers, the judging was held in Las Vegas, NV on March 15 and 16, 2008.
Plonka, who now resides in Lethbridge, is originally from the Crowsnest Pass and graduated from CCHS in 2002. She began studying at University of Lethbridge in the New Media program where she was interested in pursuing a career in web design. After getting involved in photography as a hobby, she soon became hooked and switched programs to arts.
"I knew I loved photography right away," said Plonka, "and I was so lucky because I got a job right after graduation at a photography studio."
Plonka currently works for Litwin Photography in Lethbridge and hopes someday to have her own studio.
Plonka's photograph, "Untitled" received an Accolade of Excellence in the Animals/Pets category. The girl in the photo is Sarah Underwood, also from the Crowsnest Pass, with her horse, Theo.
The Awards of Excellence 16x20 Print Competition awards are presented each year and included 2,653 prints in 19 categories submitted by photographers from all over the world.
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