The Town of Gander is about to be filled with the sound of music.
The 43rd Gander and area Kiwanis music festival will get underway March 19.
Across 10 days, more than 1,300 participants will produce 377 performances in a number of venues across the community.
The number of participants is up from last year, including big increases in the solo and group speech divisions.
“It helps develop self-confidence and the importance of setting goals,” said Kiwanis spokesperson Suzanne House of the festival. “It is a great opportunity for individuals to perform.”
The Gander and area festival will draw in participants from 23 communities across its region. They will come to compete from as far away as Lewisporte and Glovertown.
To help make the festival happen, the organizing committee depends on 105 volunteers along with community support Kiwanis receives.
In 2020, performances will be judged by five adjudicators. They are: Melanie Jardine, junior voice; Krista Vincent, senior piano; Keri Kao, junior piano; Jennifer Beynon-Martinec, senior voice; and Brandon Mollon, bands and instrumental.
The performances are set across the week, with some musical theatre and choir events occurring in the evenings.
The Rose Bowl concert is scheduled for March 25, while highlight shows will be held on March 26-27.
The highly coveted junior, senior and choral Rose Bowl trophies will be handed out on March 27 along with a number of other awards.