Cobequid Arts Council presents Lifetime Achievement Awards
TRURO, N. S. – Cobequid Arts Council’s hosted its Third Annual Lifetime Achievement Awards presentations at the Marigold Cultural Centre Thursday.
The four honourees are soprano and music teacher Leslie Lake Searle; artist and performer Alan Syliboy; longtime Cobequid Arts Council member Bonnie Waddell; and music teacher, the late Ron Mackay, all of whom were recognized with Lifetime Achievement Awards.
LESLIE LAKE SEARLE
Before soprano Leslie Lake Searle was presented with her award, the audience watched a video montage of her students, who described how their former teacher had shaped them as musicians and people.
Finally, as she held the plaque in her hand, Lake Searle had to fight back tears, as she realized exactly how big her fan base was.
“It’s a rush,” said Lake Searle. “It’s a high to be honoured for something that is my passion. I love what I’ve done all my life here and to be awarded is beyond my comprehension. I got the letter and I had to read it three times. I was bowled over.”
Lake Searle has performed with both Symphony Nova Scotia and the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra.
Back home, she has taught voice theatre, choreography and theatre privately for more than 30 years, and served as an adjudicator at musical competitions.
ALAN SYLIBOY
Alan Syliboy has displayed his works at many art shows over the last 40 years, including such prestigious venues as the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.
The First Nations artist was the first Mi’kmaq person to hold the Coady Chair in Social Justice at St. Francis Xavier University in 2017. There, he led discussions on art, reconciliation, history and cultural revitalization.
Syliboy has used art and music to create awareness on environmental issues such as climate change, through both visual art and his music.
“I’m very happy about getting a recommendation in my hometown,” said Syliboy. “I feel very good about it.” Before the ceremony, Syliboy treated the audience to a performance of his band The Thundermakers, playing Mother Earth’s Warning, Signal Fire and Drum Song Jam.
The show included performances of First Nations dance in traditional regalia.
BONNIE WADDELL
Bonnie Waddell first joined the CAC in 1978 and worked on programs such as the Art Cart. This was comprised of six large trolleys offering art materials for students.
Over her years on the council, Waddell has been involved with projects further afield, such as donating library books to developing nations in Africa.
Speaking of how the CAC has changed over the years, she described it as “very rich now, very poor then.”
Nonetheless, Waddell was shocked to learn of her Lifetime Achievement Award.
“I couldn’t believe it at the beginning – they made a mistake,” she said.
RON MACKAY (POSTHUMOUSLY)
Ron Mackay’s son Ken accepted the award on behalf of his late father.
Mackay was well-known for his musical teaching abilities, with more than 300 former students pursuing careers in music thanks to his efforts as band director.
After retiring from teaching in 1991, Ron served as a conductor, composer and competition adjudicator throughout Canada.
In 2007, just a few months before his passing the following year, he received the Roger Taylor Medal from then-lieutenant Governor Myann Francis.