(photo courtesy of Faces of Fredericton – Keith Minchin)
In the fall of 1947, with impetus from James Manchip and a financial commitment from the Fredericton Rotary Club, an organizational meeting was held for the first Fredericton Competitive Festival of Music. Members of the Rotary Club formed the nucleus of the first executive. Dr. A.S. MacFarlane became president; Justice W. J. West, vice-president; and James Manchip, executive-director.
The first festival, held April 21-24, 1948, in the auditorium of the Provincial Normal School attracted 448 entries. Organizers were able to cover all the expenses with entry and admission fees, leaving the Rotary donation intact. The long tradition of scholarships given in conjunction with the festival began with a $100 scholarship donated by the Knights of Pythias for the outstanding performer of the first festival.
By 1952 there was such an increase in entrants that it was necessary to hire two full-time adjudicators. By 1954, there were 624 entries; in 1966, 725 entries; in 1981, 780 entries; in 1988, 1524 entries. By 1996, 1735 entries dictated the need for the services of seven adjudicators with sessions being held in six venues and lasting two weeks.
From its inception, the Fredericton Music Festival Committee, composed solely of volunteers, has been responsible for all aspects of the organization and operation of the festival.
Past Presidents
1947 – 1950 Dr. A. S. MacFarlane
1950 – 1952 Justice W. J. West
1952 – 1956 John Malcolm
1956 – 1957 Muriel Baird
1957 – 1959 Marie Campbell
1959 – 1960 James Manchip
1960 – 1961 Ruth Spicer
1961 – 1962 Archdeacon A. S. Coster
1962 – 1964 Douglas Start
1964 – 1965 Ruth Spicer
1965 – 1966 Muriel Baird
1966 – 1968 Arden Doak
1968 – 1970 Thomas Morrison
1970 – 1971 Brig. E. C. Brown
1971 – 1979 Garfield Dykeman
1979 – 1982 Arden Doak
1982 – 1985 Elmer Bourque
1985 – 1991 Terry Pond
1991 – 1992 Vera Turner
1992 – 1997 Ron Sisk
1997 – 2001 Paul Campbell
2001 – 2005 Brenda Tingley
2005 – 2007 Gerald Goguen
2007 – 2010 Ralph Simpson
2010 – 2021 Deborah VanSlyke
2021 – Julie Maston