Powell River, B.C. –
In its fifth year of bestowing fellowships upon key builders and longtime supporters, the Pacific Region International Summer Music Association (PRISMA) chose to highlight the contributions of Dr. Jeanette Scott. Scott was presented with a certificate and commemorative print at PRISMA’s Annual General Meeting on February 7, 2023.
A former educator with a 35-year career in the public school system followed by multiple terms as a trustee and chair of the qathet School District, Scott was instrumental in stewarding and growing the PRISMA for Kids (P4K) program.
Since its launch in 2015, P4K has grown to not only include school visits from the maestro throughout the year, but also the creation of classroom resource materials based on the musical repertoire at PRISMA – all culminating in a morning instructed orchestra rehearsal and a free evening Kids’ Concert & Fun Fair that take place during the festival every June.
“Jeanette organized the relationship between school music programs on Texada Island, the qathet mainland, and PRISMA,” said PRISMA president Mike Robinson. “This set the stage for PRISMA visits to schools, and for school visits to PRISMA proper. Also, Jeanette was a strong Board member, who led discussions about her interests in strategic planning sessions, and during regular meetings.”
Whether it was compiling educators’ resources, contributing to committee meetings, or wrangling busloads of children during school visits, Scott’s hands-on efforts have helped PRISMA to create unique opportunities to foster a broader appreciation for the arts within the community and inspire the next generation of musicians and music supporters.
“What Jeanette has contributed to PRISMA is invaluable,” said co-founder and artistic director, Arthur Arnold. “She has been the driving force behind the documentary, Two Counties – One Spirit in 2015, has shared her knowledge and experience to further enhance PRISMA for Kids and has supported our beautiful festival as a board member extraordinaire, never afraid to share her honest views. It is a privilege to count Jeanette among my dear friends.”
Scott joins the ranks of nine other PRISMA Fellows: Sharon Thomas, Brian Balfe and Paul Schachter (2019); John Silver (2020); Brendan and Heather Allen (2021); Lee Coulter, Michael Matthews and Liz Matthews (2022).
“I was most appreciative of the recognition that I was given at the last AGM,” said Scott. “Since my first stint as a volunteer a decade ago, I have found myself involved in an organization that I believe is a cultural asset to our community. I love the enthusiasm that is evident at every concert and have been particularly pleased to have been involved in the PRISMA for Kids program which began in 2015 with the Anne Frank exhibit and concert and has continued since then, making orchestral music accessible to students from the qathet Regional District.”
For more information on PRISMA Fellows, visit https://prismafestival.
