About Us

A Proud History of Inspiring Musical Excellence since 1923

Our Vision

To be a recognized leader in setting the standard of excellence in the delivery of quality music education festivals in BC, and across Canada, and as an advocate for music education. 

Our Mission

1. To provide a forum for students and educators to demonstrate and to share their musical talents and joy of music. 

2. To evaluate and reflect on musical achievement in a positive, constructive, and educationally focused way.

3. To complement and enhance the teaching, learning and development process in the pursuit of musical excellence. 

4. To foster and promote lifelong learning and interest in music. 

5. To provide an opportunity to pursue career, academic, and professional aspirations.

Our Values & Principles

The VKMF brand reflects a set of core values and principles that provide the framework for the foundation of our operations and activities. Our commitment to Inspiring Musical Excellence is at the heart of everything we do.

Core Values:

·      Trust and respect

·      Integrity and honesty

·      Equity, inclusivity, and fairness

·      Openness and Humility

Guiding Principles:

We are committed to making, and having, a positive impact on the communities we serve through:

·      A focus on student-centred learning 

·      Continued engagement and communication with community stakeholders

·      Nurturing a community of sharing

·      Celebrating achievement and the pursuit of excellence

·      Sound and ethical business practices

·      Courageously embracing creative and innovative solutions in addressing unforeseen challenges and unexpected opportunities

Our History

From their founding by the Knights of Pythias (1923) to their assumption (1960) and continued stewardship by the Kiwanis Club of Vancouver, the Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festivals have become BC’s premier music festivals; the oldest and largest of their kind in the province, and one of the largest Music Festivals in Canada.

Every year over 4,500 music students participate across four distinct events – the Jazz Bands Festival; the Choral Festival; the Concert Band & Orchestra Festival; and the Main Festival for solo musicians and small ensembles, including piano, strings, voice, brass, woodwinds, guitar, harp and Chinese ethnic instruments.

In 2009 we became a separate Society.  We gratefully acknowledge the continued financial support we receive from the Province of British Columbia through Community Gaming Grants, and now seek new community partnerships for 2019 and into the future. Your financial support will nourish the personal development and life-changing experiences that our Festivals offer to Metro Vancouver’s youth, as they learn to prepare, focus, and compete in order to excel in their music and in life.

The Festivals’ past, present and future are rooted in a common purpose: to inspire musical excellence in all participants.

Board of Directors

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Charles Anderson
President

 

Sam Balden
Vice President & Festivals Chairman

 

Brant Grondin
Treasurer

 

Susan Wong Lim
Director

 
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Iris Woo
Director

 

Izumi Miki McGruer
Director

 

Joyce Chung
Director

 

Linda-Mae Chan-Kent
Director