After the first time Janet Bingham watched someone play the violin, she decided she wanted to play that instrument as well. She started to learn the violin in grade four and went on to participate in school orchestras and music camps in California where she grew up.
She was presented with the David Pike Memorial Award for 2014 at Powell River Festival of Performing Arts grand concert on Saturday. Pike was a lover of the performing arts and the award is given out in his memory to recognize “outstanding contribution to the development and continuing support of the arts in Powell River.”
Asked if she wanted to say something, her only words were “thank you.”
Janet has lived in Powell since 1970 when she moved here to take a teaching position with School District 47.
Everyone in her family played an instrument of one kind or another. Both her grandmothers and one great-grandmother were church organists. Her younger brother played the trombone. Husband Wes sings with Chor Musica. Their daughter, an elementary school teacher, plays the bassoon and their son, an engineer, lives in Europe where he sings with various chamber choirs.
Janet studied music “in bits and pieces” while working on a science degree. She and Wes came to Powell River because they were both offered teaching positions.
In 1978 she started teaching out of her home and now has a studio at Powell River Academy of Music. Most of her students play for the love of music and some have become music teachers. Janet also taught Julie Kennedy who currently tours in North America with her sister Carli.
For many years, Janet has served as strings discipline head for the local festival.
