Frontenac music championship to continue

Sep 22, 2011

Photo: New chairs of the FOTMC, Cliff and Mary Rines of Enterprise

Lovers and players of old-time music will be relieved to hear that the Frontenac Old Time Music Champion-ships (FOTMC) will continue. The announcement came just weeks after FOTMC founders and organizers, Joan and Roy Shepherd of Piccadilly, announced that due to health reasons, Joan would be stepping down, bringing to an end the popular four-year event that has attracted singers and players, young and old from all over Frontenac County.

Two enthusiasts at the August event, Cliff and Mary Rines of Enterprise, heard the announcement and decided to approach Joan about taking over the reins. “We hated to see the championships end, not only because we love the music, but more so because the event goes a long way in supporting kids and music programming in local schools,” Cliff said.

The couple, who have been married for 31 years and have two grown sons, have both worked and volunteered with children in the community in the past, Mary as a childcare worker and stay-at-home mom and Cliff as a volunteer with the Sheffield Community Access Centres located in Enterprise, Tamworth and Marlbank. Both were adamant about keeping the FOMTC tradition alive in the community and felt they had no choice but to volunteer their time.

A musician himself, Cliff actually got his start singing and playing in public at the first championships that were held at the Piccadilly hall four years ago. “It was almost by accident really; I showed up not knowing it was a competition but I got up and played and have been playing, competing and writing my own songs ever since.”

The couple are thrilled to have the support and experience of the entire FOTMC team of volunteers and say that without them, they would not have stepped up as easily as they did. “There are a lot of people who make this happen and it is their years of hard work and dedication and that has enabled us to take it on,” Cliff said.

Joan is more than happy that the Rines have stepped up to the plate and feels that she is leaving her baby in very capable hands. “It does my heart good to know that the event will continue, and it is extra special in that the Rines truly understand the value in the event and the multiple ways that it helps support music, music education and children in the community.”

Proceeds from the championships are donated every year to an area school to help benefit students through music programming. On September 16 Joan made her final cheque presentation, when on behalf of the FOTMC and the Sunbury Jam she presented a cheque for $1550 to students and staff at Storrington Public School. The money will be used to purchase various instruments to continue and enhance their music programs.

Cliff and Mary have a few new ideas for the next championships, which will take place in September 2012, instead of mid-summer in order to “attract as many young players and singers as possible.” They are presently searching for new volunteers. Anyone interested in offering their support can call Cliff and Mary at 613-358-5370.

The official takeover will be announced on October 23 at the regular Sunday Bedford Jam, where it will no doubt come as good news to old-time music lovers, players and educators far and wide.