Watsonairs 70th Countdown : History of Fundraising!

For 70 years, the Watsonairs have not only delighted the Prince Albert community with their music but have also been renowned for their significant fundraising efforts. Their concert proceeds have supported numerous initiatives locally and abroad. Early concert programs reveal donations to major North American organizations and local causes. For instance, proceeds from the March 14, 1965 concert were donated to Shriners' Hospitals for Burned and Crippled Children, and a donation was made on January 6, 1971, for a piano for the Arts Center. Throughout the years, the Watsonairs have sponsored awards at the Prince Albert Music Festival, and purchased sound and music equipment for care homes and other venues, including the grand piano at the Rawlinson Centre. They have supported the Girl Guides, the Arts Centre, the Arts Council, the YWCA, the Victoria Hospital, group homes, and have funded musical instruments at Pine Grove, the Heritage Centre, Herb Basset Home, Pineview Terrace, Sherman Towers, and St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church. Additionally, they provide an annual scholarship at the Prince Albert Music Festival.

Gladys Strom (wearing glasses), Watsonairs choir director (1964-2005)

Money is raised every year at their Christmas Carol Festival (formerly the Rotary Carol Festival) and all of the proceeds have been donated to the  Salvation Army Prince Albert Community Ministries. The contribution supports the Christmas Cheer Fund, which helps provide toys for local children during the holiday season.

Photo on the left: cheque presented to Major Charlotte of the Salvation Army (Jason Kerr/Daily Herald ) . Photo on the right: cheque presented to Salvation Army officer Major Ed (Arjun Pillai/Daily Herald)

Annually, the Watsonairs select a charity to support with proceeds from their Spring Concert. Recently, funds have been directed towards furnishings and equipment for the Rose Garden Hospice and the new Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) facility in Prince Albert. This year, once again, proceeds will benefit the RMHC facility. Initially, concert promotions and ticket sales were advertised through posters in public buildings around Prince Albert. Today, the Watsonairs effectively utilize social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, alongside physical posters, resulting in increased donations, larger audiences, and a stronger online presence. If you are interested in making a Patron contribution to the Spring Concert, check out the poster below. For those of you who will be attending the concert on May 3, donations will be accepted at the door or can be e-transfered to watsonairs@gmail.com.

70 YEARS! 7 DECADES Watsonairs

Watsonairs 70th Countdown : Fashion Through the Decades!

This week, we are excited to present a captivating photo collage that showcases the remarkable evolution of style exhibited by the Watsonairs throughout the decades. This visual journey not only highlights the aesthetic transformations of the group but also serves as a reflection of the changing cultural landscape over the years. The collage features an array of images that capture the essence of their concert attire, which has evolved significantly from the early days of the group to the present. From the mixture of elegant floor-length gowns and daring mini dresses of the 1960s, to the sleek black attire of the present, each outfit tells a story of its time. In addition to their clothing, the hairstyles of the Watsonairs have undergone dramatic changes, reflecting the prevailing fashion trends and societal norms of each decade. From the voluminous curls and beehives of the 70s to the sleek, modern cuts of today, these hairstyles not only enhance their overall look but also signify the influence of pop culture and media on personal style. The poses captured in these photographs further illustrate the changing dynamics of performance and presentation. Early images may depict more traditional stances, while contemporary shots often embrace a more dynamic and expressive approach, reflecting the evolution of stage presence and audience engagement over the decades. Join us as we embark on this nostalgic journey down memory lane! Through this photo collage, we invite you to witness the transformation of the Watsonairs' style! 1960s....

1970s....

1980s/1990s....

2000s....

2010s....

2020s....

70 YEARS! 7 DECADES Watsonairs

Watsonairs 70th Countdown : First Music Retreat!

The Watsonairs had an absolutely wonderful experience at their inaugural music retreat last weekend!

The theme of the day was "Where music lifts the spirit and harmony brings joy," and it truly resonated throughout the event. The day was divided into three exciting blocks, each designed to capture the essence of the theme and culminating in a moment of reflection and community close.

The first block, "Welcome and Energy Builder," set the tone with a vibrant focus on unifying sound and building momentum. Next up was the "Deep Dive Technique" block, where participants centered their attention on technical skills in order to apply these to the the entire Watsonairs repertoire, setting the stage for the next segment. The morning concluded with a delightful lunch break that began with a harmonious singing of grace.

In the third block, participants applied their newly honed technical skills to the Spring concert repertoire, transforming notes into pure artistry. The day wrapped up beautifully with moments dedicated to reflection and a heartfelt community close. What an extraordinary day it was!    

70 YEARS! 7 DECADES Watsonairs