Long-time Thompson piano teacher Sheila Fountain was remembered by family, friends and former students during the Thompson Festival of the Arts highlights concert at R.D. Parker Collegiate’s Letkemann Theatre May 19.
“This year, we lost a significant member of the arts community whose contributions and life we pay tribute to this evening,” said Daniel Pegus. “Sheila Fountain dedicated many years sharing her love of music and always said to find something to do that you love and that way, it won’t ever feel like work. Her contributions to the festival itself included being a registrar, organizing music, helping put together the piano programs and time spent as a session secretary. Her teaching went beyond just music lessons. Sheila Fountain is the true definition of a wonderful teacher who has helped others see and believe that what they set their minds to achieve will always be in reach through hard work and determination. It’s a great honour for me to reveal that this year’s Thompson Festival of the Arts has announced that two promising music students will be the first recipients of the Sheila Fountain Memorial Incentive Award. “
Fountain’s long-time student Michelle Hobbs – now a piano teacher herself and a member of the festival’s executive committee – and her former colleague Betsy Wrana performed four duets in Fountain’s memory.
“Sheila always believed in playing with her students, and her students are familiar with that claim, in order to increase a student’s self-confidence and to develop their listening and counting skills,” said Wrana. “Sheila always performed well-renowned composers and had a massive duet repertoire from around the world.”
The final piece – “Tierra del Sol” by American Composer Eugenie Rocherolle, said Hobbs, was reflective of her former teacher.
“We both thought it reflected the warmth and passion we all think of when we think of Sheila,” said Hobbs.
Sheila’s son Jeff Fountain said that his mother got as much as she gave from her teaching.
“I think this is the most fitting way to remember her and she would have absolutely loved it,” he said. “I believe she’ll be looking down on us tonight with a light heart and a very large smile. She was so thankful for the time she spent at the piano with you guys. I don’t know if you know the extent that she just loved spending that time with you but it was amazing to see the connection that she had with you guys and even to this day those connections still exist. My mom was very private and playing at the piano and spending time with you kids was a window on the world that she didn’t have an opportunity to have and she loved and cherished that time. So thanks to all of you who shared time and music with Sheila. She loved it and we thank you for it.”
