Lora Wentworth and her husband Noel run a business that has become iconic in Kelowna: Wentworth Music. If you have any desire to learn or play music, chances are you've heard of them, visited their store or taken lessons from their myriad of talented instructors. This Saturday June 29 they will putting on their annual show at Kelowna Community Theatre. This year it is a tribute to Blue Collar rock with songs from such artists as Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Tom Petty, Bob Seger and more. With around 150 students taking part and 7-12 performers on stage throughout, the show is sure to impress and inspire. Particularly inspiring is the cause that the students are singing for: the children's ward of Kelowna General Hospital. Get your tickets at Wentworth Music today and check out Lora and Wentworth Music In Focus.
What do you always find yourself saying?
“Come on Guys, we’ve gotta go”
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
A Grammy for Composition.
If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose and why?
Nicola Tesla. He was brilliant. Our lives wouldn’t be the same without his contributions.
Who inspires you?
There’s so many people but off the top of my head my husband Noel Wentworth.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Go to Hawaii, Jazz Piano lesson with Diana Krall, help in a third world country.
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
“Sea ya later”
What are you passionate about?
Teaching Music, especially Music Theory. Being involved with our community.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
There have been many. The day I got Married. The days I had my children are on the top of my list.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Our music school at Wentworth Music and how it has developed. From 88 students to over 700 and winning an award for Top100 music schools and stores in North America is really amazing to me.
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna?
There are so many but I love Chutney restaurant. I like their Butter Chicken, Their Paneer Lajawab (sp?)
What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna?
Going to Gyro beach because our Lake is beautiful and I love being there in the Summer.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Wentworth Music
What does your business/organization do?
Musical Instrument Sales, Rentals, Repairs and Music Lessons
Where can people find you or your business online?
www.wmec.ca
Where can people find your business on Facebook?
Wentworth Music Education Centre
What is your Twitter account?
@wmec
What is your mission?
Wentworth Music is not here to teach students music. We are here help create new musicians
If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
To become a notable composer.
Where do you want your business/organization to be in 5 years?
Up to 850 weekly students, international leaders music education .
Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
Claude Debussy
What 3 qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Community, Passion, Fun
What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
How could we live without you. Thank you so much!
How does your business/organization impact the community?
Our Bi-Annual Concerts as of July 2013 will have raised over $100,000 for the Okanagan Valley to assist children at the Kelowna General Hospital. This Saturday June 29 we will be putting on a tribute to Blue Collar Rock. The Show sponsored by Interior Savings and K96.3 will feature 21 songs from artists such as Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Tom Petty, Bob Seger and more. These shows are unbelievably the largest of their kind in Canada.
How many performers will be participating in the show? What ages are they?
Around 150 students ages 8 to 50 years old
What were the challenges of organizing a show of this scope?
Organizing a show of this kind takes a lot of coordination but with this being our 15th show we’ve got it down pretty much to a science.
How does performing for a cause affect the kids?
I think the kids appreciate that we give back to the hospital. It gives them an idea that they can give back to their community while doing something they are passionate about.
Have they had any opportunities to meet any of the children they are helping?
Unfortunately no but when we did our tribute to KISS, my husband Noel and I went up to the Hospital where we had the chance to meet with one of the children who was there getting treatment. Noel was dressed up in his full Gene Simmons Destroyer costume and make up and was asked to come in a room to say hi to a young man who looked very ill and was undergoing tests. His mother was there and from the looks of things, the hospital seemed like a big part of his and her life. The whole experience really put things into perspective why it’s important to support this cause.
What is your favourite part of the show?
The Grand Finale when all the students come out and fill the stage.
What part of the show do you think will “wow” the audience?
I think the opening number will be impressive. We’re adding an element of dance that will be an additional “wow” factor
If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
The Environment and I'd talk to them about concerns about our food and modifications to our food supply.
If I could change 1 thing about Kelowna, it would be:
We need an Ikea
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
We’re spoiled to live in a gorgeous place! The climate and the landscape is fantastic!
My choice for the Kelowna In Focus spotlight is:
Michelle Rule
Some general comments I would like to share are:
People should really come out and see our show Saturday night (June 29). For under the price of taking a family to the movies, they can get a 2 hour rock concert that rivals or exceeds the production value of many professional touring acts. They really are enjoyable productions and it’s all for a great cause. Tickets are $15 Adult and $8 Student at Wentworth Music in Kelowna.
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