Sharon Penner

The Moose Jaw Band and Choral Festival is honoured to be able to remember music educators who have passed, but not before leaving a legacy of making a difference in music education in the province.

Although not a music educator, Sharon Penner spent numerous years volunteering with a number of community organizations in addition to serving as Executive Director of the National Music Festival of Canada for 10 years.

The Moose Jaw Music Festival and the Moose Jaw Band and Choral Festival were especially close to her heart. For decades Sharon was the friendly voice on the end of the phone helping to organize the schedule, night shows, and clinicians. All this was done prior to, and leading up to, the IT changeover to emails and websites. Even after officially stepping back from the festival committee, she remained a valuable resource for years as committee members gradually became comfortable in their new positions.

Sharon was recognized for her many years of community service in 2010 when she was chosen as Moose Jaw’s Citizen of the Year.