In just a week the Strathmore Performing Arts Festival will arrive in town.
The festival takes place at several venues across Strathmore between March 26 and April 9. This includes the Strathmore Alliance Church, Brentwood Elementary School, Strathmore High School, and Holy Cross Collegiate.
Ava Goertz, a Grade 11 student, is performing at the festival for the third time.
"I've been playing flute for five years and piano for four and a half years. There was this song from 'The Nutcracker' with this flute part, and as soon as I heard it, I knew I was going to learn it."
Goertz will be performing several times throughout the festival, some by herself and others with an ensemble.
"There's a lot of anticipation building knowing that I need to get all these songs ready," added Goertz. "A few months before the festival, we start putting the songs together and working together, so it gets quite a bit busier a month or two before."
The event culminates with the final concert on April 9. According to Goertz, this is the busiest night of the show.
"It's just really fun to get the chance to perform and to get feedback to help even more. The biggest part is being able to perform and listen to everyone else. It's really cool."
The festival is still looking for volunteers. Anyone interested in helping out can fill out a volunteer sign-up sheet.