Highlights of the Third Decade (1985-1995)

  • STE held their second spring concert in June 1985 at Devonian Gardens
  • In 1985, the acclaimed 7th Suzuki International Conference too place in Edmonton, Alberta. It drew an attendance of 1700 students, teachers and parents from Canada, the United States, Europe and Japan. It was also a most inspiring way to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Society in Edmonton.
  • In 1985-86, after a visit to Japan and Korea where Suzuki kindergartens were visited  and closely observed, the Society for Talent Education Suzuki kindergarten was opened with 18 students and 2 teachers.
  • In 1986 the Jed Fisk Scholarship Fund was established.  Jed Fisk showed his love for music and his fellow man at a very early age. Jed Fisk died of leukaemia in1985 and his parents and the Society for Talent Education established the fund to be awarded biennially to students who exhibit an extraordinary amount of love for music and pursue this passion diligently.  The award was first presented in May 1987.
  • In 1986 the double bass programme was introduced under the guidance of Ioan Tetel.
  • In 1987 STE students performed with the ESO at their “Symphony for Kids” concert.
  • During 1987 Sanford Reuning came from Ithaca, New York, to do a workshop for STE students and teachers.
  • In June 1987 we said farewell to Betty Parker-Jervis as our longest serving president.
  • In 1987 a summer Institute was sponsored by the Society for Talent Education and the Department of Music at the University of Alberta. 100 violin, viola and cello students and teach trainees attended this Summer Suzuki Institute.
  • In the fall of 1988 adult violin classes we introduced and were taught by Cynthia Musa.
  • In 1989 a second successful summer institute was held.
  • On May 6, 1990, the STE held their 25th anniversary concert at the Red Barn. Mr. John Kim retired from teaching with the Society for Talent Education.
  • In October 1990 violist, William Preucil (Sr.), came to Edmonton to give a viola workshop for STE students and teachers.
  • May 1991 – William Star came to Edmonton to do a workshop with STE students and teachers. Mr. Star is another of the pioneers of the Suzuki method in the Americas
  • In September of 1991 Elizabeth Jones Cherwick was appointed as Artistic Director of STE.  STE adopted a more formalized beginner application process with interviews, observations and parent sessions to, as closely as possible, reflect Dr. Suzuki’s process of admitting new students into his program in Matsumoto.
  • In October 1992 cellist, Jean Dexter, came to Edmonton to do teacher workshops.
  • 1993 – graduation recordings and the Gala Graduation concert are started in STE following the Japanese Talent Education model begun by Dr. Suzuki.
  • Summer 1993 – Society for Talent Education moves to 7211-96A Ave formerly known as St. Bernard Catholic School. First Fiddlers Workshop held.
  • September 1994 – Loretta Isaacs is appointed administrator of STE.