Artscene Concert tonight for youths by youths they never dreamed of doing." Looking to keep the program SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER open to all youths, not dependent Don Pangman is doing it for on socio-economic status or age, the kids. His affinity for music and Pangman understands that many young people might have the abilart is just a bonus. The longtime Oakville resident ity and desire to get involved, but not necessarily the recently launched a new means or opportunity. community initiative to "There is a depth of support a full range of talent here [in the arts for youths. Oakville] that is only From visual art to dance beginning to flourish," to music to drama, the he said. cost-free, non-profit arts "I think we have project -- Arts for more talent than we Children and Youth in realize in this commuOakville (ACYO) -- aims nity and we need to to both inspire and give find vehicles to bring it Don Pangman an opportunity to out." youths that are interestBy working directly with amaed in getting involved in the arts. "It kind of started with music, teur and professional mentors, the but it evolved into something arts program is offering a variety pretty awesome," said Pangman, of activities to the community's artistic director and founder of youth between five and 17 years of ACYO, co-founder of the Oakville age. This includes running afterJazz Festival and the current chair school programs, summer workof the Oakville Symphony Orchestra. "It's having that oppor- shops and the upcoming Festival tunity to have these young people Quattro. See Arts page 30 connect with something perhaps By Ryan Bolton Sign up now for guitar, bass, drums, and piano OAKVILLE'S MUSIC STORE · WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009 29 For the record NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER MUSICAL MOMENTO: Oakville violinist Leslie Ashworth, 12, focuses as she records her first album in St. Jude's Church. Ashworth was recently awarded the Kenneth Hollier Award for winning the Oakville Symphony Concerto Competition, where she competed against 16- to 20-year-olds. She also won the junior division of the Hamilton Symphony Concerto Competition.