Barbara E. Stetter Youth Award

Award Description:

This award recognizes an individual under 19 years of age who is actively participating in an arts organization/group/project. Individuals pursuing post-secondary study in the fine arts, or youth who are developing creative projects sponsored or produced by their community, are eligible for consideration. Youth program leaders/teachers may nominate suitable candidates to the nomination committee for consideration.

About Barb Stetter:

Ms. Stetter, or Barb at the Boardmore Playhouse, is a marvel and a pillar of the creative arts community at CBU. As a respected music educator and musical director, she has dedicated her career to nurturing young talent, instilling a love of performance and inspiring generations of students. Whether leading a high school band or guiding a cast of singers through a challenging musical score, Barb has been a mentor, a teacher and a champion of the arts.

At the Playhouse, Barb’s musical direction has brought to life productions such as Fiddler on the Roof, Annie, Oklahoma, My Fair Lady, Anything Goes, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Home and Away. With skill, patience and an unmatched ability to bring out the best in performers, she has shaped countless aspiring musicians, many of whom have gone on to perform on national and international stages.  

Originally from New Jersey, Barb arrived in Glace Bay in 1973 with plans to stay just five years. Instead, she built a legacy spanning over five decades. As the leader of the Glace Bay High Band, she established a program of excellence that reached beyond Cape Breton, performing for Queen Elizabeth II, playing nine shows at Walt Disney World, touring Cuba and achieving the ultimate musical milestone, bringing the entire Glace Bay Senior Band to perform at Carnegie Hall in 1997.  

Beyond her work as an educator, Barb is also a published author and dedicated volunteer. With the support of school administrators, teachers, band parents and students, she built a music program that became a vital part of the community. She also introduced students to the creative economy through the Glace Bay Summer Jazz Program, providing young musicians with summer employment and an opportunity to experience paid performances, an invaluable lesson in recognizing the artistic and economic value of their talents.

Unama’ki-Cape Breton has a treasured musical history and a promising future. Barb’s life work, her dedication to artistry, her capacity for collaboration, her willingness to explore challenging projects and her patient and capable leadership have produced some of the finest music and musicians for our community.

In Fall 2024, Ms. Stetter received a Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, from Cape Breton University for her impact and contributions on her students and the creative arts community in Cape Breton.