Fulfilled Term Board Members

Melanie Kidder,
Board member 2012 to 2022

Melanie’s been a Director and more recently, the President of our Board. She was originally asked to be a member of a CAM Advisory Committee and was recruited due to her experience and training in best practices for out of school time (OST) programs. Once she learned more about the program, and the Board learned more about her background, she was asked and agreed, to be on the Board. She remained involved with the RRSE for so many years because the CAM program is a unique after school program that offers a different choice for students that wouldn’t be attracted to more traditional after school opportunities. She has several favourite local musicians as Melanie loves to get out as often as possible to enjoy local live music. For original bands, she loves Boogie Patrol. They don’t perform as often as they used to, but she would be there if they put on a show!  For cover/party bands, she enjoys Chronic Rock and Chrome. When asked about who she feels is the best rockstar of all time, she answers “Oh wow! This is a tough one. This isn’t based on awards, record sales, or any kind of stats or accolades, but just pure feeling. I love Aerosmith, so I would say Steven Tyler!”  

We asked Melanie’s to share her favourite memories of her time with the Rock and Roll Society of Edmonton:

“Oh boy, there are so many memories.  Every time our students perform at Rock Fest, is a huge highlight! Including, seeing our students on stage with Los Lobos. That was super fun. 

I also remember watching Lee Aaron have a conversation backstage with our students after their set, and show a general interest in each student, asking what role they play in their band, what they like best about the CAM program etc. It was so heartwarming.    

As well, having a parent come up to me at Rock Fest and say, “What happened to my little girl. I had no idea she could do that!!”, was something I will never forget”. 

“Another highlight for me was a moment in one of our epic, long board meetings, in the early years of the RRSE. In those years, I was fairly quiet in board meetings and mostly observed and listened.  This particular discussion was around the set times for Rock Fest and whether or not the CAM students should perform (this would be the first time we would have them on stage at Rock Fest) and the sentiment around the table was that maybe we could fit them in for one song. For the first time ever, I took a hard stance. I told the rest of the Board that the students would perform for at least 20 minutes and could do a lot more, but I would be okay with cutting it down to 20 minutes. I told them that I don’t insist on much, but I insist on this one thing. I am sure my face was bright red. During a break later in the meeting, Witold came up to me and said something to the effect of, “I love your passion.  I am happy you have found your voice here.” It has always been about the CAM program for me!  All of my favorite memories are tied to CAM”.

Volunteers agree to serve 5-year terms on the Rock and Roll Society of Edmonton’s Board of Directors. Our bylaws state that Board member may only serve 2 terms. These dedicated people have served an extraordinary 10 years (an entire decade!) on the Board of Directors. We’d like to acknowledge their many years of service and commitment to their community, and specifically to the CAM Program.