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(left to right: Michyla Nimchuk, Kristian Vogel, Zachary Senick, Fraser Krips, Kiera Ghiglione, Jasmine Tsui) SBA would like to extend a huge congratulations to the six young musicians who represented Saskatchewan this year's National Youth Band of Canada which took place in Montreal, QC from May 6 to May 13. The bunch worked with conductor Dr. Wendy McCallum from Brandon University, featured Yamaha soloist Simon Aldrich from McGill University, and many other talented wind ensemble players from across the country. The band spent three days in rehearsals before performing multiple concerts in Montreal and surrounding area. Here's what some of our participants had to say about their NYB experience: "Dr. McCallum was an inspiration to us young musicians both musically and personally. She taught us many life-lessons that I hope none of us will forget. I am forever thankful for the week I spent in Montreal, leading the Saxophone section as first alto. I had an amazing section, and my section had an even more amazing band, led by a phenomenal conductor. I miss my new colleagues already and look forward to auditioning for 2019's NYBC in the fall." --Kristian Vogel, Regina, Alto Saxophone "My time at NYB was life changing and also the best week of my life. All of the attendees were amazing people with great abilities and I feel very fortunate for this opportunity. I've never played in a group with this level of musicianship and camaraderie. I know when I audition to play next year, I will need to work even harder to play at this level. The friendships that were made were priceless. I have had the opportunity to connect with musicians across Canada! They all have the same goal in mind when being in a group like this. We all share the love of music and it is even better now that we are all friends." --Kiera Ghiglione, Regina, Trumpet "As a returning member, it’s always nice to meet up with your friends from previous years, and being able to make music with them is an added bonus as well! I always enjoy working with new conductors, as you can learn to view music in a new way, since each person approaches music differently. I hope to be a part of next year’s band in Winnipeg! " --Fraser Krips, Saskatoon, Percussion "NYB was a great week because I got the opportunity to be exposed to a conductor from elsewhere in the country and their new ideas that will impact my thoughts and approach to music. I also got the opportunity to play with other very motivated and hard working musicians from across the country. It was nice to connect with them and learn about their different approaches and perspectives to music. NYB is also a great program that has allowed me over my past 5 years involved to make close friendships and colleagues that I continue to run into at other music events outside of NYB. It's a great opportunity to be able to make these connections that you know will last for the rest of your career and life." --Zachary Senick, Saskatoon, Bassoon |
  The SPBA will once again be running their Sound Advice Summer School this year from July 1 to July 6 at the University of Regina! This camp gives pipers and drummers the opportunity to come together for a lively, fun week of piping and drumming with some of the best instructors you will find anywhere. The summer school features:
For all the information and to register, visit the Saskatchewan Pipe Band Association website: SPBA Summer School |
| By the numbers: The 37th Annual Optimist Band Festival 4 Fun Filled Days 9 Top Adjudicators 68 Provincial Band Directors 125 Provincial Bands 2000 Spectators 5932 Musicians took the stage 37 Volunteers spent 2024 hours climbing 120,000 stairs It all adds up to a great success |
photo by: craig@cameraone.ca |
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Another Great Success: Junior & Intermediate Honour Bands - South The SBA was pleased to offer the Junior & Intermediate Honour Bands on March 2 & 3, 2018 at Dr. Martin LeBoldus High School in Regina. Teachers from around southern Saskatchewan were extremely supportive in recommending students for this annual event. Under the leadership of Mr. Nick Fanner (Intermediate Group) and Mr. Aaron Sikora (Junior Group) the day and a half event was very well received. The new music that both directors selected was challenging and rewarding. Thank you to Chad Huel and the wonderful staff at the Leboldus for opening up their school. The final concert on Saturday night, to a packed audience, was proof that kids from all across Southern Saskatchewan love to come together for a chance to play with an excellent band. We look forward to next year already as the Saskatchewan Band Association is proud to support such a beneficial event. Some of the student's comments: How did you feel about being recommended? Excited, nervous, happy, special, got to play with great people, privileged, music is my talent, I felt like the director liked me, pretty darn cool, didn’t know this existed, felt like I was the best, great. What was the best part of participating? Meeting new people, Mr. Fanner, A large band, everything, practice, playing with dedicated student, the music selected, a big band, a band of good players, the food, A band that sounds good, new music, cool and challenging music, making friends, I learned a lot of new skills, A group of dedicated players, the intensity of the music, listening to other great players, it was advanced and I improved, learning more about my instrument, people who share my passion for band, meeting my friends from last year, very professional, we were all at the same level of playing . |
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