National Concert Band
The history of a people is found in its songs
The MusicFest Canada National Concert Band is the premier honour concert band in Canada. The musical ensemble is comprised of 60 members from across Canada who, after successful application, converge for a week of music education, history and celebration. During their week together, these students develop their musical talent, technique and skill while being immersed in peer workshops and master classes with clinicians from across North America. The band will present a showcase concert highlighting their music excellence on Friday, May 21 at the National Arts Centre, Southam Hall.
MusicFest Canada is proud to partner with the Ottawa International Tulip Festival. The National Concert Band will perform at the festival. More details to follow.
Members are selected from auditions submitted from across Canada; most have performed with provincial honour bands from coast-to-coast. Previous members of the band have been awarded major scholarships, including the Galaxie Rising Star Awards, and have gone on to receive international recognition.
Participation in the band is free, and members receive tickets to all MusicFest concerts and clinics and access to the MusicFest Canada scholarship program.
Guest Soloist
Bryan Stovell, Dr. Jeremy Brown and Dr. Mark Hopkins are pleased to announce that the guest soloist for the 2010 National Concert Band will be Campbell Ryga. The band will be joined by Mr. Ryga for 2 private rehearsals during their time in Ottawa.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online with audio audition files in an MP3 or WAV file format by December 1. Each file can be no larger than 10 MB. You can create an MP3 file using Apple iTunes or Windows Media Player.
Brass/Woodwinds required audition material
Scales: Chromatic, F and Ab Major Concert (2 octaves with arpeggios).
Solos: Two (2) contrasting solos or etudes
Percussion required audition material
Scales: Full Chromatic, F and Ab Major Concert (2 octaves with arpeggios).
Solos: One (1) solo or etude performed on tympani, mallets and/or snare drum.
