Skip to content

Experience band this summer

COVID 19 forced the cancellation of traditional Saskatchewan Band Association (SBA) Band Camps, which supported youth musician development in Saskatchewan for over 25 years.

COVID 19 forced the cancellation of traditional Saskatchewan Band Association (SBA) Band Camps, which supported youth musician development in Saskatchewan for over 25 years.

The SBA knew that musicians of all ages were feeling the loss and took action with the launch of a four-week series of online band programs.

Through these efforts, the SBA is charting new territory and filling a much-needed gap.

The Summer Online Band has three unique programs to address key areas of interest. The Composition Course is led by Saskatchewan composer Paul Suchan of Saskatoon and will inspire the next generation of SK composers.

The Remote Recording and Production Course delivered by professional audio/video editors (and musicians) Eric Heidbreder and Mathew James will work on production of a virtual concert. The Performance Program is being supported by over 15 Saskatchewan professional musicians and band directors focusing on one full band and several small ensembles pieces.

The full band piece has been provided by internationally recognized composer Pete Meechan. He has reworked an existing concert band piece – Zenith – into an adaptable piece capable of supporting a diverse mix of instruments and musician levels. Meechan is part of an international group of composers working to provide band directors and musicians with support to address the challenges presented by COVID-19.

 “As part of the Creative Repertoire Initiative, I have written/re-worked several pieces that are for adaptable and flexible ensembles for band and string instruments,” said Meechan. “This a response to the challenges in music performance and education created by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

He added that no matter the issues we face moving in to the 2020/21 academic year, there will be repertoire for players of all levels to learn and play together, be it in person, all remote or a hybrid model.

The SBA is not alone in trying to ensure the Saskatchewan band community remains active and contributes to a culturally vibrant province. The SBA is pleased to support the Saskatoon Brass Band’s efforts to transition its very successful Prairie Music Residency (PMR) into an online model for 2020.

Musicians of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate from August 6-9, 2020 in a fantastic series of master classes, presentations, group discussions and more with international guests.

PMR-Spotlight Artists include: Mark Wilkinson (cornet), Helen Varley (horn) Bones Apart (Trombone Chamber Ensemble) and the TORQ Percussion Quartet.

More information on PMR can be found at:  https://pmresidence.ca/pmronline-2020/.

Community Bands are also working hard to provide entertainment during these challenging times. After cancelling its spring concerts, the Prince Albert Concert Band members worked hard to provide some online music for their community. The band’s virtual performance of Amazing Grace can be accessed here: http://princealbertconcertband.ca/.