WEYBURN – Talented band students from across Canada arrived in Regina on Sunday as they prepared for a week of rehearsals and performances, including for band students in Weyburn at the Cugnet Centre on Wednesday morning.
The Saskatchewan Band Association (SBA) hosted 50 outstanding young musicians from across Canada from May 7-14. Organized by the Canadian Band Association, the National Youth Band of Canada (NYB) will perform around southern Saskatchewan during the week.
Among the students was Weyburn Comp grad Max Hiske, who will play percussion with the national band.
“We are very excited to host the NYB and all of the concerts as part of our Association’s 40th Anniversary Celebrations,” says Suzanne Gorman, CEO of the Saskatchewan Band Association. “These outstanding youth musicians will entertain approximately 2,000 Saskatchewan students with six school-focused performances and also provide community entertainment with additional evening concerts during the week. It will be a challenging but exciting week for the group.”
The National Youth Band began the week with rehearsals at the University of Regina to prepare for their tour performances. The NYB is being conducted by Dr. Leah McGray, Director of Instrumental Studies for the State University of New York at Geneseo. Dr. McGray conducts the Geneseo Symphony Orchestra, Geneseo Wind Ensemble, and teaches classes in conducting, and theory.
School groups attended the performances hosted in Weyburn, Moose Jaw, Yorkton and Regina from May 10 to Friday, May 12.
Tonight, Wednesday, May 10, at 7 p.m. is a special opportunity to enjoy great band music. The NYB is performing in Regina hosting a public concert with special guest band Queen City Brass Band. Yamaha guest soloist Tom McCaslin will also perform along with the National Youth Band. This event will take place at the University of Regina Riddell Theatre. Admission is open to all and by donation.
