MOOSE JAW — Talented young musicians from across the city will take centre stage at the returning Junior Select concert, hosted by the Moose Jaw Band and Choral Boosters this month.
The event will run for approximately 45 minutes starting at 1 p.m. in the Peacock Auditorium on Saturday, March 15.
The concert is free and open to the public, with a silver collection option at the door for residents who wish to donate to the program.
According to Kurt Gillett, chair of the Moose Jaw Band and Choral Boosters, the Junior Select concert is a unique opportunity for young musicians to develop their skills in a collaborative environment.
“The group that’s performing in this year’s Junior Select Band are Grade 7 and Grade 8 students from all over Moose Jaw who were nominated by their band directors…,” Gillett explained.
The Junior Select program is designed to foster leadership and musical growth among students, similar to an honour band experience. Unlike audition-based honour bands, this program allows band directors to nominate students who have demonstrated strong musicianship and leadership potential in their own school ensembles.
“It’s (meant) to help them develop a little bit more, get excited about being in band, and bring that excitement back to their groups,” Gillett said.
This year, students will be led by husband-and-wife duo Tom and Lauren Hearn, two retired band teachers from the Yorkton-Melville area.
“They’re going to come in and do full band rehearsals and co-ordinate some sectional practices, which is where they split up into their instrument groups,” Gillett explained. “They’re starting on Thursday evening… and they are also meeting all day Friday, and then they have a practice on Saturday morning.”
With only a few rehearsals to prepare — and no previous experience working together as a single group — students will perform a set of five to six songs during the Saturday afternoon concert. The intensity of the short practice schedule is part of what makes the experience both challenging and rewarding.
“Some of these kids got their music maybe in February, (others)… got it near the end of February or in the beginning of March, so they don’t have a ton of time to practice,” Gillett said. “It’s a really intense time that they have together, and then they’re going to put this concert on, (which) puts the pressure on them a little bit.”
In addition to rehearsals, students will have the opportunity to socialize and bond outside of practice. Activities such as bowling and group breaks are included to make the experience enjoyable while also reinforcing teamwork.
“It’s kind of a social thing, but it’s also a learning experience (for these students),” Gillett noted.
This year’s Junior Select program remains largely the same as in previous years, with the notable addition of a Thursday evening rehearsal to provide extra preparation time. Gillett also highlighted the continued support of local sponsors and band directors, who each play a crucial role in making the event possible.
“We’ve had some awesome support for it, and lots of interest with the kids who were nominated. The band directors too, they’re a lot of help and they’re really excited about this event,” he said.
For those interested in supporting future initiatives by the Moose Jaw Band and Choral Boosters, Gillett encourages community involvement and welcomes inquiries. It is through this community support that the program remains open for aspiring young musicians.
To learn more about the program, contact [email protected].
A.E. Peacock Collegiate is located at 145 Ross Street East.
