Saskatchewan Junior Honour Band

The Saskatchewan Junior North Honour Band (Fall 2024, Grades 8 & 9) provides a comprehensive music experience tailored for outstanding band students. This initiative is dedicated to enhancing music education throughout the province. In 2024, the North Junior Honour Band extends eligibility to students residing in or north of Davidson, SK.

Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with a guest conductor over three days, engaging in sectionals and full band rehearsals. This offers students a valuable opportunity to network, foster audience appreciation, and receive exceptional instruction from our guest conductor and sectional clinicians. The finale concert will be comprised of the SMEA Junior Honour Band as well as the SMEA Provincial Honour Groups.

The Junior Honour Band Program

Dates:

Wednesday, October 30, 2024: 1:00 pm registration & rehearsals – 8:00 pm (Includes pizza supper)
Thursday, October 31, 2021: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Includes sandwich lunch)
Friday, November 1, 2024: Rehearsal (TBA) and Performance at 4:30 pm

Location: Lakeview Church, 19 Glazier Rd, Saskatoon, SK S7K 3J8

Format: Participants will engage in sectionals and full band rehearsals over three days.

Cost: A $125.00 registration fee covers all rehearsals and some meals. Admission to the concert will be $15.00, with children aged 12 and under admitted free of charge.

Commitment: Students will receive their music by early September and are expected to practice diligently in advance. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory.

Selection Process: Selection will be based on applications from students across Northern Saskatchewan, aiming for a balanced 65-piece band.

Accommodations: Families are responsible for arranging their own accommodations and transportation for the weekend. Supervision will be provided throughout all scheduled activities.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities:

Ensure your child's punctual attendance at all scheduled activities, arrange transportation to and from the venue, and organize accommodations if necessary.

Meet The Conductor

Kerry Linsley

Kerry Linsley earned her Music Education degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1988 and subsequently taught band in Grenfell for two years. Following this, she dedicated herself to teaching in Yorkton and the surrounding areas from 1990 until 2023, primarily as an itinerant elementary band teacher.

Throughout her career, Kerry actively contributed to the development of Saskatchewan's educational landscape. Notably, she served on the committee responsible for creating Saskatchewan's inaugural Grade 6-9 Band Curriculum Support Document. Her commitment to ensuring accessibility and affordability in music education led to commendation from the Good Spirit School Division.

Kerry's passion for nurturing young musicians extended beyond the classroom. She served as a coordinator for the Yorkton Junior Band camp and lent her expertise as a guest conductor for the North Saskatchewan Junior Honor Band.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Kerry was honored with an SMEA Honorary Lifetime Award in 2022, highlighting her enduring impact on music education in Saskatchewan.

Student Eligibility

Educators are encouraged to recommend students who are currently in Grade 7 or grade 8 by no later than May 31st 2024, who are motivated and looking to achieve a new level of musical excellence. Each band program area may recommend up to five (5) students for participation and a maximum of one (1) student per instrument. We will make every effort to accommodate all students recommended, due to space constraints and in consideration for balanced instrumentation, all students may not be selected to participate. A recall will be issued if additional participants on certain instruments are required. The Junior North Honour Band is striving for a 65-piece band with balanced instrumentation.

Recommending Students

Educators will provide recommendation letters (click here for a sample letter) to the parent/guardian of prospective students. The sample letter includes a description of the event as well as registration information for parents. Below is the Teacher Recommendation Form that educators are required to complete for submitting their student recommendations.

Recommendation and Registration Process:

Receiving recommendations up until May 31, 2024 (completed by teacher)
Reviewing Recommendations between June 1-13, 2024 (SMEA portion),
Notifications, whether the applicant was accepted or not, will be sent out by June 14, 2024 (SMEA portion).
Registration and payment between June 15-30, 2024 (parent/guardian portion).

Teacher Recommendation Form

Registration

If you have received a 2024 invitational letter to participate in the 2024 Saskatchewan Junior Band, Congratulations!

You will need to fill out the registration as well as remit payment in 2 easy but separate steps. Please register and remit payment no later than June 30, 2024.

Payment methods include:
- sending a cheque to Saskatchewan Music Educators Association Box 24 Cudworth, SK S0K 1B0,
- sending an e-transfer to smea@sasktel.net (password: JrBand2024),
- or paying online via Visa or MasterCard (button below).
Please note the SMEA Refund Policy, which outlines conditions for withdrawals and refunds.

SMEA Refund Policy for Junior Honour Groups

Withdrawal on or before August 1, 2024: Full refund minus a $50 administrative fee.

Withdrawal on August 2, 2024 or later: Will result in no refund with the following exceptions:
1. Death or compassionate reason
2. Severe illness accompanied by a physician note

Please note, a conflict with another event will not be eligible for a refund.

* Please note music distribution is planned for early September 2024.