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MANITOBA 2027

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May 25-31, 2027

The National Youth Band of Canada (NYB) showcases a national representation of outstanding young band musicians through community collaboration and performance that celebrates band pathways and traditions. Since 1994, NYB has provided an opportunity for 17-22 year old musicians to gather for an enriching and inspiring musical and cultural experience.

2027 Eligibility and Application Details

Application Deadline: Saturday, January 9, 2027

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​Age Eligibility: Applicants must be between 17-23* years old. 16 year olds will be considered if currently in school Grade 11.

 

*Please note that moving forward, age eligibility will end at age 21. This year is an exception to accommodate participants who did not have the opportunity to apply when the program was on pause. 

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Required Application Materials:

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  1. Administrative - Application Form including a $25 Application Fee (available December 2026)

  2. Performance - Video Audition

  3. Leadership - Personal Statement(s)

    • To be included within the Application Form

    • Answer 3 questions (below), noting that there is a 250 word limit per question​

    • How has participating in band impacted your life?

    • How have you actively demonstrated leadership within your band community?

    • How do you envision your participation in NYB benefitting your community?

  4. Provincial Leadership - Proof of Honour Band participation OR Recommendation Letter

    • ​Proof of Honour Band participation - attach (within the Application Form) proof of participation (acceptance letter, concert program, etc.) from any honour bands (regional, provincial, national) that you have participated in over the past 3 years

    • Recommendation Letter - If you have not participated in any honour bands, please submit a recommendation using this link. Recommendation Letter submissions must be received by the application deadline

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Please note that Performance (audition), Leadership (personal statements & provincial leadership), and Provincial Representation (having participants from across Canada) will all be considered in evaluating applications to the National Youth Band of Canada. 

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Program Cost:

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  • Travel to and from Manitoba - Participant Expense

  • All Inclusive Program Fee - $900 (payable in 3 instalments). Inclusive of: 

    • Travel within Manitoba (to and from either Brandon or Winnipeg airport) ​

    • Shared Accommodation (Brandon University Dormitory) 

    • Food (University Meal Plan & all meals while touring) 

  • Scholarships & Bursaries - Please note that while participants should assume the above participation costs, the CBA is actively fundraising to provide scholarships and bursaries in order to reduce financial barriers to participation. More information will be provided when available. ​​

Questions? Contact info@canadianband.org

Guest Conductor - Dr. Matthew Clark

Maj. Matthew Clark (Royal Canadian Air Force, retired) is a conductor, euphonium soloist, and retired senior officer of the Royal Canadian Air Force. With over 30 years of leadership in military and academic music, he is widely recognized for his contributions to wind band performance, education, and commissioning. He maintains an active schedule as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout North America and Europe.

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He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Band Conducting from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto. A passionate advocate for Canadian wind music, Clark has commissioned numerous new works and contributed extensively as a conductor, recording artist, and producer. His writing appears in The Canadian Wind Band Resource Book and GIA’s The North American Wind Symphony. He also serves on the IDEA Committee of the American Bandmasters Association. 

2027 Tour Details

From May 25-31, 2027, the National Youth Band will be based in Brandon, Manitoba at the Brandon University School of Music. The band meets for the first time on Tuesday, May 25 at an evening rehearsal followed by two full days of intensive rehearsals. On Friday, May 28, the concert tour commences. Concerts include:

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  • May 28, 2027 - Winnipeg, MB - Desautels Concert Hall

  • May 29, 2027 - Winnipeg, MB - MBA Community Band Festival

  • May 30, 2027 - Brandon, MB - Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium

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Additional school and/or community concerts will likely be added. A full schedule will be provided to successful applicants prior to acceptance. 

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Want to learn more about the history of NYB? CLICK HERE

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