Workshops

The University of Lethbridge is pleased to announce the return of the Honour Band and Honour Choir, taking place February 17–19, 2027, at the University of Lethbridge. This annual event brings together talented student musicians from across Southern Alberta for an outstanding musical experience under the direction of guest conductors.

2027 Guest Conductors

• Honour Band: Tanya Arnold
• Honour Choir: Kathy Matkin-Clapton

Event Information

The 2027 Honour Band and Honour Choir will continue to take place during the SWATCA (South Western Alberta Teachers' Convention Association) Conference. Although the event is no longer supported by SWATCA, we are committed to maintaining this valuable musical opportunity for students and educators throughout Southern Alberta. Teachers are also welcome to observe rehearsals as part of our continued open-door policy.

We are grateful to our new sponsors for helping make this event possible:

• The University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music
• Long & McQuade Musical Instruments
• The Alberta Band Association

Their generous support helps us continue providing a high-quality honour ensemble experience for our region’s student musicians.

Student Nominations Now Open

Nominations are now open for both the 2027 Honour Band and Honour Choir. Music teachers are invited to nominate students who would benefit from this enriching musical opportunity.

Please submit nominations to holly.decaigny@uleth.ca with the following information for each student:

• Student’s first and last name
• Instrument or voice type
• Grade
• Approximate playing or singing level (e.g., excellent first-chair trumpet or solid third clarinet)

Students interested in participating in both ensembles should indicate their preferred first-choice ensemble. We will do our best to accommodate their preference.

Teachers who would prefer to submit nominations by phone are welcome to arrange a convenient time to discuss their students’ nominations.  Please email Holly at the above email to set up a call.

Nomination deadline: Wednesday, November 18, 2026

Teachers are encouraged to submit nominations as early as possible.

Thank you to all Southern Alberta band and choir teachers for your continued dedication to music education and your ongoing support of the University of Lethbridge Honour Band and Honour Choir. We look forward to another inspiring event filled with music, learning, and collaboration!

At the University of Lethbridge, our educational band retreats are:

• Taught by musicians of the highest calibre, with instrument-specific instruction
• A friendly learning environment and a memorable experience filled with challenges, inspiration and music!
• Made to inspire students to appreciate the arts, motivate them to play and teach them to incorporate music into their lives
• Adapted to suit your needs with costs based on number of clinicians, contact hours and options chosen

Now booking Fall, 2026 and Winter, 2027 Band Retreats:

• Please fill out this FORM and we will respond within 3 - 5 days.

Available Schedule Options

Option 1: Full Day Retreat

• Arrival on Campus: 8:45 a.m.
• Sectional/Masterclass: 9:00 - 9:45 a.m.
• Mini Recital by Clinicians: 9:45 - 10:15 a.m.
• Sectional/Masterclass: 10:15 - 11:00 a.m.
• Lunch (extra charges will apply, or you can bring your own): 11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
• Full Rehearsal with our Guest Conductor: 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. 
• Departure: 2:00 p.m. (or add swimming and/or campus tour to extend your time on campus)

Option 2: Half Day Retreat (Masterclass)

• Arrival on Campus: 8:45 a.m.
• Sectional/Masterclass: 9:00 - 10AM
• Full Rehearsal with Guest Confuctor: 10:15-11:15am
• LUNCH (BYO or Catered)
• Available Add-Ons: Drumming Workshop from 12-1:30, OR Campus Tour, OR Swimming

Option 3: Half Day Retreat (Guest Conductor)

• Arrival on Campus: 8:45 a.m.
• Full Rehearsal with our Guest Conductor: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
• Available Add-Ons: Drumming Workshop from 12-1:30, OR Campus Tour, OR Swimming

Costs

• Based on number of clinicians and contact hours:
  • Example: Option 1, with 6 clinicians (flute, clarinet, sax, trumpet, low brass and percussion), and a guest conductor, would be: $1370.00.
  • For Option 1, in addition to this, we can offer catered lunch (Pizza or Burger meals), for around $14.50/person.

“The workshops were superbly organized and provided an excellent educational experience for everyone. The kids had lots of fun throughout the day and the combination of musical sectionals, recitals, masterclasses and swimming made the day complete.”

- Brian Thorlacius, Director of Bands,
Queen Elizabeth Junior-Senior High School, Calgary, AB

Located right downtown at Casa, the U of L Conservatory of Music is in the perfect location to offer customized workshops to schools and businesses. This can be great team-building exercises for employees, or a fun field trip for schools.

We have an extensive collection of world percussion instruments, and a very large rehearsal space. Drumming clinics are especially fun, and can be done with absolutely no music experience. Our percussion instructors, Marc Vantol (B.Mus), and Layton Hiebert (B.Mus), can offer customized experiences based on interest and experience.

Pricing:

Cancellation Policy: 
Cancellation requests received within 2-7 business days prior to the commencement of the workshop are eligible for 50% of the fees refunded. Requests to reschedule received less than 10 business days in advance will be subject to a $75 administrative fee. 

Call us to set something up today! 403-329-2304 or music.conservatory@uleth.ca

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