Westman Honour Band Unites 160 Students for Annual Concert

Approximately 160 students from the junior and senior Westman Honour Band gathered for their first rehearsal on March 15, 2024, in preparation for their much-anticipated annual concert. The event will take place at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium at 15:00, showcasing the talents of students from grades 7 to 12 across roughly 20 schools in the Westman region.

The rehearsal served as a significant opportunity for these young musicians to collaborate and connect, as highlighted by Erin Dodds, the co-ordinator of the Westman Honour Band. “It’s such a good opportunity for everyone because they get to meet people from around the region,” she noted. This initiative is particularly beneficial for students from rural backgrounds, enabling them to perform with a larger ensemble and experience a variety of instruments that may not be present in their individual school bands.

Preparation for the concert began in December when students received their sheet music. Many have been practicing independently, honing their skills in anticipation of this collaborative performance. Jamie Monterola, an 11th-grade trumpet player from Neepawa Area Collegiate, expressed her excitement, stating, “I’ve attended this like two years before, and I’m really surprised because this year…the trumpet balance and the sound is really good.” The support from fellow musicians helps alleviate the nerves associated with performing in front of an audience, which Monterola looks forward to, especially with her parents in attendance.

The concert will feature performances from both the junior and senior bands, each expected to play five pieces. Lydia Purdy, an 11th-grade student at Vincent Massey High School, remarked on the joy of playing with new musicians, emphasizing the beauty of the pieces they will perform. She shared her enthusiasm for the song “Little English Suite” by Clare Grundman, describing it as “very endearing,” and reminiscent of music a couple might dance to in their kitchen.

The students were fortunate to work with woodwind clinician Aren Teerhuis, a music instructor from Brandon University, who led practice sessions during the rehearsal. Carter Wong, an eighth-grader at École Harrison, noted the difference in sound when playing as a full band, saying, “It’s just different when everyone else plays.”

This year, the junior band is under the direction of Janet Yochim, while the senior band is conducted by Kevin James. Both conductors have a strong connection, as James was once a student of Yochim, demonstrating the continuity of musical education in the region.

The concert will also feature performances from the Royal Canadian Air Force Band, conducted by Lt. Luca Peveroni, and the Brandon University Symphonic Band, led by Wendy Zander. The RCAF Band will perform two pieces individually, followed by two collaborative songs with Brandon University before the Westman Honour Band takes the stage.

Tickets for the event are priced at a minimum of $5 and can be purchased at the auditorium’s box office or by calling 204-728-9510. The concert promises to be an enriching experience for both participants and audience members, showcasing the dedication and talent of young musicians from the Westman region.