We have many talented students in grade 7-9 band at East Wiltshire who might be interested in a new musical challenge! We have had students accepted as members of this virtual honour band in the past, and it was a very positive learning experience for them. If your student is interested, there is more information on the MusicFest Canada website: MusicFest Canada

MusicFest Canada, “The Nationals” invites you to audition for the 2026 Soho Sound Canadian Junior Honour Band, an honour group for students in grades 6-9.

The 2026 “virtual’ SSCJHB will partner with esteemed university music educators from across the country in the virtual preparation and presentation of concert band works, under the direction of Cheryl & Darryl Ferguson. All SSCJHB musicians will receive a masterclass from an esteemed university instructor:

This experience culminates with the international release of a professionally mastered performance, compiled using student recordings, under the auspices of the Coalition for Music Education on Music Monday May 4, 2026.

Auditions close on January 22, 2026.  The fee for successful applicants is $40.

If you have questions about this program, please email cheryl.ferguson@musicfest.ca and/or darryl.ferguson@musicfest.ca 

Due to the messy weather in the morning forecast, the Grade 9 early morning Honour Band rehearsal is canceled for tomorrow. I will work with the Honour Band students to reschedule. Thank you!

I hope that everyone has enjoyed a happy, peaceful, and restful holiday with their families and friends. I’m very proud of the excellent work that was showcased in the Christmas concert, and I’m excited to continue making music with the students in 2026!

Rehearsal Schedule for this week:

Tuesday, January 6: Grade 7 brass only (trumpets, French horn, trombones, baritones) *Woodwind rehearsal will be held next week.

Wednesday, January 7: Grade 8 brass and low woodwinds only (trumpets, French horn, trombones, baritone, tuba, bass clarinet, tenor saxes) *High Woodwind rehearsal will be held next week.

Thursday, January 8: Grade 9 Honour Band

If students have any questions about the rehearsal schedule they can drop in to see me in the band room during break or at lunch tomorrow 😊

All students should bring their instruments and music for the final rehearsals which will be held throughout the school day.

See you tomorrow!

The students have been working hard, and the music for the concert is almost ready to share. The annual EWS Christmas Concert will be held on Tuesday, December 16th at 7:00 p.m.. We are looking forward to seeing you all there!

Uniforms: All students are asked to wear their band uniforms for the concert. The uniform consists of white long sleeved t-shirts, black pants, and band sweater (vest). All grade 7 students should now have received their new black band t-shirts and these should be worn with black pants.

Festive Accessories: Students are strongly encouraged to wear Santa hats, light up necklaces, reindeer antlers, etc. to add to the fun atmosphere of this concert!

Concert Admission: Band students will be accepting donations at the door to support the band program.

Tickets for the EWS Holiday Gift Box Raffle will be sold at the concert again this year with funds raised going toward helping families in our community to have a brighter Christmas. The draw for the winner will be held during the concert. 

Rehearsal schedule for December 15-16:

Monday, December 15th: 7:45 a.m.  Grade 9 early morning band. If school is delayed or canceled, this rehearsal will be held during the regular school day on Tuesday.

Tuesday, December 16th: CONCERT DAY

All of the bands (Grade 7, 8, 9, and Jazz) will have rehearsals during the regular school day on Tuesday in the band room (schedule to follow). Students are asked to please remember to bring their instruments and band music to school on Tuesday so that we can have full participation.

6:30 p.m.: Students arrive and go to assigned set-up areas (Grade 7 cafeteria and main cafeteria)

7:00 p.m.: EWS Christmas Concert!

Hi everyone,

Grade 9 early morning band is canceled for tomorrow due to illness and will be rescheduled to Monday, December 15th. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

We will follow the regular rehearsal schedule next week beginning with Grade 7 early morning band on Tuesday, December 9th, and Jazz Band practice on Tuesday afternoon from 3:00-4:30 (please note the time change).

Have a great weekend!

Happy Sunday!

I will be away this week and Mr. Fox will be teaching my band and exploratory classes. We will take a break from early morning band this week and start again with grade 7 band practice on Tuesday, December 9th.

Have a great week!

We will follow the regular early morning band schedule this week as we continue to practice for the Christmas concert!

*A reminder that Jazz Band rehearsals will be held on Tuesdays from 3:00-4:00 pm from now on.