The public can expect to hear some of the top high school concert bands in Greater Victoria, as well as visiting Canadian and U.S. groups, during the 36th annual University of Victoria Bandfest, Feb. 26-28 at UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium.
The student bands also come from middle, junior and elementary schools, with each playing for veteran musical adjudicators. While the festival is not considered a competition, the bands are graded on quality of sound, technique and musicality and given an overall rating. The students and directors receive informative feedback by way of an on-stage clinic, written and spoken commentary, and an audio track of the band’s performance.
Founded in 1984 by Prof. Jesse Read, conductor of the UVic Wind Symphony, UVic BandFest has attracted more than 1,000 schools and over 70,000 young musicians from throughout Canada and the United States. As well, over 60 of the finest wind band conductor/adjudicators from Canada and eight U.S. states have participated in the adjudication process.
The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and is free of charge to attend for the public.
For more information, visit uvicbandfest.wordpress.com.
editor@mondaymag.com
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