TD Canada Trust presents the NSBA's Non-Competitive Beginner Band Festival

NSBA Industry Representative Andy Coffin accepts the TD Canada Trust donation.

General Outline

The Nova Scotia Band Association is proud to offer the chance for Nova Scotia Bands to participate in the 2008 Non-Competitive Beginner Band Festival. This Non-Competitive Festival is open to Nova Scotia Beginner Bands that began after June 30, 2007. Bands from outside Nova Scotia will only be accepted if there are spaces available after the Friday, April 25, 2008 deadline.

This festival will have room for 8 bands with a 9:00 am start and a strict time allotment of 30 minutes per band. Each band is required to perform two selections. The Non-Competitive Festival provides Bands an opportunity to perform for a panel of adjudicators in an educational environment. After each performance a clinician will work with each group in a rehearsal setting. In addition to the clinic, directors receive a taped adjudication from the other clinician.

The focus of the festival is on the experience of performing quality literature and education, not on a rating. The adjudicators assign no rankings to the groups that perform. The power of the festival centres on immediate feedback received by each group during the clinic session. Clinicians work with groups to motivate, and reinforce what is taught in class, while providing positive feedback for the work that has been done. Each performance group will receive a plaque that commemorates their experience at the festival.

The festival will take place on Friday May 23rd at the Quinpool Education Centre (St. Pat's High School) - 6067 Quinpool Road, Halifax, NS. The day will begin at 9:00 am with a 30 minute time period for each band for set-up, performance, adjudication and clinic. Bands are expected to be present to hear at least 3 other groups to ensure that everyone has an audience and to maximize the educational value of the festival. The schedule will be as follows:

Registration

Registration is $100.00 per band for NSBA members and $150.00 for non-members. Please complete and return the attached registration form. Make check payable to: NSBA Beginner Festival 2008. The registration deadline is April 25th, 2008. It is critical that payment is received on time so your school band can be confirmed for a spot.

Registered bands will receive their confirmation and schedule by May 2nd, 2008. Please be advised that the schedule is subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control - late arrivals, etc.

Equipment

The performance venue will provide: snare drum, bass drum, bells, drum kit with cymbals, and music stands. Each band is required to come equipped with mallets, sticks and auxiliary percussion instruments.

If you require additional equipment please contact us to see if arrangements can be made.

Lunch

There are a number of eating establishments on Quinpool Road and the immediate area for lunch. We recommend making advance arrangements.

Massed Band

There will be a massed band rehearsal and performance of ronmac music’s March and Chorale from 12:00 noon to 12:30 pm. Each participating Band will receive the music with their acceptance pack. During the massed band performance, each band will be presented with their Participation Plaque.

Personal Property

The Nova Scotia Band Association and host school will not be held responsible for valuables or any other personal property that is lost or stolen during the festival. Storage rooms are shared and will not be locked. Encourage students to leave their valuables at home.