HONOUR ENSEMBLES
2024 information
*The deadline for 2024 applications has been extended until Friday, May 17th.
In conjunction with the annual BCMEA conference, the BCMEA delivers special programming for BC’s most outstanding youth musicians. Hundred’s of students audition annually from across British Columbia for positions in one of five provincial honour ensembles – Choir, Jazz Band, Vocal Jazz, String Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble. These ensembles feature guest conductors from around the world providing rich and rewarding musical experiences for all those involved.
Application & Audition Information
2024 Honour Ensembles Forms Package & Participation Agreement
To complete the online registration the following is required;
Please clearly name your MP3 files with your name and instrument.
(For example, a tenor sax player named Betty Bird, the file name would look like this: TenorSax.Betty.Bird.Excerpt1.mp3)
Live auditions may be later, but students must register online by the due date.
Late submissions and those that are incomplete may not be accepted.
Students must REGISTER ONLINE before arriving to any live auditions.
Prior to doing the online application, please completely read the information package, complete the required forms, and include them with your audio recording (in MP3 format) with your online registrations.
RECORDED AUDITIONS and FORMS ---> The online application & audition submission is located here.
To complete the online registration the following is required;
- The Participation Agreement from the information package (click on the button above to access)
- Audition Recordings in MP3 format (see audition requirements on the home page of your chosen ensemble)
Please clearly name your MP3 files with your name and instrument.
(For example, a tenor sax player named Betty Bird, the file name would look like this: TenorSax.Betty.Bird.Excerpt1.mp3)
Live auditions may be later, but students must register online by the due date.
Late submissions and those that are incomplete may not be accepted.
Students must REGISTER ONLINE before arriving to any live auditions.
Prior to doing the online application, please completely read the information package, complete the required forms, and include them with your audio recording (in MP3 format) with your online registrations.
RECORDED AUDITIONS and FORMS ---> The online application & audition submission is located here.
Jill Sparrow-Ng
Honour Ensembles Coordinator
For any questions please contact Jill Sparrow-Ng at
[email protected].
Honour Ensembles Coordinator
For any questions please contact Jill Sparrow-Ng at
[email protected].
Audition Materials
Please carefully read the audition packages below. Scroll to the appropriate ensemble to see the full information for that ensemble.
Concert Choir
Concert Choir Audition Materials 2024
Please Note: you may play a starting chord for vocalizations and the chromatic scale, but must not accompany yourself on either exercise.
LIVE Auditions will be held at Burnaby Central Secondary School on Thursday April 25th from 5-7PM
Auditions will not be offered to students who arrive without online registration confirmation.
Please email Carrie Taylor at [email protected] with any questions, including arranging an audition time.
Please Note: you may play a starting chord for vocalizations and the chromatic scale, but must not accompany yourself on either exercise.
LIVE Auditions will be held at Burnaby Central Secondary School on Thursday April 25th from 5-7PM
Auditions will not be offered to students who arrive without online registration confirmation.
Please email Carrie Taylor at [email protected] with any questions, including arranging an audition time.
Vocal Jazz
Vocal Jazz Audition Materials
Please be sure to label your mp3 as listed below. Do not announce your name or school on recording.
Requirements
1. Using the syllable “loo”, sing a one octave ascending and descending chromatic scale beginning on a note of your choice. Please sing a cappella and state your beginning pitch (e.g. “I am starting on a Bb”)
2. Sing your desired part for the excerpt “Poinciana”. Please sing pick up to Measures 35-66 of your chosen voice part (SSATBB)
3. Sing a well known jazz Standard of your choice. Sing through the form, into the improv section, and back to the head of the tune again with some embellishments to the melody.
Live Auditions are for local educators in Victoria. Please contact Katy Kerr to schedule a live audition at [email protected]
Please email Katy Kerr at [email protected] with any questions.
Please be sure to label your mp3 as listed below. Do not announce your name or school on recording.
- voice.firstname.lastname.chromaticscale.mp3 eg.tenor.joe.blow.chromaticscale.mp3
- voice.firstname.lastname.alonetogether.mp3 eg.alto.jane.doe.alonetogether.mp3
- voice.firstname.lastname.scat.mp3 eg.bass.bob.jones.autumnleaves.mp3
Requirements
1. Using the syllable “loo”, sing a one octave ascending and descending chromatic scale beginning on a note of your choice. Please sing a cappella and state your beginning pitch (e.g. “I am starting on a Bb”)
2. Sing your desired part for the excerpt “Poinciana”. Please sing pick up to Measures 35-66 of your chosen voice part (SSATBB)
3. Sing a well known jazz Standard of your choice. Sing through the form, into the improv section, and back to the head of the tune again with some embellishments to the melody.
Live Auditions are for local educators in Victoria. Please contact Katy Kerr to schedule a live audition at [email protected]
Please email Katy Kerr at [email protected] with any questions.
Instrumental Jazz
Instrumental Jazz Band Information
Audition Materials
Billie's Bounce - Treble Clef (C Instruments)
Billie's Bounce - Bass Clef (C Instruments)
Billie's Bounce - Eb Instruments
Billie's Bounce - Bb Instruments
Please email Carmella Luvisotto at [email protected] with any questions.
Audition Materials
Billie's Bounce - Treble Clef (C Instruments)
Billie's Bounce - Bass Clef (C Instruments)
Billie's Bounce - Eb Instruments
Billie's Bounce - Bb Instruments
Please email Carmella Luvisotto at [email protected] with any questions.
Wind Ensemble
*Please note all audition materials are provided with permission from the Manitoba Band Association
There will be no live auditions for this year's ensemble. Please submit your recorded audition with your registration package.
There will be no live auditions for this year's ensemble. Please submit your recorded audition with your registration package.
Please email Rob Murray at r[email protected] or Han-Ah Park at [email protected] with any questions
String Orchestra
If you have students that would be great for this ensemble, please have them fill out the participation agreement and upload it to the submission website. Then complete the Honour String Orchestra Nomination form here:
Honour String Orchestra Nomination form
Please email Amanda Kilburn and/or Ruth Anderson with any questions at [email protected]
Honour String Orchestra Nomination form
Please email Amanda Kilburn and/or Ruth Anderson with any questions at [email protected]
