HONOUR ENSEMBLES
2025 information
*The deadline for 2025 applications is Sunday, May 4, 2025.
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
Teachers, if you have a student auditioning, please fill out the online Teacher Reference Form :
2025 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 --->
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 in the subject section 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 --->
Audition Materials
Please carefully read the audition packages below. Scroll to the appropriate ensemble to see the full information for that ensemble.
Concert Choir
Please click the hyperlink to access audition materials -------> bcmea_concert_choir_online_audition_instructions.pdf
*Please note: you may play a starting chord for vocalizations and the chromatic scale, but must not accompany yourself on either exercise.
Auditions may be completed online via the link above, OR in-person auditions can be booked by sending an email to:
[email protected]
ONLINE AUDITIONS must be submitted by May 4th at 11:59pm PST.
LIVE AUDITIONS will take place at Seycove Secondary between 5:30-7pm on the following days:
Monday, 4/21
Wednesday, 4/23
Thursday, 4/24
Wednesday, 4/30
Email [email protected] in advance to confirm a time-slot, and you will receive a list of times for your auditioning students.
Auditions will not be offered to students who arrive without online registration confirmation.
If any questions, concerns, or if accessibility issues arise, please don't hesitate to email our Honour Concert Choir Coordinator, Danny Najjar, using the email address above.
Happy Singing!
*Please note: you may play a starting chord for vocalizations and the chromatic scale, but must not accompany yourself on either exercise.
Auditions may be completed online via the link above, OR in-person auditions can be booked by sending an email to:
[email protected]
ONLINE AUDITIONS must be submitted by May 4th at 11:59pm PST.
LIVE AUDITIONS will take place at Seycove Secondary between 5:30-7pm on the following days:
Monday, 4/21
Wednesday, 4/23
Thursday, 4/24
Wednesday, 4/30
Email [email protected] in advance to confirm a time-slot, and you will receive a list of times for your auditioning students.
Auditions will not be offered to students who arrive without online registration confirmation.
If any questions, concerns, or if accessibility issues arise, please don't hesitate to email our Honour Concert Choir Coordinator, Danny Najjar, using the email address above.
Happy Singing!
Vocal Jazz
Vocal Jazz Audition Materials:
*There are 3 requirements.
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 “Broken Vessels” measures 49-61 of their desired voice part (SATB).
*There are 3 requirements.
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 “Broken Vessels” measures 49-61 of their desired voice part (SATB).
| broken_vessels_-_vocals_and_piano_-_kerrymarsh.com.pdf |
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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.
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 Audition Information and Material:
bcmea_honour_jazz_band_auditions__1_.pdf
Please email Carmella Luvisotto at [email protected] with any questions.
bcmea_honour_jazz_band_auditions__1_.pdf
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 Keith Ollerenshaw at [email protected] with any questions.
String Orchestra
If you have students that would be great for this ensemble, we will be doing Placement Auditions.
The Placement Audition Materials:
You have 2 excerpts and 2 scales to record. Specific instrument excerpts are :
The Placement Audition Materials:
You have 2 excerpts and 2 scales to record. Specific instrument excerpts are :
Please label your mp3's like this and upload into your Application Package:
Instrument, Excerpt name, Last name, First name
e.g. cello, Russian Sailor's Dance, Kilburn, Amanda
Instrument, scale name, Last name, First name
e.g. violin, A minor melodic, Anderson, Ruth
You may upload four separate mp3's or one recording with everything included. Additionally, on each recording you submit, please state your name and instrument before playing the excerpt/scale.
Please email Amanda Kilburn and/or Ruth Anderson with any questions at [email protected]
Please label your mp3's like this and upload into your Application Package:
Instrument, Excerpt name, Last name, First name
e.g. cello, Russian Sailor's Dance, Kilburn, Amanda
Instrument, scale name, Last name, First name
e.g. violin, A minor melodic, Anderson, Ruth
You may upload four separate mp3's or one recording with everything included. Additionally, on each recording you submit, please state your name and instrument before playing the excerpt/scale.
Please email Amanda Kilburn and/or Ruth Anderson with any questions at [email protected]
