MusicFest Canada, “The Nationals” has opened the application process for students to audition for one or more of the 2026 MusicFest Honour Ensembles:

Laurier Honour String Orchestra - Professor Jerzy Kaplanek, director (live in Niagara Falls) 
Jack Long National Honour Band - Dr. Mark Hopkins & Dr. Gillian MacKay, directors (live in Niagara Falls) 
Ellison Canadian Honour Choir - Scott Leithead, director (live in Niagara Falls)
Conn-Selmer Centerstage Jazz Band - Professor Christine Jensen, director (live in Niagara Falls)
York University National Youth Jazz Combo - Dr. Mike Cado, director (live in Niagara Falls)
Woodshed Canadian Percussion Ensemble - Andy Morris, director (live in Niagara Falls)
Soho Sound Canadian Junior Honour Band - Cheryl & Darryl Ferguson, directors (virtual)

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Applications are open through the musicfest.ca website and/or through the links (above).

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All the live ensembles will perform one-hour feature concerts at the festival. Rehearsals will run from Sunday evening, May 10th through Friday, May 15th. Participation in the honour ensembles includes eligibility for more than $50,000 of industry-sponsored scholarships. Accommodations for out-of-town honour ensemble members have been arranged at the Niagara Fallsview Hotel & Suites in Niagara Falls (Ellison Canadian Honour Choir at the Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls). Honour ensemble members are encouraged to stay at the hotel, but ARE NOT required to do so.

 

Thank you
MusicFest Canada