JUNIOR HONOUR BAND

The Saskatchewan Junior Honour Band (Fall 2026, Grades 8 & 9) provides a comprehensive music experience tailored for outstanding band students. This initiative is dedicated to enhancing music education throughout the province. In 2026 the Junior Honour Band extends eligibility to students residing north of Davidson, SK.

Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with a guest conductor over three days, engaging in sectionals and full band rehearsals. This offers students a valuable opportunity to network, foster audience appreciation, and receive exceptional instruction from our guest conductor and sectional clinicians. The finale concert will be comprised of the SMEA Junior Honour Band as well as the SMEA Provincial Honour Groups.

The Junior Honour Band Program

Dates:

Thursday, November 12, 2026: Registration & rehearsals (Tentatively 12pm-8pm includes supper)
Friday, November 13 2025: Rehearsal (Tentatively 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. includes lunch)
Saturday, November 14, 2026: Rehearsal (TBA) and Performance at 4:30 pm

Location: TBA

Format: Participants will engage in sectionals and full band rehearsals over three days.

Cost: A $125.00 registration fee covers all rehearsals and some meals. Admission to the concert will be $15.00, with children aged 12 and under admitted free of charge.

Commitment: Students will receive their music by early September and are expected to practice diligently in advance. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory.

Selection Process: Selection will be based on applications from students across Southern Saskatchewan, aiming for a balanced 65-piece band.

Teachers submit recommendations by April 15, 2026.
Communication of applications, both those accepted and those encouraged to try again next year, will be communicated by May 15, 2026.
Parents will be responsible to register & pay by June 15, 2026.

Accommodations: Families are responsible for arranging their own accommodations and transportation for the weekend. Supervision will be provided throughout all scheduled activities.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities:

Ensure your child's punctual attendance at all scheduled activities, arrange transportation to and from the venue, and organize accommodations if necessary.

Meet the Conductor

Dr. Mark Tse

2026 Junior Honour Band Conductor | Bio

Recommending Students

Educators are encouraged to recommend students who are currently in Grade 7 or grade 8 by no later than April 15, 2026, who are motivated and looking to achieve a new level of musical excellence. Each band program area may recommend up to five (5) students for participation and a maximum of one (1) student per instrument. We will make every effort to accommodate all students recommended, due to space constraints and in consideration for balanced instrumentation, all students may not be selected to participate. A recall will be issued if additional participants on certain instruments are required. The Junior South Honour Band is striving for a 65-piece band with balanced instrumentation.

Educators will provide recommendation letters (click here for a sample letter) to the parent/guardian of prospective students. The sample letter includes a description of the event as well as registration information for parents. Below is the Teacher Recommendation Form that educators are required to complete for submitting their student recommendations.

Recommendation and Registration Process:

Receiving recommendations up until April 15, 2026 (completed by teacher)
Reviewing Recommendations between April 15-May 15, 2026 (SMEA portion),
Notifications, whether the applicant was accepted or not, will be sent out by May 15, 2026 (SMEA portion).
Registration and payment between May 15-June 15, 2025 (parent/guardian portion).

Teacher Recommendation Form

Registration

Communications on acceptance will be sent out between May 1-15, 2026. If you have received a 2026 invitational letter to participate in the 2026 Saskatchewan Junior Band, Congratulations!

You will need to fill out the registration as well as remit payment in 2 easy but separate steps. Please register and remit payment no later than June 15, 2026.

Payment methods include (due on June 15, 2026, late registration will result in forfeiture of spot):
- sending a cheque to Saskatchewan Music Educators Association Box 24 Cudworth, SK S0K 1B0,
- sending an e-transfer to ed@saskmea.ca (password: JrBand2026),
- or paying online via Visa or MasterCard (button below).
Please note the SMEA Refund Policy, which outlines conditions for withdrawals and refunds.

SMEA Refund Policy for Junior Honour Groups

Withdrawal on or before August 1, 2026: Full refund minus a $50 administrative fee.

Withdrawal on August 2, 2026 or later: Will result in no refund with the following exceptions:
1. Death or compassionate reason
2. Severe illness accompanied by a physician note

Please note, a conflict with another event will not be eligible for a refund.

* Please note music distribution is planned for early September 2026.

Thank you for allowing your child to participate and for encouraging music education development opportunities for your child.

Ticket Information

Doors Open at 3:45pm Rush Seating

Concert begins at 4:30pm

Advance Tickets will be available closer to the date

Ticket Prices are as follows:

Individuals 12 years & Younger are free
Individuals 13 Years & Older are $15/ticket
Delegates attending Saskatchewan Multi-Arts Conference are $10/ticket

We encourage you to purchase your tickets in advance, as QR codes will be scanned for quick and easy entry. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis, but please note this event is expected to reach maximum capacity. On-site payments will be accepted by cash, credit, or e-transfer; however, the preferred option is to secure your tickets online before.