The Saskatchewan Honour Groups
- SMEA
- 14 hours ago
- 2 min read
Eligibility and Application Deadlines - March 15-April 15, 2026 is the time students are to either submit a blind audition or be recommended by their teachers for participation in the fall 2026 program.
"I've learned a lot of different insights on music, the way it is interpreted, sound, learning pieces in minor keys and different languages." - Piper
The Saskatchewan Music Educators Association (SMEA) has officially announced the details for the 2026 Saskatchewan Honour Groups. This annual program provides an intensive, three-day musical experience for high-achieving students to collaborate with world-class conductors and peers from across the province.
2026 Saskatchewan Honour Groups
Ensembles and Guest Conductors
For the 2026 season, the groups will be led by the following acclaimed clinicians:
Honour Band: Dr. Peter Boonshaft
Honour Choir: Dr. Catherine Robbins
Junior Honour Band: Dr. Mark Tse
Eligibility and Geographic Scope
Senior Honour Groups: Open to students who will be enrolled in Grades 9 through 12 as of September 2026.
Junior Honour Band: Open to students in Grades 8 and 9. For the 2026 fall event, eligibility is specifically extended to students residing north of Davidson, SK.
Application Timeline and Selection Process
The application window for all groups is open from March 15 to April 15, 2026. Selection methods vary by ensemble:
Senior Honour Band: Participants are selected through anonymous, blind auditions. Students must submit a single MP3 file containing a chromatic scale, a Concert F Major scale, and two contrasting musical selections. Recordings must not contain any identifying speech (name, school, or city).
Senior Honour Choir & Junior Honour Band: Selection is based on Teacher Recommendation Forms. Educators must submit these recommendations by the April 15 deadline.
Notification: All applicants will be notified of their status by approximately May 15, 2026.
Event Logistics
Dates: November 12–14, 2026.
Location: Saskatoon, SK (Venue TBA).
Registration Fees: *
Senior Band and Choir: $225.00
Junior Band: $125.00
Note: Fees cover adjudication, venue costs, and clinician fees. Financial assistance inquiries can be directed to ed@saskmea.ca.
Final Concert: Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 4:30 PM. Tickets are $15.00 for individuals 13 and older; children 12 and under are free.
The Honour Groups program fulfills the SMEA mission of providing high-impact, elite musical opportunities that refine student skills through professional mentorship. Participants receive their music in early September for diligent independent practice prior to the intensive November rehearsals. Concert recordings from the event are traditionally released on major streaming platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify, the following spring.
For full audition requirements and teacher recommendation forms, visit the SMEA Honour Groups page.
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