You know it’s true: playing in a band is fun. But playing in a GIGANTIC band is downright awesome! And that gigantic band experience is what BandFest is all about.
This is a non-competitive festival where community musicians gather for a weekend of music-making in a friendly, supportive environment. It’s a chance to play with others who share your passion for making music, and an opportunity to compare notes with those who have chosen the same instrument as you have to express that feeling. Chances are, you will find quite a few new musical friends at this year’s BandFest.
BandFest 2025 will feature the Champlain Band for intermediate-advanced players. This year’s talented directors have the capacity to either affirm or change your concept of what band music is all about.
ABOUT OUR GUEST CONDUCTORS:
Christine Blanchard-
Christine Blanchard, director of the Holland College Community Band, has been an instrumental music teacher for over 25 years. Recently, her role has shifted to leading Co-operative Education at Bluefield High School. She remains active in the music world by guest conducting the Nova Scotia Junior Wind Ensemble (‘22-23), directing at the Cape Breton Bandfest (’21-22), leading the trumpet section at the Halifax Bandfest (‘17-present), directing the Maritime Community Ensemble (2019), playing in the Great George Street Brass Ensemble (‘21-23) and being a board member of the Nova Scotia Band Association (‘22-24).
Maggie Helms-
Maggie Helms is a Music Educator from Muncie, Indiana. She was a band director in the public schools in Indiana for 15 years and at Ball State University for 3 years. She was the Associate Conductor, clarinet section leader and instrument repair technician for the Indiana Army National Guard Band, Indianapolis, Indiana for 23 years and now makes her home in Kentville, Nova Scotia. Since moving to NS, she has been awarded the Nova Scotia Music Educators’ “Musica Viva” service award to Music Educators and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
IMPORTANT DETAILS:
Location: All rehearsals will be held at The Academy, 590 St. George St. Both the gymnasium and community band room will be in use . A Sunday afternoon finale concert will take place outdoors at Fort Anne National Historic Site (the Academy gymnasium will be available in the case of rain).
Cost:
Early bird registration: $90 per musician, registration and payment due by June 15, 2025
Regular rate: $100 per musician
Additional family musician: $70
Student discount: $50 per musician
This price includes instruction, coffee breaks, Saturday evening dinner and entertainment.
Additional guests are welcome to join us for the Saturday evening dinner. Additional tickets cost $30.
Lodging: For a listing of accommodations and prices go to www.annapolisroyal.com.
Guests: Do not be concerned that your guests will be bored while you play. This amazing little town has much to offer the visitor. For information, check out www.annapolisroyal.com.
HOW TO REGISTER:
Registration must be completed online: www.abcb.ca
Registrants will be required to provide the following information:
Name
Address
Phone
E-mail
Instrument and part
Community/ home band (if applicable)
Payment:
E-transfer payment preferred. E-transfers should be sent to
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Alternatively, you can send payment in Canadian Funds, payable to Annapolis Basin Community Band, to:
Jim Medill
29 English Oaks Dr.
Lequille, NS, B0S1A0
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