MOOSE JAW — While the Moose Jaw Band and Choral Festival is best known for its public performances, a significant part of the event takes place behind the scenes — in the form of one-on-one instruction and feedback from clinicians.
One of this year’s adjudicators, Gareth Jones of the University of Calgary, emphasized the essence behind each performance that these judges are looking for: “As musicians, first and foremost, it's about creating a beautiful sound and communicating emotions to the audience,” he said. “We also look at how the students listen to each other and play together as a group. That’s a big part of what we’re listening for.”
Jones, who spent over 20 years with the Calgary Philharmonic before switching to teaching, said the festival provides a rare and valuable moment for students to focus exclusively on music.
“During a typical school day, they’re pulled in 27 different directions,” he said. “Here, they get to travel together, perform in a new setting, and just really focus on making music. The experience is huge.”
Each ensemble received a full hour on stage — 30 minutes to perform, and 30 minutes for a clinic with feedback and demonstrations. Some clinicians even brought their own instruments to better connect with students. “Sometimes playing is a little clearer than words,” said festival chair Janie Fries. “It’s about getting kids to play better and to understand how to do that.”
Darieus Brass, a student in the Grade 5-6 band visiting from Sturgis, Sask., was one of those students who received feedback. His group was adjudicated by Brent Pittman, a retired music instructor who spent 37 years teaching in the Arcola and Saskatoon Public School Divisions.
“We got to learn about our technique, to have patience, and how to play better,” Brass said.
Importantly, the festival has adopted a non-competitive model, one that Jones fully supports.
“The Moose Jaw festival has been non-competitive for many years. And now, more and more festivals are going that direction,” he said. “It’s all about growth; when you take away the pressure of grades, kids open up to the learning process.”
The hope, according to Jones, is that students leave the festival feeling inspired to continue with their musical journeys through high school, post-secondary, and maybe even professionally. “Music can be a lifelong thing,” he said.
To learn more about the Band and Choral Festival, including short biographies on each of this year’s clinicians, visit MJBandAndChoral.org.
