Whistler Concert Band and Orchestra Information

Whistler Concert Band Information

Venues

  • Concert bands will perform in the Sea to Sky Ballroom in the Whistler Conference Centre.
  • Concert band workshops will be in the Whistler Conference Centre and in the Olympic room at the Crystal Lodge.

Scheduling

Performances

  • Concert bands playing at a Gr. 1-3 level have 20 minute performance slots.
    • Please show up in enough time to check in, get your instruments out, and get to your warmup space.
    • You will have a 20 minute warmup before your performance.
    • Warmups take place in the Fitzsimmons room downstairs in the Whistler Conference Centre.
      • Wait to be escorted. Please do not take yourselves down. It causes confusion and delays when our staff cannot find their assigned ensembles.
  • Concert bands playing at a Gr. 4-6 level have 30 minute performance slots.
    • Please show up in enough time to check in, get your instruments out, and get to your warmup space.
    • Most Gr. 4-6 concert bands will have a 30 minute warm up. Those choosing the 11AM and 4PM slots will have 20 minutes as they are following the 20 minute Gr. 1-3 concert band slots.
    • Warmups take place in the Fitzsimmons room downstairs in the Whistler Conference Centre.
      • Wait to be escorted. Please do not take yourselves up to the stage. It causes confusion and delays when our staff cannot find their assigned ensembles.

General Concert Etiquette for Performers

  • “Early is on time. On time is late!” – Dr. William Revelli
  • Sometimes there are delays – we get it. It happens.
    • If you are delayed, please call Kelsey at 780-884-4338.. It happens.
      • If you are delayed, please call Kelsey at 780-884-4338.
  • Warmups:
    • This is a warmup, not a rehearsal. The music stands in Fitzsimmons are extras that we may need for the very large groups. DO NOT take music stands from other places to supplement.
    • If you are late, you will not get your full warmup time. The performance starts on time (or as near to them as we can get).
    • A few minutes of your warmup time is for getting organized and getting to the stage. Larger ensembles need more time to travel. You should be waiting at the stage entrance a few minutes before your performance slot.
    • When Cantando Staff say it’s time to go, it’s time to go.
  • Performances:
    • Please have your ensemble line up in order with percussion leading the charge. You are entering from stage right. (Right side of the stage from the performer’s point of view.)
    • Plan your music appropriately. Your performance slot includes equipment setup/teardown time as well as getting off the stage.

Workshops

  • Workshops are 50 minutes and happen directly AFTER your performance.
    • Workshops happen downstairs in the Conference Centre in either the Garibaldi room, the Harmony room or in the Olympic room at the Crystal Lodge. These rooms are preassigned.
      • Wait to be escorted. Please do not take yourselves down. It causes a great deal of confusion and delays when our staff cannot find their assigned ensembles.
  • A reminder for our directors – the workshops are for you. Your ensemble is just the vessel for which our adjudicators use to teach. Please be present and participate.

Music

If you need some ideas for music, you can take a look at our list of Music Suggestions.

If you’d like to check out some music that has been performed at our festival in the past, check out Cantando Repository.

Instrumentation and Equipment

Instrumentation and Equipment List Provided by the Cantando Festival

  • Cantando does not transport these instruments to the venues. Directors are responsible for instrument pick up and drop off.
    • Ensembles are expected to provide their own instrumentation and equipment outside of the above linked list.
    • Note that the list of instrumentation and equipment provided for the performance is NOT the same as what is provided for the workshop.
  • If you require equipment for the workshop that is in the performance venue, but not in the workshop, you will need to bring it with you.
  • Cantando does not provide other instrumentation. Ensembles not wanting to travel with large instruments such as double basses can rent them from music local music stores or may be able to contact local schools.

Scores

  • You will need to bring 3 scores – 2 for the adjudicators and 1 for yourself.

Bring a Friend!

Do you have a concert band director friend who is looking for a festival this year? Log into the Director Dashboard and see how you can save some money on your final balance of fees!