Nova Scotia Youth Wind Ensemble
About the Ensemble
Ensemble's Origins
Formed in 1989, the Nova Scotia Youth Wind Ensemble is comprised of members drawn from provincial high schools and universities. Founded by three Nova Scotian conductors, James Hamilton Hargreaves, St. Xavier University; Ron Murphy, C.P. Allen High School; and Ron MacKay, Cobequid Education Centre, the NSYWE has provided these talented students the opportunity to study and perform advanced repertoire for wind ensemble.
Under the outstanding direction of Mr. Hargreaves, his musical leadership allowed the ensemble to grow and become one of the most prominent wind ensembles in Canada
Under the auspices of the Nova Scotia Band Association, the N.S.Y.W.E. is a major contributor of musicians for the Canadian Band Association’s National Youth Band of Canada. During the scholastic year rehearsals, clinics, and concert performances are held during three weekends spanning September to April.
The ensemble has featured several prominent conductors over the years including Bobby Herriot, Karem Simon, Richard Bennett, George Morrison and Dr. Mark Hopkins.
The mandate of the Nova Scotia Youth Wind Ensemble is to provide an educational experience for talented young musicians presented in a manner and of a quality otherwise not available to them. The members’ music skills are improved through rehearsals, coaching sessions, clinics, and concert experiences.
Conductor 2011-2012 Season
Dr. Denise Grant
Denise Grant has earned respect and praise as a conductor and educator of great musical depth and artistic sensitivity. She has guest-conducted ensembles across Canada, the United States and Southeast Asia, and in 2004 she was the Music Director for the National Youth Band of Canada.
A native of Nova Scotia, Denise earned her doctorate in music education and conducting at the University of Minnesota, where she studied with Craig Kirchhoff. She has also woked with noted conductors in intersive workshops and audited the Tanglewood Music Center Conducting Fellow Program. She has held conducting positions at the University of Toronto, University of Regina, Portland State University and most recently, at Memorial University. During her tenure, she founded the University of Toronto Band Association journal, Canadain Winds, and premiered many new works for wind ensemble. She is a strong advocate for the creation and performance of new music and of supporting Canadian and women composers. Ensembles under her direction have been lauded for artistic performances grounded in the composer's intent.
After a recent move home to Nova Scotia, Denise is currently conducting the Symphonic Band at Acadia University and working as a freelance artist. She has a strong commitment to music education in Canada and her professional activities reflect that commitment - she is in demand as a guest conductor, adjudicator, clinician; and conducting teacher.
Commitment of Members
- Students will be expected to commit to all weekend rehearsals and concert. If you cannot commit to the full season for NSYWE, an alternate will take your place.
- All communications of the NSYWE will be through E-MAIL. Parents and students are expected to check their email regularly for important information and updates through out the season.
- All members of the NSYWE should be members of the Nova Scotia Band Association. If your band director or private music instructor is a member, you are a member. For membership information please go to: novascotiabandassociation.com
- Auditions will take place during the month of May. Face-to-Face and recorded auditions by CD/MP3 will be accepted.
Membership Fees
$250.00 yearly membership fee for successful applicants to be paid in the fall.
These fees cover clinics, rehearsals, accommodation, facility rentals, and some transportation.