Students will work with Ardrossan Jr/Sr High School Band Program, Elk Island Public School District, band director Raymond Basaraba, to create a short (3 - 4 mins) piece for high school concert band.

• Three in-person sessions with the School Band Director (student(s) and mentor present) would be arranged at a mutually agreed upon time.
• The band director will introduce composers to the HS (High School) class, composers would hear the band play, and the director would put together a brief document outlining the instrumentation of the ensemble.
• Attend a pre-workshop discussion with the student, MacEwan teacher, and band director (with feedback provided by director to composer) followed by a workshop of the piece with the entire band.
• Attend the archival recording. This will be an in-class HS performance. The band director (Raymond Basaraba) has audio equipment set up in his classroom already.

Project Outcomes:

How the MacEwan Composition Student Benefits:

• Fulfills course objectives for Comp V by developing skills that will prepare them for professional activity in the broader musical industry and community

• Develop and foster relationships within the local Edmonton music community

• Utilize transferrable composition skills applied from arranging, orchestration, and instrumentation courses expanding on components such as texture, timbre, and density.

• Understanding/introduction to industry standards regarding current repertoire for writing for developing bands and graded/levelled band music.

• Demonstrate the value of composing commercial or publishable works for developing ensembles/bands.

• The addition of a large ensemble piece to their graduation portfolio with accompanying recording.

• Develop their professional skills (communication, listening, respectful feedback) in working with a band director and ensemble.

• Receive live feedback when workshopping piece with the band regarding their writing considerations.

• This experience models a real-world commission scenario preparing them for future commissions in a safe and supportive environment.

• Experience can be added to their CV and professional development.

How the Community partner benefits:

• The community partner would receive new scores to add to their library

• Students at the high school would benefit from exploring the role of a student composer working with the band

• Enhance the HS band curriculum by adding variety, interest, and heightened attention to the process of composing music.

• Develop and practice constructive criticism with HS students in giving feedback.

• Promote new repertoire curriculum for HS bands.

• Professional development for the Band Director in working with university student composers.

Mentorship and feedback will be provided throughout the project on the composition, as well as skills for engaging with learners and adapting composition for learner skill levels.