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Dear Richmond Music Teachers,

As the new school year begins, I imagine many of you are already looking ahead to the exciting musical opportunities awaiting your students. It’s a time of renewal, reflection, and excitement for what’s to come. Here at the Richmond Youth Concert Band (RYCB), we share that same sense of anticipation.

This year, we are proud to have over 30 members in our ensemble, a number we’re thrilled with as we continue our rebuilding efforts. While we’re not yet at our goal, the growth we’ve seen so far is energizing. We’re looking forward to another concert season, collaborating with clinicians, and providing team-building opportunities for our members. We’re even considering adjusting rehearsal evenings to better accommodate more students, and we are optimistic about the positive direction we’re heading in.

This brings me to the reason for my email. We are currently holding auditions for the 2024 season, and I’d love it if you could let your students know about this opportunity. RYCB is open to any student with prior musical training who will be enrolled in a grade 8-12 music class and plays a concert band instrument.

Our auditions are designed to be stress-free this year, as they will be submitted virtually via a short video. Students will be asked to play three scales (Concert Bb, Eb, and F), perform 16 bars of a piece of their choosing, and clap and play a provided rhythm and melody. Auditions are open to all concert band instruments, and feedback will be provided for every audition, whether successful or not, to help guide future improvement.

For more details, students can visit our website at www.rycb.org or email us at info@nullrycb.org. We also offer bursaries for general members and scholarships for graduating students each year, ensuring that RYCB is accessible to everyone.

I want to emphasize that RYCB is here to support, not compete with, your music programs. We’re passionate about working alongside you to help grow the Richmond music community and provide additional performance and learning opportunities for your students. If there’s anything we can do to assist you in your programs—whether it’s sharing music, collaborating, or offering any other form of support—please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly at cjmcleod@nullvsb.bc.ca

Thank you so much for your continued dedication to music education in Richmond. Your work inspires us, and we truly appreciate your partnership in shaping the next generation of musicians.

Warm regards,
Campbell McLeod
Musical Director – Richmond Youth Concert Band