(2018 Jack Long National Honour Band)
sponsored by/commandité par:
MusicFest Canada, “The Nationals” invites you to audition for the 2026 Jack Long National Honour Band, an honour group for students 16 to 24. The ensemble will rehearse from Sunday, May 10th to Friday, May 15th in Niagara Falls, culminating with a concert on May 15th in the Peller Estates Ballroom, Niagara Falls Convention Centre.
The 2026 JLNHB will gather in the preparation and presentation of wind band masterworks, under the direction of Dr. Mark Hopkins and Dr. Gillian MacKay. All JLNHB musicians will receive a masterclass from an esteemed university instructor. Participation in the JLNHB includes eligibility for some of more than $50,000 of industry-sponsored scholarships.
Auditions close on January 22, 2026. The fee for successful applicants is $90.
Accommodations for out-of-town honour ensemble members have been arranged at the Niagara Fallsview Hotel & Suites in Niagara Falls. Honour ensemble members are encouraged to stay at the hotel, but ARE NOT required to do so.
MusicFest is subsidizing the cost to have participants reside close to the rehearsal locations. Because of this subsidy, they are limited to members of the honour groups and can only be booked through the MusicFest Canada office. These arrangements are limited to six (6) nights only. For those wishing to stay at the Niagara Fallsview Hotel & Suites, the cost is $570.00 for the week. If you have a preference for the person sharing the room, that can be indicated on your online registration if you are accepted into the ensemble.
Check In: Sunday, May 10, 2026, 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Check Out: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 11:00am
Transportation to and from Niagara Falls is the responsibility of each individual musician. Any honour ensemble member travelling by air to Toronto will be met promptly by MusicFest staff either wearing a MusicFest T-shirt and/or carrying a MusicFest sign. We will provide ground transportation to the hotel (and back).
IMPORTANT NOTE TO ALL PERCUSSIONISTS
The 2026 JLNHB percussion section will be drawn from the Woodshed Canadian Percussion Ensemble. Percussionists should apply for JLNHB/WCPE through the JLNHB audition portal. The WCPE experience is included in the JLNHB $90 fee.
YOUNG CONDUCTOR RESIDENCY
If you are interested in the 2026 Young Conductor Residency program, please see the following link:
JLNHB Young Conductor Residency
If you have audition questions, email Dr. Mark Hopkins (mark.hopkins@acadiau.ca).
