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Maritime Winds - Essential Info

Maritime Winds began in in 2025 and will be continuing in 2026/2027 for season 2.  Maritime Winds is an exciting initiative of New Brunswick Band Association that provides an opportunity for members of local community bands to come together under a provincial umbrella to perform with like-minded musicians from around New Brunswick and beyond.  Neighbouring provinces are also invited to become members of this provincial community band.
Playing Level: 
  • The band will rehearse and perform Grade 3 to 4 concert band repertoire — accessible for most community musicians while still offering challenge, variety, and rewarding musical experiences.  Musicians' abilities should allow them to succeed at that level given the allotted rehearsal time for the ensemble.
  • We ask that all musicians arrive thoroughly prepared for each rehearsal by having their own parts very well practiced.
  • The conductor reserves the right to assign musicians to parts as needed to allow for well-rounded opportunities for everyone while preserving a balanced and blended ensemble sound.
Rehearsal Dates & Attendance
​We ask all members to commit to attending rehearsals as outlined below.  Saturdays were chosen with the hope of minimizing cost and maximizing time together through very focused rehearsals.
  • Saturday September 12, 2026 [Mount A.]
  • Saturday September 26, 2026 [Bathurst Band Fest @ Bathurst High School]
    • ​11:30am-12:15pm sound-check/rehearsal; 1:00-1:30pm Public Concert
  • Saturday November 14, 2026  [Mount A.]  (if necessary, storm date - Saturday November 28, 2026)
  • Saturday January 9, 2027  [Mount A.]  (if necessary, storm date - Saturday January 16, 2027)
  • Saturday February 13, 2027 [Fredericton Extravabandza @ Fredericton High School]
    • ​Evening Public Concert - exact time: TBD
  • Saturday March 13, 2027  [Mount A.]  (if necessary, storm date - Saturday March 20, 2027)
  • Saturday April 3, 2027  [Mount A.]
  • Saturday April 3, 2027  [Moncton Area: TBD]​
    • 10:00am Rehearsal Start Time; 2:00 - 3:00pm Public Concert
People should sign up with the intention of making every session. This is essential for the integrity of the ensemble, for morale, and for making part assignments.  If James assigns someone a part, he needs to be able to count on having them there on the day, especially if it is a performance day.  If they know in advance that they are going to miss one session we can work with that. If there will be two or more planned absences, they should not sign up.

Emergencies and illness are part of life.  If an emergency arises and they cannot, players should notify the NBBA in advance if possible. 
Call or Text:  Jeff MacQuarrie >> 506-547-5298
Email >> [email protected] 
Rehearsal Schedule:
  • Designed to minimize travel and fit into busy schedules.
  • Arrive by 9:45am to set-up and prepare.
  • 10:00 - 11:15am >> Full Ensemble Rehearsal
  • 11:15 - 11:30am >> Coffee Break
  • 11:30 - 12:30pm >> Sectionals or Clinics
  • 12:30-1:15pm  >> Lunch Break
  • 1:15 - 3:00pm >> Full Ensemble Rehearsal
  • 3:00 - 3:30pm >> Social time (optional)
  • Our goal is to allow people to travel to and from rehearsal without having to stay overnight.  However, you may certainly make your own decision regarding how and when you travel to and from based on your comfort level.
Rehearsal Location:
Mount Allison University – School of Music (Sackville, NB)
A central and welcoming meeting point for musicians from across New Brunswick.  Musicians from neighbouring provinces are also warmly invited to join this exciting new ensemble.
Participation Fees:​
  • $30 for NBBA Individual Member  
  • $50 for NBBA Ensemble Member
  • $75 for Non NBBA Member​
  • $80 covers an Individual NBBA Membership and the Maritime Winds fee.  REGISTER FOR NBBA MEMBERSHIP HERE!
Concerts:
  • The goal is to have at least 1 public performances to be determined before the end of season.
  • Times on concert days may be adjusted slightly but still accommodate travel.
  • Concert attire will be all black.
  • Location of public concert will be confirmed and shared by the conductor and/or executive assistant.​