DEADLINE FOR NVSD Honour Ensemble VSO invitation 2026
NVSD Honour Ensemble – VSO Invitation 2026
Dear NVSD Secondary Band and Strings Students,
We are pleased and honoured to invite you to participate in the
2026 NVSD Honour Wind or Strings Ensemble Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) Mentorship Program.
For the past 19 years, North Vancouver has been privileged to partner with the VSO to offer this exceptional musical experience.
Every other year, selected high school students from across the district have the rare opportunity to
perform in this unforgettable concert — a once-in-a-lifetime experience to rehearse and perform with some of the finest musicians in Canada.
In addition to rehearsing with your peers, you will take part in sectional and dress rehearsals, and perform live
at the Orpheum Theatre alongside members of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
Performance Details
Nominated students will perform in a special prelude concert with members of the VSO on
Saturday, May 23, 2026 at the Orpheum Theatre.
Rehearsals will take place at Handsworth Secondary School (1033 Handsworth Road) in the Music Room (Room 1073, off the Grand Commons).
Students will also receive clinics with VSO members and the VSO’s assistant conductor.
Your teacher must approve your application, and if there are too many applicants for a section,
an audition process may be required.
️ Rehearsals & Schedule
Honour Ensemble students will participate in 8–10 rehearsals, including VSO clinics and practice sessions with the conductor,
plus the on-stage dress rehearsal on the concert day.
All rehearsals (except for the dress rehearsal) will be held at Handsworth Secondary between January and May 2026.
The dress rehearsal and final performance with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra will be held on
Saturday, May 23, 2026 at the Orpheum Theatre.
Your participation and commitment to rehearsals are deeply appreciated.
Student Eligibility
Students should demonstrate a high level of musical ability, passion, and commitment,
and meet the instrumentation needs required to form a balanced ensemble.
We aim to include representation from all secondary band and string programs within the district.
Cost to Students
The estimated cost is approximately $150 per student.
This amount will be confirmed once nominations are finalized and student commitments are received.
Application Form
Please complete the application form at the link below by November 30, 2025:
Click here to complete the NVSD Honour Ensemble 2026 Application Form
Once the ensemble has been created, music scores and rehearsal information will be sent directly to your school.
Sincerely,
The NVSD Honour Ensemble Team