Prairie Music Residency

Saskatoon Brass Band proudly hosts the Prairie Music Residency each August. Please see the PMR website for details.

Click Here to Visit the PMR Website.

2023 PMR

Saskatoon Brass Band Inc. is hosting the 10th Annual Prairie Music Residency for Brass and Percussion players from August 10th-13th 2023 at the University of Saskatchewan. The Residency brings a National and International flavour to Saskatchewan by drawing clinicians, composers and performers from England and throughout North America. This year we are pleased to welcome guest conductor Joe Parisi (U.S.A.) cornet soloist Raquel Samayoa (U.S.A.), as well as composers Tom Davoren (Wales) and Pete Meechan (England). Andrea Venet and Annie Stevens (U.S.A.) will be joining us as percussion directors and guest soloists also performing as their Duo, Escape Ten.

Thursday August 10, 1:30pm-5pm Community Day - free professional development sessions on musicianship, brass and percussion techniques. Open to all. In Room 1004, Education building, University of Saskatchewan.
Friday August 11, 7:30pm Faculty Recital - Held at Quance Theatre, Education building, University of Saskatchewan featuring: Raquel Samayoa, cornet, Annie Stevens and Andrea Venet, percussion duo, Cathy Stone, trombone, Joe Parisi, trumpet, Michael Eastep, with PMR Tuba Quartet, Dean McNeill, trumpet and Naomi Piggott-Suchan, piano. Admission by donation
Saturday August 12, 5:30pm Showcase Concert at River Landing
Sunday August 13, 1:00pm Gala Final Concert. Held at Quance Theatre, Education building, University of Saskatchewan, featuring the PMR Brass Band and percussion Ensemble. Admission by donation.

Before the PMR Existed

In years past, before the PMR existed, our band was an annual participant The Prairie Brass Band Festival. That festival originated in Saskatoon in 2001 when we were searching for a way to give brass bands in the Prairie Provinces a chance to meet and make music together. Since that beginning, the festival visited Winnipeg, Regina and Edmonton. This was done at 100% of the personal cost of band members.

The Festival typically involved a number of brass bands including:

Rupertsland Brass Band from Winnipeg
Queen City Brass Band from Regina
Mission Hill Brass Band from St. Albert, AB
Mill Creek Colliery Brass Band from Edmonton
Saskatoon Temple Salvation Army Band
Saskatoon Brass Band

In addition, players from as far away as Calgary, Minot, North Dakota, and Minneapolis have made the trek to the hosting city to participate.

This two day event culminates in a performance of the participating bands and a combined massed band involving all players. The combined band performance is a unique treat for local music lovers. It puts over 100 brass players on the same stage for a magnificent performance of music either composed specifically for brass band or that has been arranged for the brass band.

Saskatchewan has a proud history of brass bands and this is our way of celebrating this aspect of Saskatchewan's cultural heritage.