Guest Conductor Application

​The Alberta Band Association is seeking conductors for our Junior Honour Band programs. In the past, the position of guest conductor has been filled by a nomination process. To help make these opportunities open to a wider demographic of Alberta educators, and to make the process more transparent to our membership, ABA will be moving forward with an open application to aid in our selection of guest conductors. Final selection will be made by the respective Junior Honour Band committees based upon this application. Each applicant will be considered for a term of 3 years, at which time the applicant will be eligible to re-apply.

The Junior Honour Bands provide an advanced performance experience for those students who demonstrate excellence in leadership, musicality and engagement in their home band programs. Leading music educators in the province guide the students through three days of fun and intensive rehearsals.  The experience culminates in a concert performance that the students have prepared in rehearsal. 

In collaboration with ABA staff and the Junior Honour Band committee the guest conductor will be responsible for:

• Selecting a program of repertoire to be approved by the Honour band committee. These selections should be of an appropriate skill level for the ensemble, include Canadian content, and reflect the diversity of our  honour band participants
• Working with ABA staff and the program coordinator to ensure smooth program implementation
• Following the schedule of events as provided by ABA staff
• Planing and leading a series of rehearsals, and a final concert, that are engaging, motivating, and most importantly create a positive experience for the program participants

Each year ABA runs a Southern Alberta Junior Honour Band (SAJHB), held in Calgary, and a Northern Junior Honour Band (NAJHB), held in Edmonton. It is customary to select a conductor for each ensemble that works and resides outside of that group's respective region.
 
Individuals interested in beings considered to conduct an Alberta Band Association Junior Honour Band must complete the following form. To be considered for the 2027 ensembles please complete your application no later than March 1st, 2026.

The 2026 Guest Conductors will be..........

Southern Alberta Junior Honour Band
​Jolene Wong

Northern Alberta Junior Honour Band
​Nathalie Roy

Jolene Wong, a native of Edmonton, holds a Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Education, and a Master in Education with a focus in Secondary Music from the University of Alberta. She completed a Post Master Artist Certificate in Wind Band Conducting from Georgia State University under the direction of Dr. Robert Ambrose. Jolene enjoys a successful teaching career with Edmonton Catholic Schools, having taught middle and high school, where programs under her direction have won numerous awards. She was appointed Curriculum Consultant of Secondary Music, a role in which she served for three years. Jolene is currently the director of Edmonton Catholic School’s Junior All City Band and is the founder and artistic director of the Wild Rose Wind Ensemble. She has been involved with many workshops, clinics, masterclasses, and professional development activities all over the world and continues to be an in-demand guest conductor, teacher, guest speaker, and clinician.

Nathalie Roy currently resides in Calgary, where she serves as a Middle School Instrumental Music teacher and directs both the Middle School Jazz Ensemble and Chamber Music Ensemble at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School. A skilled pianist and trombonist, Nathalie earned a Bachelor of Music in Composition from the Université de Montréal and a Bachelor of Music Education from McGill University. Nathalie began her career in instrumental music education at Stanstead College (QC) in 2003 and later spent over a decade at Langdon School (AB) from 2007 to 2019, where she developed a dynamic and successful music program. She has also had the privilege of guest conducting the Rocky View Schools’ Junior Honour Band in both 2014 and 2018. Committed to continuous professional growth, Nathalie regularly attends conducting workshops with the Edmonton Cosmopolitan Music Society to refine her skills. In her teaching, Nathalie emphasizes building strong, respectful relationships with her students, fostering a collaborative environment where each musician understands their role in the collective success of the ensemble. Her student-centered approach prioritizes open communication, flexibility, and constructive feedback to promote both musical and personal growth. Outside the classroom, Nathalie is an avid motorcyclist with a deep passion for adventure. Each summer, she embarks on thrilling motorcycle journeys to the Yukon and Northwest Territories, immersing herself in the breathtaking landscapes and remote wilderness of northern Canada. These expeditions fuel her sense of freedom and discovery, inspiring her both personally and professionally.

Past Conductors

Southern Alberta Junior Honour Band
2025 - Kirk Wassmer
2024 - Thomas Spila
2020 - Rob Speers, Edmonton
​2019 - Jennifer Mann, Red Deer
2018 - Jayne Montgomery, Edmonton
2017 - Thomas Spila
2015 - David Grimstead
2014 - Roberta Baril, Edmonton
​2013 - Victor Lopez
2012 - Rita Burns, Edmonton
2011 - Wayne Toews, Saskatoon
​2007 - Bob Bailey, Camrose
​2000 - Dennis Beck
​

Northern Alberta Junior Honour Band
2024 - Kathie Van Lare
2020 - Nicole Haycock, Calgary
​2019 - Ken Rogers, Lethbridge
2018 - Jane McLauchlin, Calgary
2017 - Sarah Drew, Calgary
2016 - Kevin Willms, Calgary
2013 - Martin Kennedy, Okotoks
2007 - Brian Thorlacius, Calgary
2003 - Gillian MacKay, Toronto
2002 - Robert McLeod
​2001 - Barry Valleau

Alberta Junior Honour Band
​2022 - Roberta Baril, Edmonton
2023 - Verna Ahner

Central Alberta Junior Honour Band
​2020 - Brian Uzick, Okotoks