Summer Intensive Program: Winds, Brass, and Percussion
Winds, Brass, and Percussion
Young Artist Summer Program
August 10-14, 2026
Presented with the support of Kimberley Jurens Woodwind Repairs and Tapestry Music.
We have introduced two programs to meet the musical needs and aspirations of a wide range of students.
The descriptions below will help you decide which program is best for you. For more information on either program or for help choosing between the two programs, please contact the Artistic Director, Emily Nagelbach at windsbrass.classical[at]vcm.bc.ca. There is some overlap between the two programs so students in both programs will have the opportunity to socialize and play with each other at different points in the day.
Foundations Program
Middle and high school students will develop their musical skills through small and large ensembles, music workshops, sectionals, and private lessons with our specialized faculty. This program will help improve tone and technique, and inspire students to take their instrumental playing to the next level.
For students with at least one year of experience on their instrument and a love of music!
Participants will rotate through a variety of musical activities, carefully scheduled to balance active playing periods with listening, learning, and fun. The ultimate goal is to provide an enriching, exciting, and inspiring experience for students of all levels.
Students will have the opportunity to play in small and large sized ensembles, receive individualized attention in two 30-minute private lessons, explore the world of solo repertoire in performance class (solo performance not required), and further their musical development through sectionals, workshops, and warm-up and technique classes. Our outstanding faculty will perform in concert for the students at the beginning of the week. At the end of the week, students will have the option to perform for their peers in the informal Student Solo Concert and participate as a group in a final celebratory performance of chamber and large ensemble music for friends and family in the beautiful Alix Goolden Performance Hall.
Emerging Artist Program
Students ages 14–20 who are already playing at a high level will refine their musical skills through a variety of chamber ensembles, music workshops, advanced sectionals, and private lessons with our faculty who are active professionals in their field.
Students will have the opportunity to play in two chamber ensembles, receive individualized attention in two 30-minute private lessons, refine their solo performance skills in performance class and the Student Solo Concert, and further their musical development through advanced sectionals, workshops, and warm-up and technique classes. Our outstanding faculty will perform in concert for the students at the beginning of the week. At the end of the week, students will participate as a group in a final celebratory performance of chamber and large ensemble music for friends and family in the beautiful Alix Goolden Performance Hall.
Sample Video: Students wishing to register for the Emerging Artist Program must send in a sample video of their playing by the application deadline of June 1. Two contrasting pieces (accompaniment not required) is preferred, but one piece is acceptable. Recordings can be made on a phone or tablet and should not be edited. Video upload button is below. Any questions regarding the recording can be directed to the Artistic Director, Emily Nagelbach, at windsbrass.classical[at]vcm.bc.ca.
Early Bird registration deadline: June 1, 2026
Final registration and bursary application deadline: July 1, 2026
A Note from the Artistic Director
With our Foundations Program, our goal is to support and nurture your passion for music! Whether you are looking to refresh and upgrade your skills before heading back to band or looking to challenge yourself with new repertoire and performance opportunities, this program is for you. We look forward to welcoming students with a variety of musical backgrounds – no private lesson experience required! – and will tailor this program to meet your needs and goals. Our fantastic faculty mentors will help you expand your musical abilities, and we are certain you will leave the program inspired for the year ahead.
With our Emerging Artist Program, we are welcoming students who have a passion and talent on their instruments to join us for an inspiring week of growth, collaboration, and performance with our faculty who are outstanding performers and educators. With a focus on chamber music and refinement of individual sound and technique, participants will gain the skills, confidence, and musical connections to deepen their artistry, build strong bonds with their musical peers and elevate their playing.
If you love playing music, join us for a week of inspiration and fun at the Conservatory this summer!
– Emily Nagelbach, Artistic Director
Learn more
How to Register
Online registration requires payment in full. Payment by credit card will incur a 3.23% convenience fee. If you do not wish to incur this fee, please contact our office for other payment methods.
Emerging Artist Program Video Upload
Students wishing to register for the Emerging Artist Program must send in a sample video of their playing by the application deadline of June 1. Two contrasting pieces (accompaniment not required) is preferred, but one piece is acceptable. Recordings can be made on a phone or tablet and should not be edited. Any questions regarding the recording can be directed to the Artistic Director, Emily Nagelbach, at [email protected]. If you have difficulty uploading your video below, you may email it to jzhong[at]vcm.bc.ca.
Fees and Deadlines
Early Bird fee: $397 + $33 application fee and Library Resource Fee*
After June 1, 2026: $437 + $55 application fee and Library Resource Fee*
All students will receive a T-shirt on Friday to wear in the final performance
Early Bird registration deadline: June 1, 2026
Registrations will continue to be accepted to 11:59pm on July 1, 2026.
*A 1% Library Resource Fee is added to all Community School registrations to support the Victoria Conservatory Music Library and Archives , which is free to all students and the public. The library is in Room 113 and available online.
Some bursary assistance may be available. Applicants must comply with all deadlines and requirements. Late applicants will not be considered for financial assistance and additional application fees may apply.
Dates and Daily Schedule
August 10-14, 2026
Classes run daily 9:00am-3:00pm with breaks and time for private practice. If you would like to find out more details about the schedule, please get in touch with the Artistic Director.
Location
All programs will take place onsite at the Victoria Conservatory of Music (900 Johnson Street) in downtown Victoria. There are many cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores within walking distance.
Faculty
Emily Nagelbach, Artistic Director, Flute
Mary Byrne, Flute
Melissa Goodchild, Clarinet
Patricia Kostek, Clarinet
TBD, Bassoon
Caiden Meyer, Saxophone
Stevan Paranosic, Trumpet
Sam McNally, French horn
Graham Middleton, Trombone and Large Ensemble
Jay Uschold, Low Brass
Jany Lu, Piano
Murray Creed, Percussion
Nikola Tosic, Collaborative Composition
Faculty subject to change.
Concert
Final Celebration Concert
Friday, August 14, 3:00pm | Alix Goolden Performance Hall
By donation
The Fine Print
Please note: all fees must be paid in full by the registration deadline (excluding those waiting on the result of their bursary application).
Online registration requires payment in full. Payment by credit card will incur a convenience fee. If you do not wish to incur this fee, please contact our office for other payment methods.
Those awaiting acceptance (where applicable) or the results of their bursary application are encouraged to contact us directly to register.
Contact
Victoria Conservatory of Music Front Desk
250.386.5311 | [email protected]
Program inquiries:
Emily Nagelbach, Artistic Director
windsbrass.classical[at]vcm.bc.ca