OUR VISION
We here at the Vancouver Youth Wind Symphony wish to provide quality music education to all youth regardless of background or financial ability. Our goal is to create a safe and inclusive environment where students are able to grow and learn leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking skills that can be applied to all aspects of life. We strive to provide meaningful musical opportunities to students through rehearsals, professional coaching sessions, and performance opportunities.
SEP-JUNE 2026/2027 YOUTH WIND SYMPHONY
We believe in students having a safe space to be able to create music together with students from different schools and experiences. Our goal is for students to foster a connection with one another through music making.
Apply Now!: Open for applications throughout the program
Students can expect…
- Weekly large ensemble rehearsals
- Sectionals with qualified coaches at least once per concert cycle
- Diverse composers and challenging music
- Concerts and recital performance opportunities
- To make new friends from throughout Greater Vancouver
- Opportunities to further develop musical technique and expression
Semester 1 Schedule: Tuesdays, 6:30pm-8:30pm, Vancouver Technical Secondary School | September 22 – December 15
Tentative Concerts: late October/early November and tentatively December 21st
Semester 2 Schedule: Tuesdays, 6:30pm-8:30pm, Vancouver Technical Secondary School | 2027 January 12 – June 8 (no rehearsals March 16 & March 23 for spring break)
Tentative Concerts: week before spring break and tentatively first week of June
Important Note: As we are a currently growing ensemble, there is a possibility that the first semester will be more similar to a large chamber ensemble in size. We will have music prepared for this possibility and have many ways to continue making this experience valuable and meaningful to students. Our expectation is that the ensemble will grow throughout the year and turn into a fuller wind symphony. Thank you for your understanding as we continue to grow.
What level is appropriate?
- High school students with at least 2 years of playing experience OR currently takes private lessons
- Band music level approximately grades 2.0 – 3.0
When and where are rehearsals?
- Tuesdays 6:30PM – 8:30PM
- First rehearsal September 22
- At Vancouver Technical Secondary School (2600 E Broadway, Vancouver)
What instruments can join?
We are open to all who play a winds, brass, or percussion instrument:
- Flute/Piccolo
- Oboe/English Horn
- Clarinet
- Bass Clarinet
- Alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones
- Bassoon
- French Horn
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Euphonium
- Tuba
- Percussion
Payment Information
Full Year: $1200.00, able to be paid in installments ($250.00 deposit)
- 33 total rehearsals ($36.00 per rehearsal)
- Minimum 4 concerts
September – December: $700.00
- 13 total rehearsals
- Minimum 2 concerts
January – June: $800.00
- 20 total rehearsals
- Minimum 2 concerts
Tuition Support
Through the Vancouver Youth Music Foundation, we are able to offer a limited number of scholarships based on financial need. Please visit our Financial Aid page for additional information on how to apply.
Sep-June 2026/2027 Youth Wind Symphony
JUNIOR WIND SYMPHONY SUMMER CAMP 2027
Aimed for students at the beginning stages of their band experience, this youth camp encourages aspiring young musicians to learn how to improve their individual playing and collaborate as a larger group.
What level is appropriate?
- Late elementary to early high school students
- 6 months – 2 years of playing experience
- Band music level approximately grades 0.5 – 2.0.
When/where is the Junior camp?
- Tuesday August 3 – Friday August 6 2026
- 9:00AM – 3:00PM
- St. James Community Square 3214 W. 10th Ave, Vancouver
- Final Showcase Concert: Friday August 6 at 2:00PM
What instruments can join?
We are open to all who play a winds, brass, or percussion instrument:
- Flute/Piccolo
- Oboe/English Horn
- Clarinet
- Bass Clarinet
- Alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones
- Bassoon
- French Horn
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Euphonium
- Tuba
- Percussion
Payment Information
$475.00/student, which includes:
- Approximately 4 hours of professional coaching
- Approximately 6.5 hours of large ensemble rehearsal time
- Fun music and social activities
- Professional photos and a video of the concert
Refund Policy:
- Before June 1: 75% refund
- Before July 1: 50% refund
- Before August 1: 25% refund
- During August: 0% refund
Tuition Support
Through the Vancouver Youth Music Foundation, we are able to offer a limited number of scholarships based on financial need. Please visit our Financial Aid page for additional information on how to apply.
Do I need to audition?
No, our summer camp programs do not require an audition to join! If we read your application and believe that you would be a better fit for our senior camp instead, we will reach out and let you know.
SENIOR WIND SYMPHONY SUMMER CAMP 2027
Perfect for more advanced music students hoping to get back into shape in preparation for the school year, this camp explores engaging and educational repertoire. Students will get the chance to have intensive rehearsals on difficult repertoire over five days in preparation for a final showcase concert.
Students can expect…
- Intensive large ensemble rehearsal
- Activities to encourage friendship, musicality, and creativity skills
- Instrument-specific professional coaching by local musicians
- A Q&A session featuring professional musicians
- A final showcase performance open to the public
- Video and photos of the final performance
What level is appropriate?
- Early to late high school
- 2+ years of playing experience
- Band music level approximately grades 2.5 – 4.0
When/where is the Senior camp?
- Monday August 9 – Friday August 13 2027
- 9:30AM – 4:30PM
- St. James Community Square 3214 W. 10th Ave, Vancouver
- Final Showcase Concert: Friday August 13 at 6:00PM
What instruments can join?
We are open to all who play a winds, brass, or percussion instrument:
- Flute/Piccolo
- Oboe/English Horn
- Clarinet
- Bass Clarinet
- Alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones
- Bassoon
- French Horn
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Euphonium
- Tuba
- Percussion
Payment Information
$595.00/student, which includes:
- Approximately 6 hours of professional coaching
- Approximately 7.5 hours of large ensemble rehearsal time
- A 1.5 hour Q&A session with professional musicians
- A session with guests from Tapestry Music
- Fun music and social activities
- Professional photos and a video of the concert
Refund Policy:
- Before June 1: 75% refund
- Before July 1: 50% refund
- Before August 1: 25% refund
- During August: 0% refund
Tuition Support
Through the Vancouver Youth Music Foundation, we are able to offer a limited number of scholarships based on financial need. Please visit our Financial Aid page for additional information on how to apply.
Do I need to audition?
No, our summer camp programs do not require an audition to join! If we read your application and believe that you would be a better fit for our senior camp instead, we will reach out and let you know.
2027 JUNIOR COACHES APPLICATION
Are you a student going into Grade 11, 12, or first year university looking for musical volunteer opportunities?
We are excited to introduce our new Junior Coaches Program, a program that runs alongside our Summer Wind Symphony camps. For specific application requirements, audition information, as well as in-depth information about the program, please download our Junior Coaches Package.
Students who are successfully accepted into the program will receive a 40% discount from the Senior Wind Symphony Camp!
Applications: Opening Soon!
Photography credits for the above photos go to Angus Kwan, for taking these wonderful photos at our inaugural 2025 Summer Wind Symphony Camp. See his other work on his website and Instagram page
WHO WE ARE
MIA GAZLEY, Executive Director
A saxophonist who grew up in Chilliwack, BC, Mia is an avid supporter of music education. She received her undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia, studying saxophone under Dr. Julia Nolan, as well as her Master’s degree from the University of Florida under Dr. Jonathan Helton.
Mia continues to perform extensively throughout the Greater Vancouver area with groups such as the Vancouver Jazz Orchestra, the Vancouver Legacy Jazz Orchestra, and the Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble while maintaining a large teaching studio.
JANIE SINN, Musical Director & Conductor
Janie’s conducting journey has been unconventional and adventurous since she graduated from the University of Victoria. While she was working with various community-based non-profit organizations, she continued to refine her conducting skills. She served as Assistant Conductor with the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra for two seasons (2022-2024) under the guidance of Conductor Jin Zhang, through the Wallace Leung Memorial Internship. In her pursuit of further developing her conducting expertise, she has participated in workshops with renowned conductors, including the Satio International Conducting Workshop with Wayne Towes (2023), Cascade Conducting with Maestra Sarah Ioannides (2024), Maestro Masterclasses with Maestra Diane Wittry (2025) and UVIC Conducting Symposium with Dr. Steven Capaldo and the Naden Navy Band (2025).
