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Welcome to the official website of the Calgary Stampede Showband.  The Stampede Showband provides an unique musical and learning experience - the dynamic, performance oriented educational program offers young musicians and dancers an opportunity to expand their skills and perform for thousands of people, including this year's The Red Line: Breaking Boundaries.

The Stampede Showband makes over 200 appearances during the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.  And, as Calgary's "Musical Ambassadors to the World," the band have presented their unique brand of entertainment to audiences the world over.  This international exposure has earned them a reputation as one of the world's finest marching ensembles.

Following the 2009 Stampede, the Showband toured Holland, Belgium, and London to participate in the World Music Contest, the World Association for Marching Show Bands Championships in Kerkrade and to perform at Flanders Fields and Trafalgar Square.  Details of the tour, including photographs, a blog describing the highlights, and a description of the honours awarded to the Showband, appear below.

The Stamepde Showband continually raises the level of performance with each new season.  The unwavering commitment of the members to uphold the traditions of excellence in musicianship and showmanship, the dedication of staff members who have earned recognition for their excellence in music and music education; and the support of the network of parents, alumni, and volunteers ensure the continuted success of the Showband.

Membership

Membership in the Stampede Showband is open students between the ages of 16 and 21 from Calgary and the surrounding area.  Students should have past musical or dance experience, however marching experience is not necessary.  Members must have a strong desire to further develop their musical skills and showmanship.

Open auditions for the 2009-2010 season will be held June 1^st in the Big Four building on the grounds of Stampede Park.  Auditions require each individual to prepare several short excerpts and exercises in advance, to demonstrate their technique and learning abilities by participating in a marching session, and to complete an interview with two of our evaluators.  Successful candidates will be notified prior to the Stampede Ten Day Festival at the beginning of July, with their membership beginning at the first rehearsal (usually held at the end of August).

Please visit www.bandsofcalgary.com for more information, sign-up, details on the auditions process, and audition pieces.

The Philosophy

The Stampede Showband program is designed to develop youth within the performance arts.  Each member of the organization is committed to seeing members achieve musical, performance and personal excellence.

A high level of commitment and dedication to the group is expected of all staff, members and volunteers; in turn an environment is created where members develop independence and a strong work ethic.  Members of the Showband gain a true understanding of commitment and time management skills.

The group nurtures a strong sense of community.  Every one is a part of all the activities no one sits back to watch.  A high level of professionalism is expected from memebrs, staff and volunteers in all situations whether rehearsing, touring, competing or casually entertaining visitors to The Calgary Stampede.

The Program

The Stampede Showband offers a well-rounded program with a wide range of instructional methods and educational opportunities.  In addition to a challenging marching repertoire and field show, members are involved in learning concert band and concert choir repertoire.  Members can also further develop their skills in smaller performance ensembles.

Instruction is complementary to school band programs as it enriches and builds upon the skills and objectives outlined in the school music curriculum.  It generally offers a broader range of experiences such as: challenging repertoire, athleticism, artistry, and performance opportunities.

The Experience

The Stampede Showband is a lifestyle that young people have chosen for over 35 years.  The demand of being involved is unlike anything else.  Long hours practicing and a hectic performance schedule might sound like an incredible commitment, but experiencing it with more than 150 close friends makes memories for a lifetime.  Band members take great pride in representing Calgary and the Calgary Stampede locally and internationally.

We hope that you find this site to be helpful and informative about all things happening within the Showband.  Please click on the tabs to the left to navigate through our site.  And visit us often as we update the website frequently.  If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or information that you would like to see included on our site, please feel free to contact us.  And, finally, thank you for visiting our site.