top of page

WBAS International Youth Band  Festival

15 - 21 December 2026

PHOTO: WBAS Youth Band Festival, Esplanade Concert Hall, Singapore

WBAS International Youth Band Festival

​​

Where Passionate Young Musicians Come Together
Make Music • Make Friends • Make Memories

​

The WBAS International Youth Band Festival 2026 is a seven-day international music festival for young wind, brass and percussion youths musicians aged between 11 to 25 from Singapore, ASEAN and beyond.

​

Held from 15 to 21 December 2026, the festival brings participants together for intensive rehearsals, sectionals, masterclasses, workshops and cultural exchange. Festival activities from 15 to 19 December will take place at UTown, National University of Singapore, culminating in a public concert at the Esplanade Concert Hall on 21 December 2026. 

​

Participants will be placed in one of four festival bands according to their playing level and experience. Guided by experienced conductors and specialist instrumental tutors, students will develop their technique, ensemble skills and artistic confidence while making music with peers from different countries and backgrounds.

 

The four festival bands will be led by:

​

  • Björn Bus, Netherlands (Honour Band)

  • Surapol Thanyawibool, Thailand (Festival Band)

  • Lim Yean Hwee, Singapore (Festival Band)

  • Stefanie Smith, Australia (Festival Band)

 

The Festival Honour Band will be led by acclaimed Conductor Björn Bus. This select ensemble brings together top young musicians who want to challenge themselves and more.  Suited for conservatory students, students who intend to pursue music professionally and also amateurs who have the talent and drive; musicians are expected not only to perform cornerstone repertoire for the wind band medium but also contemporary and professional commissions. Join the Festival Honour Band to be inspired and to inspire!

 

The 3 other Festival Bands focus on high artistic quality and growth with meaningful musical exchanges with renowned conductors, tutors and clinicians. Surrounded by like-minded motivated musicians, participants will take part in an intensive week of rehearsals, workshops and masterclasses before culminating in a performance at the Esplanade Concert Hall. 

 

Together with specialist instrumental tutors, the conductors will guide participants through a structured learning process that connects instruction directly to ensemble practice and performance. Through sustained ensemble music-making, WBAS iYBF 2026 aims to nurture musical excellence, collaboration, cultural understanding and friendships across borders.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Image by Zach Doty

Surapol Thanyawibool

Thailand

Björn-Bus.jpg

Björn Bus

The Netherlands

stefanie smith.jpg

Stefanie Smith

Australia

lim yean hwee.jpg

Lim Yean Hwee

Singapore

Together with specialist instrumental tutors, the conductors will guide participants through a structured learning process that connects instruction directly to ensemble practice and performance. Through sustained ensemble music-making, WBAS iYBF 2026 aims to nurture musical excellence, collaboration, cultural understanding and friendships across borders.

 

Please read the following information carefully before submitting your application.

 

The festival is centred on high artistic quality, youth development and meaningful musical exchange. In a wind orchestra, every musician learns to listen, adapt, trust others and contribute to a shared artistic voice. Through rehearsals, masterclasses and cultural exchange activities, participants develop expressive musicianship, discipline, collaboration and a deeper understanding of music-making across cultures.

 

All participants are expected to attend all activities during the band festival fully, including all rehearsals, workshops and cultural exchange activities. Absences without valid reasons such as illness and critical family matters may result in removal from the concert, and no refunds will be made. 

 

Participation fees are based on the participant’s country of residence:

  • Singapore-based participants: SGD 120

  • Participants residing in ASEAN countries: SGD 200

  • International participants: SGD 400

 

The fee includes:

  • Tuition

  • Festival activities

  • Concert participation

  • Selected meals

 

Accommodation and travel expenses are not included.

 

How to Apply

​

You may apply through either:
 

  1. Immersive Workshop (17 October) or

  2. Video audition (If you are applying for any festival bands but is unable to attend workshop. A must for those applying for the Festival Honours Band)

 

A fee of SGD 5 applies for the immersive workshop, and will be collected upon confirmation of the assigned session date and time.


Application for Immersive Workshop close on 12 October. Students will be informed of their assigned session date and time after that.​


Immersive Workshop

​​

Students may choose to attend an immersive Workshop to experience the spirit of the festival before applying.

​

During the session, students will join a 90-minute group class led by festival tutors. They will meet tutors and peers, receive practical guidance on instrumental technique and musicianship, and gain a first-hand sense of the learning environment at WBAS iYBF. The tutor will guide them in reading music from this year’s repertoire while also offering tips and techniques for effective learning. This workshop will be crucial for the tutor to place the applicants in 1 of the 3 bands to enhance their experience at the Festival.

​

Schedule of Immersive Workshop (17 Oct)
 

  • Morning Sessions (between 9.30am- 1pm):

    • Horn, Euphonium, Oboe, Clarinet
       

  • Afternoon Sessions (between 2pm- 5pm):

    • Flute, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Percussion 
       

  • Late Afternoon Sessions (5pm- 630pm):

    • Saxophone 

 

Video Audition
 

Honour Band Applicants video should include:
 

  • Two contrasting solo pieces or études

  • Each piece should be approximately 4 minutes

  • Percussionists must perform on timpani, snare drum and one mallet percussion (xylophone, marimba, or vibraphone). Each instrument excerpt sholuld last approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Total 3 pieces.

  • The video must be unedited
     

For those unable to attend immersive workshop, please submit a video recording of the following: 


Video Audition Requirements for Festival Bands: 
 

  • Two contrasting solo pieces or études

  • Each piece should be approximately 1-2 minutes each

  • Percussionists must perform on timpani, snare drum and one mallet percussion (xylophone, marimba, or vibraphone). Each instrument excerpt sholuld last approximately 1-2 minutes. Total 3 pieces.

  • The video must be unedited

 

IMPORTANT: Students seeking Honours Group consideration should also submit a video audition. For Honours Band consideration, submit sufficient material to clearly demonstrate your playing level and ability.

​

Timeline

 

  • Closing of application for immersive workshop: 14 Oct 2026 

  • Confirmation of immersive workshop session: 15 Oct 2026 

  • Attending Immersive Workshop: 17 Oct 2026 

  • Submission of video application deadline: 17 Oct 2026 

  • Offer of participation (results of audition): 20 Oct 2026 

  • Acceptance of participation and payment of participation fees: 25 Oct 2026

​

Why Join?​

​​

  • Enhance Your Musicianship: Participate in masterclasses, sectional and full band rehearsals, and engaging workshops on musical technique and career pathways—all led by experienced conductors and professional musicians.
     

  • Build Friendships and Connections: Make new friends and connect with fellow youth musicians who share your dedication, creating a supportive network in a positive, inclusive environment.
     

  • Explore Inspiring Music Together: Enjoy making music as part of a high-quality ensemble and experience the excitement of performing in a culminating public concert.
     

  • Play Challenging & Exciting Music Together: Push your boundaries as you take on fresh and stimulating repertoire in a high-calibre ensemble. Experience the thrill of making music with talented peers, and feel the excitement build towards the grand finale concert!
     

  • Create Meaningful Memories: From rehearsals to performances, every moment at the festival is an opportunity for growth and joyful experiences you’ll cherish for years to come.
     

Who Can Join?

 

All youth wind musicians between the ages of 11 to 25 who are looking to learn, connect, and enjoy music-making together.

​

Ready to be inspired?


Auditions are now open—register and be part of Singapore’s most exciting youth band experience!

faq

© Wind Bands Association of Singapore. All rights reserved.
  • Grey Facebook Icon
  • Instagram
  • Grey YouTube Icon
  • Grey Twitter Icon
bottom of page