WBAS Youth Band Festival

​

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

​

Join passionate youth from across Singapore at the 2025 WBAS Youth Band Festival! Rehearse and perform challenging and exciting music under renowned conductors Rachel Howley (Australia) and Hendrik Kwek (Singapore) at the Esplanade Concert Hall! Learn from professional musicians in a vibrant and supportive environment while having fun and enriching workshops round up the week!

​

Conductors: Rachel Howley, Hendrik Kwek

 

Audition Dates
 

• 12 July 2025: All woodwinds, horns, double bass

• 26 July 2025: All brass, double bass, percussion 
   

Audition Fee: $5

​

Dates & Fees

​

Festival Dates: 16 – 20 Dec 2025

Concert: 22 Dec 2025

Festival Fee: $90 (with meals), $80 (without meals)

 

Venue: NUS U-Town (Rehearsals and Workshops)

Concert: Esplanade Concert Hall

 

Application Process 

​

The festival is open to all musicians who play a wind band instrument aged between 10 to 25 years old. Parental consent must be obtained for candidates below 18 years old.

​

Musicians who are keen to take part in the festival will need to undergo an audition process. To benefit the participants, WBAS seeks to achieve diversity by enhancing the group dynamics musically, intellectually and socially.

​

Audition requirements 

​

• 4 scales

• 1 etude or choice piece (1-2 mins). Percussion students, see below for additional requirements. 

• 1 prescribed piece (given 1 week in advance) 

• 1 Sight-reading (given on the spot)  

 

Scale Requirements

• 1 chromatic scale starting from any note, 1.5 octaves.

• 1 major or minor scale of any key, 2 octaves

• 1 major scale of any key, 1.5 octaves

• 1 minor scale of any key, 1.5 octaves

• All scales can be slurred or tongued.

​

Percussion Audition 

• 1 choice piece on snare drum

• 1 choice piece on mallet

• 1 choice piece on timpani

• The candidate may include additional choice pieces on other percussion instruments

 

Candidates may only attend the audition if they can participate in all festival days and the concert.

 

Tip: Candidates are encouraged to find pieces that show off their strengths. 

​​

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 10 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!

​

​