Surrey students gear up for Concert Band Revue

More than 1,400 Surrey students from Grades 9 to 12 will head to the Bell Performing Arts Centre from Nov. 16 to 19 to take the stage for the district’s annual Concert Band Revue.

While the revue has typically run three days in past years, a fourth day was added to accommodate the growing number of student performers, with participation up by more than 300 students over last year.

The event is a showcase for the district’s secondary school band programs, giving students the chance to perform for each other, parents and families while gaining valuable on-stage experience.

“Each year, our band teachers are so excited to bring their students and give them that first chance at playing live on a stage,” said event organizer Kathleen Tan. “For the Grade 9 students in particular, this might be their first time ever performing on a professional-sized stage, so it can be a really special moment for them.”

This year’s revue features bands from 16 secondary schools: Earl Marriott, École Salish, Enver Creek, Fleetwood Park, Frank Hurt, Fraser Heights, Grandview Heights, Guildford Park, Johnston Heights, Kwantlen Park, L.A. Matheson, Lord Tweedsmuir, Panorama Ridge, Princess Margaret, Sullivan Heights and Tamanawis.

Returning adjudicator Doug Macaulay, principal conductor and program director of the West Vancouver Youth Band, will evaluate the performances, providing critical expert feedback.

Macaulay brings four decades of experience as an arranger, producer, conductor and award-winning composer, and is a two-time recipient of the BC Music Educators’ Distinguished Service Award.

The Concert Band Revue is one of the district’s first arts events of the school year, with many more scheduled for 2026-27:

• Secondary Dance Festival (Semester One): Jan. 12, 2027
• Secondary Choral Festival (Semester One): Jan. 14, 2027
• Elementary Art Exhibition: Jan. 18 to Feb. 1, 2027
• Secondary Visual Art Exhibition (Semester One): Feb. 6 to April 25, 2027
• Surrey Schools Jazz Festival: Feb. 12 and 13, 2027
• Core Music Instrumental Festival: March 1-4, 2027
• District Dance Festival: April 6-9 and 12-15, 2027
• District Choral Festival: April 26-29, 2027
• Grade 8 and 9 Concert Band Revue: May 3-5, 2027
• Secondary Visual Art Exhibition (Semester Two): May 3-17, 2027
• Secondary Dance Festival (Semester Two): May 6, 2027

For more information on future district arts events, check out the district’s Student Events page.