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PVA Applications for 2027-2028 open November 1, 2026

PVA Band Program Overview

Daily Rehearsal That Expands Your Potential

PVA Band is the only program in the CBE where dedicated woodwind, brass, and percussion players rehearse together every single day, all year long in a 10 credit course package. We design our classes and rehearsals to challenge you constantly, helping you step past perceived limits, build real confidence on the podium, and realize just how much you are truly capable of achieving.The Music Program at Central Memorial High School has a rich history as one of the longest-running and most celebrated music traditions in Alberta. Our student ensembles maintain a world-class standard of excellence, regularly winning Gold Awards and Adjudicator’s Choice Awards at major regional and provincial festivals. Because of this national reputation for elite musicianship, Central’s bands are routinely selected to perform at national music conferences, and our students command premier acoustic stages like the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium and the University of Calgary’s Rozsa Centre

Learn Alongside World-Class Mentors in our Conservatory style setting

We surround our students with exceptional role models. PVA Band students engage in daily, full-year conservatory-style classes within a unified Grades 10–12 Wind Ensemble cohort, fostering strong peer mentorship. We balance elite artistic dedication with strong university preparation through a flexible Advanced Placement (AP) academic stream, allowing students to pursue rigorous coursework in core subjects without sacrificing rehearsal time. Students participate in private lessons with Calgary's top instrumental teachers, masterclasses with guest clinicians, collaborate with our in-house pianist, perform with top professional musicians, and premiere new works commissioned specifically for our ensemble. By working alongside artists who live their craft at the highest level, our students learn how to lead, inspire, and elevate those around them.

Academic Rigour & College Admissions

You do not have to choose between advanced academics and serious musical study. Central offers comprehensive College Board Advanced Placement® courses alongside the CBE’s Career and Technology Centre. Crucially, Alberta Education recognizes Instrumental and General Music as 30-level academic courses—weighted identically to sciences or math for university admissions—allowing you to earn up to 20 credits per year while building a transcript that opens doors anywhere.

Proven Outcomes, Travel, and Lasting Community

Our culture empowers musicians to bring out the best in each other—skills that translate into success across every field. Alumni go on to excel in premier music conservatories like Juilliard, Berklee, Eastman, University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and McGill, as well as top university programs in STEM, law, and business. Beyond the classroom, annual performance tours to destinations like Vienna, Halifax, Toronto, and Victoria build an immediate, supportive family from day one.

To be considered for our specialized PVA program, students are required to apply online and audition/interview with our staff.

More information on the application process can be found on the PVA homepage.

PVA Band Course Series

Instrumental Music & General Music 

All PVA Band students register in Instrumental Music during Semester 1 and General Music during Semester 2. Running inside the daily timetable, these courses bring all three grade levels together into a single ensemble where experienced players and newer students learn side by side.

Our daily class time focuses on expanding technical boundaries through solo performance, chamber music, sectionals, and full wind ensemble repertoire. Students work directly with world-class guest artists, professional clinicians, and in-house pianists, learning how to lead, collaborate, and bring out the best in one another. Both courses are recognized by Alberta Education as academic 30-level credits—weighted identically to Biology or Math for university admissions.

Leadership in the Arts 35 

All Grade 12 PVA students complete Leadership in the Arts 35 to receive the CBE Fine and Performing Arts Certificate. This course runs inside your PVA classes throughout high school (not scheduled separately) and includes: 

• Creation of your own artist portfolio 
• Development of your own artistic personality, brand, and story 
• Planning real events in your Grade 12 year 

This comprehensive portfolio prepares you for a life enriched by music, whether you pursue post-secondary music studies or not. 

For Band program inquiries, please email Adam Mailman: jamailman@cbe.ab.ca

PVA Band FAQ

Are PVA Band students required to take private lessons? Private study in addition to what we offer in class is strongly encouraged to support your individual technical growth, but it is not a requirement. All students will take a limited number of individual lessons with a private teacher, (included in your course fees) to help you prepare solos, step past your boundaries, and realize what you are capable of achieving.

What performance level is expected for success in PVA Band? The most important qualities we look for during auditions are a genuine passion for music, a desire to push your limits, and a commitment to elevating those around you in a collaborative environment. Most incoming students perform at an intermediate to advanced high school level (equivalent to RCM Levels 6–8). A solid foundation in tone production, major scales, sight-reading, and foundational techniques will place you in a strong position to thrive. See the Audition information page for more information.

Does PVA Band fit alongside outside music organizations? Absolutely. PVA Band is designed to complement—not replace—the training you receive in community, youth, or studio programs. Our daily focus on wind ensemble repertoire, chamber music, and leadership development works in tandem with outside groups. We intentionally structure our calendar to minimize conflicts with external rehearsals, and we actively encourage our students to bring their talents to ensembles across the city. Those involved in marching bands, community wind ensembles, honour bands, and private lessons find great success here.

How does Central Memorial support strong academic outcomes? You never have to compromise your academic goals for your music. Central hosts among the most comprehensive College Board Advanced Placement® options in Calgary, including AP Music Theory, allowing you to customize a challenging schedule suited to your ambitions. Beyond AP programming, our students score above provincial averages on diploma exams, supported by flexible course streaming and direct access to the CBE’s Career and Technology Centre (CTC) located on our campus.

What time commitment should I expect? PVA Band meets during the standard school timetable. Success in our ensemble relies on regular individual practice, daily classroom engagement, and full participation in our evening concerts, masterclasses, and performance tours.

Do I need to own my own instrument? While many students bring their own instruments, school-owned woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments are readily available through the CBE rental program ($100 per school year). Secure, instrument-specific storage is provided on site to ensure your equipment remains safe and accessible every day.