Clarinets take centre stage at BU’s 16th annual Festival

The sound of clarinets filled the halls of Brandon University this weekend as musicians of all ages gathered for the 16th annual Brandon University Clarinet Festival at the Queen Elizabeth II music building.

The festival has become a signature musical event in western Manitoba, drawing participants from across the Prairies and beyond, founder Cathy Wood, who is a clarinet instructor, told the Sun on Saturday.

Originally from Manitoba, Wood said the idea for the festival was inspired by similar events she encountered while studying in the United States.

“Having these festivals is kind of popular around the world, but we didn’t really have any in Canada … It’s a really great way of bringing community together,” Wood said.

The festival is designed to be inclusive.

“It’s not just university students but also middle and high school musicians,” Wood said. “We’ve got professionals here. We’ve got seniors who play in orchestra or community orchestras. It’s just a great way for us to get together and play together, listen to concerts and have some classes and things like that.”

Attendance typically ranges between 60 and 70 participants. Last year, Wood estimates about 60 people took part. This year’s final numbers were still being tallied as some musicians arrived later in the day, aided by the reopening of highways after weather disruptions.

“Sometimes the weather can get in the way,” Wood said. “One year, the highways closed during the festival, so it was a smaller year. But it’s grown over the years. Word spreads.”

Over the years, the festival has attracted musicians from Saskatchewan and U.S. states including North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. Wood said around 70 participants is a comfortable size for Brandon.

“I think around 70 is kind of a good number for Brandon, because we are a little isolated,” she said.

In addition to masterclasses and performances, recent editions of the festival have expanded to include wellness-focused sessions. This year featured workshops in yoga, Feldenkrais and conducting, broadening the experience beyond clarinet performance alone.

“In the past few years, I’ve added some wellness workshops,” Wood said. “That’s great for all musicians, not just clarinet players.”

Guest artists are a major highlight of the weekend. Among them was Alex Whitehead, who joined the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra three years ago after winning his position. Originally from North Carolina, Whitehead travelled from Winnipeg to perform and work with participants.

“He just is a great player that I think it’s good for the community to get to hear,” Wood said.

Also featured was Boston-based composer and bass clarinetist John Russell, who performed in an evening concert showcasing both clarinet and bass clarinet repertoire.

Joining the guest artists was Lisa Rumpel, a former Brandon University student now working in Winnipeg. Wood described the collaboration as a meaningful full-circle moment.

“My first year teaching here was her last year before she graduated,” Wood said. “Her style of collaboration matched really well with the guest artists.”

Concerts throughout the festival included solo and chamber performances, as well as a horn, clarinet and piano program. Wood also performed in a host concert alongside a cello colleague who currently serves as dean of the School of Music.

The festival concludes with one of its most anticipated traditions: a mass clarinet choir performance. Participants rehearse together over two sessions before presenting a final concert.

“It’s people of all ages and different levels,” Wood said. “They get together, work with a conductor, and then they play a concert at the very end. It’s really fun.”

The closing event also includes prize draws and a celebratory atmosphere that reflects the festival’s community spirit.

“I think it’s a really great event for bringing people together,” Wood said. “It’s just great to see people of all different backgrounds and levels and ages playing together and making music.”

As the 16th edition wraps up, Wood is already looking ahead — though cautiously.

“I have to get through this weekend before I think about next year,” she said with a laugh. “But we’ll keep doing this every year.”

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