Emotionally Intelligent Music Education
Edmonton Youth Band is dedicated to nurturing compassionate and thoughtful young musicians through meaningful ensemble experiences. Through collaboration and shared musical expression, we cultivate empathy, teamwork, and personal growth, creating a supportive environment where young people can thrive both musically and socially.
We exist to develop not just skilled musicians, but compassionate and thoughtful individuals—young people who learn to listen deeply, work together, and build meaningful connections through music, carrying these skills far beyond the stage.
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Nurturing compassionate musicians through collaboration, connection, and community.
Student Testimonials
Ms. Heslip is a fantastic band director! She can blend fun and learning effortlessly. She brings her vibrant personality to the music, both the pieces and the theory! She could make a better musician out of someone brand new or with years of experience. I have greatly enjoyed being under her direction, and would recommend her to anyone!
Isaac S.
Ms. Heslip is an amazing band director, especially for those new to intermediate level music. Her love for music was obvious every rehearsal with the Edmonton Junior All-City Band, making her one that all of us adored. Her personality and smile are just parts of what make her an amazing person!
Giselle H.
Ms. Heslip has been one of the most memorable band directors I have had in recent years. Her kindness and exceptional skill in music and teaching truly make every rehearsal significant and passionate.
Jerry P.
Ms. Heslip is an absolutely fantastic director! She is so personable with young people, making music so fun and engaging to learn. She keeps rehearsal exciting and engaging while ensuring that everyone is growing and learning! Being in her band was a highlight of my music journey.
Felix S.
Ms. Heslip creates creative ways to describe music so all people can understand and enjoy making music!
Kathy H.
Ms Heslip is supportive, encouraging, and an incredibly talented conductor. Playing in her band not only helped me connect with other musicians and build a sense of community, but allowed me to also improve exponentially on my instrument
Avery C.
Ms. Heslip truly helped me grow so much as a musician. Her humour and energy added so much to each rehearsal, and I was actually excited to practice my instrument! Anyone who has her as their conductor or director should count themself extremely lucky!
Nicola C.
Since high school, music has been a source of joy for me. This is largely because of the excess of support and unwavering trust that my high school honour band teacher, Ms. Heslip, had for every one of us students. I owe a lot of my love for music and my pursuit of a music career to her. I am forever grateful.Â
Calla E.
Ms. Heslip was a phenomenally charismatic and knowledgeable conductor. Her style of teaching does not just effectively build a tight knit community within the band, but also accelerates the development of skills and contributes to something not widely considered in concert bands; passion. For me, I hated music. Once I found concert band I wanted to experiment and the ECSD Junior All City Band provided the perfect opportunity for me to do just that. It happened to be led by none other than Ms. Heslip. Throughout that year I learned to love music and the genuine connection and positive environment she retained with her students fostered what would soon become my musical passion. Not even mentioning the elevation in skill level I gained under her conducting, I gained something more from her teaching, a drive to keep pursuing music.
Khilen S.
Ms. Heslip had such a positive impact on my love of music. She created a welcoming and encouraging environment where I grew as both a musician and a person, and I always felt supported. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for an inspiring and dedicated music teacher.
Marek I.