History of Alberta International Band Festival Edmonton
In 1971, Mr. John Nikel had a vision for a band festival that would provide an opportunity for young Albertans to perform and learn in a positive, educational environment. This vision resulting in the first Alberta International band Festival (then the Alberta Stage Band Festival) with 8 jazz bands performing in the first year.
Now, some 45 years later, the Festival annually host more than 300 school and community-based concert and jazz bands in both Edmonton and Calgary. The Alberta International Band Festivals is recognized for its commitment to education by bringing in world-class adjudicators to work with festival participants and allowing ensembles to perform in excellent performance venues.
In keeping with the original vision of Mr. Nikel, the festival continues to be managed by volunteers, mostly band directors, in both Edmonton and Calgary as a not-for-profit venture.