Winds of the North: A Survey of the Canadian Wind Band Tradition and Repertoire highlights the importance of Canadian contributions to wind band and music education practices. This substantial volume explores the unique history of wind band in Canada, balanced with contemporary perspectives and representative repertoire.

The chapters in Part I cover a range of topics, including an overview of Canadian wind band history, French-Canadian perspectives (presented in both French and English), decolonizing wind band practices, meaningful Indigenous collaborations, and other important legacies and contemporary issues. Significantly, all chapters are presented through a twenty-first-century lens.

Part II offers scholarly resource guides for 85 of the best works by Canadian composers, categorized by difficulty for developing, intermediate, experienced, and advanced bands. Each guide presents information about the composer and the work’s composition, historical and cultural perspectives, stylistic considerations, pedagogical information, and an overview of the work’s form and structure. Rounding out each guide are suggested resources and recordings.

This landmark resource pays homage to the creativity and community that define the Canadian wind band tradition, celebrating its past while inspiring the musicians and educators who will shape its future.

Darrin Oehlerking, compiler and editor of this volume, serves as Associate Dean of Student Affairs for the College of Arts and Science at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and is Professor of Music in the USask School for the Arts. He has previously served as president of both the Canadian Band Association and the Saskatchewan Band Association, has directed numerous honour bands, and has served as an adjudicator, conference presenter, and clinician across Canada, the United States, and Europe.