The sounds of music were heard throughout the halls of the Red Deer College Arts Centre, as students from all over Western Canada performed in front of family, friends and music professionals.

RDC hosted the annual Alberta Band Association Provincial Festival of Bands from May 8-13 and May 15-18, giving musicians the chance to perform on a big stage.

The event is celebrating its 40th year and Festival Coordinator Joyce Howdle said Red Deer College couldn’t be a better host.

“We have perfect facilities to offer events such as this. I mean you clearly need a wonderful stage, you need good breakout rooms and things like that.”

"It’s also in the middle, so we are lucky to have a central location.”

Students were taught and critiqued by music professionals from around Canada and part of the States, something and Howdle said will benefit students going forward.

“It’s that amped up level of having someone of a university stature giving your band suggestions and working with your band.”

“A lot of bands don’t have that opportunity.”

About 7,000 Junior, Senior and Community band members participated in 10 days of performances, clinics and sight-reading activities.