Tubist SCOTT IRVINE cannot be categorized. His remarkable instrumental gifts (Don Ferguson of The Royal Canadian Air Farce calls him 'Tuba Tyrant Extraordinaire') find him in constant demand with ensembles ranging from the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra to Sharon, Lois and Bram's 'Elephant Show'. Scott's arrangements and compositions are featured by a variety of ensembles and have also been documented on several notable CBC SM5000 discs. Beware!
ALASTAIR KAY is consummate trombone soloist who currently leads the trombone section of Rob McConnell's Grammy Award-winning jazz ensemble The Boss Brass. He has worked for leading symphony orchestras as well as entertainers such as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. One of the busiest musicians on the planet, Alastair is also a committed teacher, and currently chairs the brass department at Toronto's Humber College.
JOAN WATSON's solo work as well as her lectures for musicians on goal-setting and orchestral audition psychology are much in demand. Formerly principal horn with the Victoria Symphony and Canadian Opera Company Orchestra, Joan has held the position of Associate Principal French Horn of the Toronto Symphony since 1987. She retains fond memories of evenings spent listening to big-band music in her childhood home in Dauphin, Manitoba, and has just released her first solo album, 'Songs My Mother Taught Me'.
Trumpeter RAYMOND TIZZARD is Concertmaster and Artistic Director of The Hannaford Street Silver Band ('The finest brass band on the continent.' AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE). Under his leadership and direction the ensemble has become a major force on the Canadian scene. Raymond's love of brass music stems from his childhood experiences performing with The Whitby Brass Band. He is presently a member of The Canadian Opera Company and National Ballet Orchestras and is in great demand as a performer, clinician and consultant.
JAMES GARDINER James Gardiner is a sensational musician and a wonderful addition to True North Brass. His work with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra since 1999 has been outstanding, proving him an outstanding player and a true talent. Prior to life with the TSO, James has played in orchestras in Mexico City and Nova Scotia, with the National Ballet of Canada. Today he is in demand and can be seen playing in many ensembles including the Hannaford Street Silver Band, the Esprit Orchestra, the Toronto Bach Consort, to name only a few.
©2005 True North Brass