Point Grey Jazz Band A | Vancouver, BC

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Drawing from a student population of approximately 1,150 students, the music program at Point Grey consists of 21 blocks of music, including concert bands, concert choirs, string ensembles, jazz bands, vocal jazz, musical theatre, chamber choir, and combo classes.

Through the support of our parents and administration and strong student interest, Point Grey is fortunate to have 4 jazz bands again this year. The bands are seated by audition. Jazz Bands A, B, and C have members from grades 9 to 12 while Jazz Band D is made up largely of grade 8 students, along with some older students who are completely new to playing jazz. This year’s Jazz Band A is made up of students in grade 11 –12 with a wide variety of jazz experience. They rehearse 2 times a week before and after school.

The band’s repertoire ranges widely and typically includes the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Charles Mingus, and Thad Jones, as well as many others. We also routinely play  music by Canadian composers, and our set will include some music by Vancouver-based composer Fred Stride.

Past versions of the band have played in England, Cuba, the United States, and at festivals throughout B.C. and Alberta, where they routinely receive gold ratings. This year the band was recognized as the top band at the Vancouver Kiwanis Jazz Festival.

CONDCUTOR: BRENT TAYLOR
Brent Taylor received his Bachelor of Music degree from U.B.C and began his music career working as a recording engineer and producer, primarily in Sydney, Australia, and also in Vancouver. Upon returning to Canada, he earned a Bachelor of Education degree and began teaching, while continuing his studies by pursuing and completing an M.A.

For the past 17 years he has been teaching instrumental music at Point Grey Secondary in Vancouver. The school is home to approximately 1,150 students, with 450 students enrolled in music. The ensembles he directs include concert bands, jazz bands and combos. Point Grey currently has the largest jazz program in the Vancouver School District and groups from Point Grey have been recognized at local and international festivals. Brent has also adjudicated  locally and internationally, including festivals in the United Kingdom and Canada.