The Guelph Youth Jazz Ensemble performed at the Next Generation Jazz Festival at Humber College in Toronto on Feb. 22 and was selected to attend the Nationals of Music Fest Canada in Ottawa.
The National runs from May 14 to 19 and brings all the top bands from high schools and communities across Canada together to play, attend workshops and listen to some great music.
This is the first time the ensemble has been chosen to represent the music community of Guelph on the national stage.
Directed by Brent Rowan this group of young musicians has been meeting weekly since Sept. to learn various jazz and improvising styles.
“This is my first time ever being part of a group that gets to go to Nationals, so I am very excited about giving these students the opportunity to be part of a showcase of some of Canada’s finest young jazz musicians,” Rowan said.
“We have lots of work to do in terms of preparing for the festival and raising funds to cover the costs of going to Ottawa. The festival does not provide any accommodations or travel expenses so all of that has to be raised by the group.”
The jazz ensemble is hosting a fundraising concert at the MacDonald Stewart Arts Centre on March 31 at 2pm featuring a jazz quartet from Toronto.
Tickets are $15 and are available by contacting the ensemble via email at music@guelphyouthjazzensemble.com or 519-823-8893.
Anyone wishing to support the ensemble with a donation, or provide a performance opportunity, should contact the group music@guelphyouthjazzensemble.com or 519-823-8893.
