Jazz Band Clinicians
Tom Dowden
Tom received his Masters in Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 1995, and has spent his musical career as an educator, performer and arranger/composer. He taught band and choir for many years in the Manitoba school systems at the Jr. and Sr. High School levels, and directed jazz bands and vocal jazz ensembles at the University of Manitoba and Tiffin University in Tiffin, Ohio.
His compositions and arrangements include works for the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra, the Winnipeg Singers, and instrumental and vocal arrangements for many high schools and universities, including Glenlawn, Windsor Park, J.H. Bruns and Transcona Collegiates, Tiffin University, and the University of Manitoba. Tom has performed across the globe, including working as a pianist/singer on a cruise ship in Europe, singing and playing with jazz bands, combos, R & B bands, blues bands and performing across Canada with internationally acclaimed musicians such as Hugh Fraser and Peter Appleyard. Tom now spends his time teaching piano, guitar and voice in his private studio, and maintains a busy performance schedule with his bands and also as a soloist.
Mark DeJong
Saxophonist Mark DeJong has over two decades of professional
experience as a musician, educator, composer, bandleader, presenter
and sideman. A graduate of the prestigious jazz program at Rutgers
University in New Jersey, Mark has benefited from the tutelage of
saxophone masters Ralph Bowen, George Garzone, Donny McCaslin
and Stan Karp. He is currently on faculty at Mount Royal University in
Calgary, Alberta, where he teaches studio saxophone, jazz theory,
composition/arranging, and directs the large jazz ensemble.
A dynamic and versatile musician, Marks abilities have garnered
recognition regionally, across Canada, and across the globe. Highlights
include Canada Council touring grants for his renowned international
group, The Outer Bridge Ensemble, a WCMA nomination for his
recording “The Unknown”, and his selection as a performing artist at
the Canadian pavilion at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai. He is also a
founding director of the Calgary Creative Arts Ensemble. Formed in
2012, the CCAE features original Canadian compositions for large jazz
ensemble.
PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
Mark has performed with many of the worlds leading musicians from
all genres and styles. Career highlights have included sharing the
stage with such international icons as Ray Charles, Ian Tyson, Wayne
Newton, and Lennie Pickett, Canadian music legends Rob McConnell,
Moe Koffman, Tommy Banks, Victor Sawa, Hugh Fraser, P.J. Perry, as
well as renowned vocalists Nikki Yanofsky, Denzal Sinclaire, and Carol
Welsman. With a career that spans over 20 years, his performance
credits include the Ottawa, Edmonton, Vancouver, Calgary and
Saskatoon International Jazz festivals, as well as numerous concert
halls and jazz clubs across North America, Canada, the United States,
Europe, and Japan.
On Stage
Drum set, electric piano, bass and guitar amps and solo mikes will be provided. Any requests for other equipment must be made by April 24.
Jazz Bands will perform at Mosaic Place, 110 - 1st Ave. NW.
Music Scores
Directors are asked to number every bar in the two scores handed in to clinicians