2024 YOUTH CONCERT SHOWCASE SERIES

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The Langley Fine Arts School (LFAS) boasts a vibrant and inclusive music program that engages students from grades 6 to 12. Their jazz program encompasses various ensembles tailored to different age groups, including the Middle Years jazz program, Junior Jazz Band (grades 8-10), and Senior Jazz Band (grades 10-12). Under the guidance of dedicated directors Mark Lainchbury and Dylan Hohm, the bands rehearse for three hours weekly, focusing on high-quality repertoire curated from renowned jazz composers such as Count Basie and Charles Mingus and contemporary composers like Daniel Herzog.

In addition to their ensemble offerings, the LFAS band program nurtures individual talent through jazz combos within their grade 8, grade 9/10, and grade 11/12 music major classes, led by teachers Nico Stephenson, Jonny Michel, Dylan Hohm, and Mark Lainchbury. Even their youngest students in grades 6 and 7 have the opportunity to explore jazz through a beginner jazz club.

LFAS ensembles showcase their prowess at school concerts, jazz festivals, and public events, with notable achievements including invitations to perform at prestigious venues like the Vancouver Jazz Festival's Anthem Sounds of Youth Stage. Their Junior Jazz Band's recent win in the "Outstanding Junior Band" category at the Surrey Jazz Festival is a testament to the dedication and talent of their students and teachers. In addition, individual achievements, such as winning awards for outstanding performances and receiving scholarships, highlight the exceptional caliber of musicianship fostered within the program.

Check out their website: https://lfas.sd35.bc.ca/

Check them out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lbc4Bhnve40?si=YhqxL_XJavifZ3bp

Check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/langleyfineartsschool/

Director: Mark Lainchbury
Mark Lainchbury has been a Langley Fine Arts School music faculty member for the past 27 years. He has been leading concert bands, jazz bands, jazz combos and chamber music ensembles during that time. He was also the middle school music director for over 20 years.

Director: Dylan Hohm
Dylan Hohm has been a Langley Fine Arts School music faculty member for the past eight years. He is an integral part of our middle school and high school music program as a director, coach, and mentor. An alumni of the Capilano University Jazz program, Dylan continues to direct and perform with numerous community jazz bands and concert bands.

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Max Holmes - piano
Alison Lee - bass
Jack Colbourne - drums
Luka MacInnes-Cann - sax
William Xu - trumpet

Max Holmes is a rising star in the Canadian jazz scene, known for his prowess as a pianist and composer. His musical journey began at the age of five with classical training, immersing himself in the esteemed Canadian Royal Conservatory of Music's classical piano program for a decade. At the age of nine, Max discovered his passion for jazz and has since honed his craft under the guidance of luminaries such as Brad Turner, Lorraine Desmarais and George Cables.

Drawing inspiration from jazz legends like Oscar Peterson, Cedar Walton, and Herbie Hancock, Max has cultivated a style that seamlessly merges tradition with innovation. He has performed twice at the Fort Langley Jazz and Arts Festival; the first time as a soloist in 2019 at the age of 13 and the second with the Imus & Geddes Quintet in 2021. He has also been part of ensembles led by Fred Stride and Daniel Hersog and is the current pianist for the Jazz of the 49th Parallel Orchestra.

Max was selected three years in a row as the pianist for the Conn-Selmer Centerstage Jazz Band, an elite nationwide youth jazz ensemble. He has been the recipient of the 2022 Lou Williamson Rhythm Section Player Award and the prestigious 2024 Fraser MacPherson Jazz Scholarship.

Currently a senior and music major at Langley Fine Arts School, Max continues to push the boundaries of his musical expression while pursuing his passion for jazz. With plans to further his studies at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City, he is poised to make a lasting impact on the global jazz landscape.

Check Maxwell out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQNu0fUcO34

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Gordy Li - tenor sax
Rick Son - keyboards
Francis Naluz - bass
Julian Ferrer - drums

The SMURF Quartet are from Richmond and are known for their unique way of expressing the ideas of their generation about diasporan and digital expression through their music. They create cool sounds inspired by musicians like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock and Wynton Marsalis.

Check them out on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/gordysmurf/

Check them out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us63uYIPoyE

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David Caballero - Bass
Ben Wayne Kyle - Guitar
Arvind Ramdas - Drums

Ben Wayne Kyle is a guitar player, composer and singer based in Vancouver. The trio plays across a variety of genres including jazz, funk, folk and rock. Their set is mainly original instrumental music inspired by artists such as Bill Frisell, Grant Green and Pat Martino. The Trio is currently writing and recording their first album of original music. Ben is joined by local legends Dave Caballero on bass and Karl DeJong on drums.

Check out their website: https://www.benwaynekylemusic.com/

Check them out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben.kyle

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James Vickers - Vocals, Guitar
Carson Maertz - Guitar
Ezra Beaton - Bass
Sara Varro - Drums

James Vickers is a remarkable 14-year-old blues prodigy who embarked on his musical journey in March 2020. Influenced initially by Angus Young, he soon found his soul resonating with the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan, igniting a deep passion for the blues genre. His musical influences expanded further to include icons like Jimi Hendrix, Chuck Berry, Howlin' Wolf, Jonny Lang, and Colin James, alongside classic rock legends such as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Rod Stewart, The Allman Brothers, and The Doors.

Having debuted on stage at the Queen's Sunday Blues Jam in Nanaimo, BC, James swiftly made a name for himself, playing numerous music festivals and opening for artists like Jim Byrnes, Crystal Shawanda, Michael Sharratt, and Wide Mouth Mason. Notably, his band, The James Vickers Band, has headlined at The Queen's and The Rod & Gun.

In January 2024, James showcased his immense talent at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, competing in the youth category, solidifying his status as an emerging force in the blues scene. With his Indigenous heritage adding a unique dimension to his artistry, the future shines brightly for James Vickers as he continues to captivate audiences with his soulful melodies and electrifying performances.

Check out this article about him: https://www.nanaimobulletin.com/entertainment/youth-musician-plucks-strings-in-memphis-for-international-blues-challenge-7324802

Check him out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.104361711582279&type=3

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Saxes: Dave Llewellyn , Elliot Ashton, Dylan Holm, Bryan Phenix, Martin Petruk
Trumpets: Ayden Landsman, Daniel Holker, Chad Joiner, Andrea Flello
Trombones: Bruce Flello, Mike Schaufele, Kory Pahl, Harrison Rose, Rod Ellard
Drums - Jim Kempton
Guitar - Brendan Twamley
Bass - Brock Foerster
Keys - Maxwell Holmes

The Jazz Orchestra of the 49th Parallel (JO49) is the newest big band in the lower mainland, featuring students, music teachers, and other players residing south of the river or in the Fraser Valley. The ensemble comprises 17 skilled musicians, offering a contemporary instrumental big band experience.

With a fusion of traditional big band elements and innovative arrangements, their repertoire showcases a diverse instrumentation of brass, woodwinds, and rhythm. From classic swing to funk and Latin influences, JO49 delivers a captivating musical experience, blending tradition with experimentation to create a dynamic and engaging sound with a fresh take on the timeless big band sound.

Check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Jazz-Orchestra-of-the-49th-Parallel/61551245417593/

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Ruthie Ha - saxophone
Richardo Galvez - trombone
Bella Fedrigo - bass
Sadie Koshan - drums

Ruthie Ha is a tenor saxophonist and a third-year student in the Jazz program at Capilano University. Ruthie is very excited to play some various jazz standards as well as a few originals.

Check them out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthlfha_music/

Check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruthie.summer

Check them out on YouTube :https://youtu.be/YJyMySksKVI?si=OZiFfca_AbTsR-uk

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Alison Lee - Upright Bass
William Xu - Trumpet
Sadie Koshan - Drum Kit
Maxwell Holmes - Piano

Trading Fours is a Vancouver-based jazz quartet comprised of members Allison Lee (bass), William Xu (trumpet), Maxwell Holmes (piano), and Sadie Koshan (drums). They are accomplished young musicians, having performed in honours ensembles at the provincial and national levels, such as BCMEA Honour Jazz Ensemble, the Conn-Selmer Centerstage Jazz Band, and the York University National Youth Jazz Combo. Members have received recognition at MusicFest Canada, Fraser Mcpherson Jazz Fund, and have played at the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival. Their playing is full of energy, joy, and playfulness!

About Alison Lee - Leader of Trading Fours

Allison Lee is a 16-year-old jazz bassist living in Vancouver, BC. She has a passion for playing, arranging and writing music and has performed at countless venues such as Carnegie Hall, Times Square, the Orpheum and Queen Elizabeth Theatre. She is also involved in string orchestra, several combo ensembles and band at her school.

Check out their website: http://tradingfours.band
Check them out on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHQJtmpqUzo