MONTREAL ALL CITY BIG BAND

         Following my experience within the CJAD All City Big Band group, under the direction of Denny Christianson from 1985 to 2000, my passion for the music has encouraged me to revive such an ensemble that is now called the Montreal All City Big Band. 

         Young promising musicians looking for a challenge are, by becoming members of the Montreal All City Big Band enhancing their musical knowledge, developing their skills and at the same time are having a taste of what it is like to be a professional musician. 

         Five trumpet players, five trombonists, five saxophonists, a pianist, a drummer, a bassist and a guitarist are part of this group ages 17 to 23 for a total of nineteen musicians. Auditions were held at the beginning of September 2005. Members were chosen from students attending music classes in the Greater Montreal area. They had to perform a musical selection of their choice and pass a sight-reading test. Jazz improvisation was also part of the auditions. Four professional musicians were judging the participants based on execution, intonation, interpretation, the ability to sight-read and the general level of musicianship. Selected candidates are required to attend a weekly, 2 hour rehearsal and are responsible to find a replacement in the event of their absence. 

         This project’s main goal is to increase musical development by style diversity and precise execution of the music, leading to a professional level of performance. The main source of music performed by the Montreal All City Big Band is taken from well known Big Band writers such as Sammy Nestico, Thad Jones, Duke Ellington, Tom Kubis and many more. 

         The ensemble has already done more than 25 concerts around the Greater Montreal including the JazzFest des Jeunes du Québec where the ensemble received the ''Gold Award''. There are already 10 concerts on the 2008 - 2009 schedule. 

         Obviously, all of this would have not been possible without the help of our sponsors. I would like to thanks the Caisse Desjardins de Lorimier, Dr, D. Blaine Friesen, Mediatech, VR St-Cyr and FUJIFILM for helping us out through the 2005- 2008 season. 

         The Montreal All City Big Band is currently looking for sponsors   and/or any kind of help that could benefit the ensemble. Please feel free to contact me if you have ideas, comments or suggestions. 

Christian Morissette                                                                             Directeur Musical - Fondateur

info@montrealallcitybigband.com