Notices:

Link to Valley Winds Big Band Music Library (Members Only)

Ben Miles

Big Band Director

Ben brings to the Valley Winds an enthusiastic approach to rehearsals and performances and an ongoing commitment to encouraging band members to strive for continuity in their playing and reading of big band charts. Added to this is the understanding that, as Ben has discovered: “us adult musicians are no different than young ones… sometimes we practice and sometimes we don’t. What’s most important is that we enjoy the experience of playing our instruments with each session”

As Music Director for the Valley Winds Big Band, Ben brings over 20 years of combined music study and performance to the band stand this season. As a trumpeter, he studied music performance at both Humber College in Toronto, Ontario and Mount Royal College in Calgary, Alberta. In joining the Valley Winds Big Band this season he will be acting as musical director for his 7th straight term.

With the Valley Winds Big Band, Ben’s emphasis has always been on having fun, enjoying the experience of rehearsals mixed with the odd performance. The atmosphere is social, yet focused on responding to instruction and striving for consistency in performance. As Ben likes to say when prodded, “Big Band is a fabulous format for brass and as much as I love strings and other classical instruments, there is something about putting brass players in a room with big band charts before them. It is both satisfying and rewarding to be a part of that group musical experience."

Practice Schedule

Wednesdays from 7:30 - 9:30 pm

Canmore Collegiate High School Music Room

2011-12 Season resumes on January 18 with registration at 7:00pm.

The Big Band plays big band jazz, swing and  popular dance charts. There are opportunities for soloing and learning to improvise while improving one's abilities. We are a social and supportive adult driven amateur performance group (6 - 8 performances a year) with a Level 2 - 4 repertoire. If you are comfortable sight reading Level 2 band arrangements, you are welcome to join the ensemble.

Big Band

Updated: December 21, 2011 by NH

The band is particularly keen to find additional trumpet, trombone and piano players to fill out existing sections. All other jazz band instruments are welcome to join in the fun.