RICH’S BIO

A Soulful Musician

Rich has been passionate about music as long as he can remember! He comes from a very musical family with a diverse and intense love of music from Dixieland Jazz (Rich’s dad) to Opera (Rich’s mom). Rich studied jazz at Humber College in Toronto (Jazz Performance) and completed his studies at the University of Calgary (B.Mus.). The rest of Rich’s music education was learned ‘on the gig’ where he has been honoured and privileged to perform with amazing local, national, and international musicians.

PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN

Rich has performed and recorded with many outstanding groups such as the Jens Lindemann Big Band, Calgary Jazz Orchestra (CJO), Prime Time Big Band, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO), Lorna MacLachlan Quintet, Calgary Stampede Grandstand Orchestra, Barry Shaw Orchestra, Soul Providers, Penguins on Broadway, TR3, Tim Tamashiro Orchestra and his own jazz groups. His most recent show experience includes Billie Elliot at Theatre Calgary; The Roy Orbison Hologram Tour, Bernadette Peters, La La Land, Rhapsody In Blue, An American In Paris, Let’s Dance and Sinatra and Beyond with the CPO; and Dancers In Love with Decidedly Jazz Danceworks.

Rich’s soulful playing can be found on these recent recordings: Then is Now Rhapsody In Blue – Jens Lindemann (a Juno-nominated recording), The Disney Sessions V. 1 – Johnny Summers Quintet, Live at The Ironwood – Prime Time Big Band, When It’s Christmas Time – CJO and Bicycle Riding in the Dark – Lorna MacLachlan.

MUSIC LESSONS

Rich has taught saxophone lessons for students ranging from grade school through to seniors. Many of his students have gone on to study at prestigious schools in Canada and the US, and have become successful professional musicians.

MUSIC EDUCATOR

Rich has worked as an educator for the Calgary Board of Education for over thirty years, as well as teaching private lessons, clinics and guest conducting in Calgary and the southern Alberta region. He recently retired from the CBE where he taught Jazz Band, Jazz Studies, Technique Classes, and Concert Band.

For his last ten years at the CBE, Rich was the Director of the Jazz Program at Western Canada High School. He also worked with Torri Airhart at Heritage Christian Academy for ten years as a guest conductor and music advisor.