True
North Brass
True North Brass burst on to the Canadian scene in 1997, and has since
solidified its reputation as one of Canada's most exciting ensembles. True
North's membership includes two outstanding composer/arrangers who create the
ensemble's fresh and unique programming. Proudly Canadian in focus and
expression, True North Brass has been welcomed not only in Canada but in China
and throughout North America.
True
North Brass has released three critically acclaimed CD recordings on the
Opening Day label. Its newest recording, A
True North Christmas was the most frequently played disc on Canadian
classical radio stations throughout the 2001 holiday season. The group was also
featured in CBC's Christmas television music special, on the Opening Night
program. True North Brass were featured guest artists at the International
Brass Symposium in Atlanta, Georgia in March 2000, chosen from the elite of the
international brass world. They accompanied Prime Minister Chretien's 1998
trade mission to China, performing recitals in Beijing and Wuhan and directing
masterclasses at the Beijing Conservatory. The ensemble has also performed
masterclasses and recitals at the Boston and New England Conservatories and
toured British Columbia, Ontario, Tennessee, Connecticut, Virginia, Texas, New
Hampshire, Alabama, and Florida. True North Brass was featured at the Ottawa
Chamber Music Festival in 1999, 2001, and opened the festival in 2002. They
continue to perform extensively across Canada and the United States.
The members
of True North Brass are Yamaha Artists associated with Yamaha Canada.
Meet the
members of the True North Brass: BARTON
WOOMERT is truly a gem. With fantastic pitch and a tremendous sense of
musicality he brings to the group a fantastic sound and great spirit. His
musical career has brought him from the United States through Venezuela - back
to the United States to play in the United States Marine band and playing
functions at the White House (but of course!) - and finally here to Canada,
where he has played for the Hamilton Philharmonic and Toronto Symphony. An
advocate of music education, Barton has been an instructor at the University of
Toronto since 1982.
Trumpeter
RAYMOND TIZZARD is Concertmaster and
Artistic Director of The Hannaford Street Silver Band. Under his leadership the
ensemble has become a major force on the Canadian scene. Raymond's love of
brass music stems from his childhood experiences performing with The Whitby
Brass Band. He is presently a member of The Canadian Opera Company and National
Ballet Orchestras and is in great demand as a performer, clinician and
consultant. Ray plays models YTR6335S, YTR9635, & YTR6445HSII Trumpets.
JOAN WATSON's solo work as well as her lectures
for musicians on goal-setting and orchestral audition psychology are much in
demand. Her teachers include the celebrated virtuosi Hermann Baumann and Dale
Clevenger. Previously principal horn with the Victoria Symphony and Canadian
Opera Company Orchestra, Joan has been Associate Principal French Horn of the
Toronto Symphony and has just released her first solo album, "Songs My
Mother Taught Me". Joan plays a YHR861 Horn.
ALASTAIR KAY is a consummate trombone soloist
who currently leads the trombone section of Rob McConnell's Grammy
Award-winning jazz ensemble The Boss Brass. He played in the Pit at Toronto's
production of Disney's "The Lion King". He has worked with leading
symphony orchestras as well as entertainers such as Frank Sinatra and Ella
Fitzgerald. One of the busiest musicians on the planet, Al also finds time to
chair the brass department at Toronto's Humber College. Al plays a YSL684G
symphonic trombone as well as the new YSL697 jazz trombone; Al was the key
development Artist in the design and perfection of this new model.
Tubist SCOTT IRVINE cannot be categorized. His
arrangements and compositions are regularly featured by a variety of ensembles
and have been documented on several CBC discs. His remarkable instrumental
gifts (Don Ferguson of The Royal Canadian Air Farce calls him "Tuba Tyrant
Extraordinaire") have found him in constant demand in musical situations
ranging from the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra to Sharon, Lois and Bram's "Elephant
Show". Beware! Scott plays his YFB822S FF Tuba in the TNB as well as his
YEB321S in the Hannaford Band.
Website: www.truenorthbrass.com
