February 18/00

Trombone Circus makes the hit parade

en the Trombone Circus hit Capilano College on Sunday, January 30, 133 trombonists took the stage in the Performing Arts Theatre to participate in a workshop led by Rolling Stones trombonist Michael Davis and Los Angeles-based trombone virtuoso Bill Reichenbach. The free workshop also included the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s trombone section and was attended by players of all ages. The event was presented by the Capilano College Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies degree program, the Vancouver Community College Music department and The Commission Project.

College organizer of the event, Jazz trombone instructor Rob McKenzie, sends his thanks to the following: Michael Davis, Bill Reichenbach, Gordon Cherry, Greg Cox, Cam Dunlop, Ned Corman, The Commission Project, United Musical Instruments, Northwest Musical Services, Tom Lee Music, Yamaha Canada, the Jazz Studies program at Capilano College, Vancouver Community College, the Vancouver Musicians Association, and the Music Performance Trust Fund.

“Many thanks, as well, to the students,

professional musicians, music educators and jazz fans who showed up for the Trombone Circus,” Rob adds.

The Trombone Circus concluded with a fabulous evening concert by the Michael Davis Group, a jazz quintet featuring Michael Davis and Bill Reichenbach. The grand prize winner of the trombone gig bag, trombone stand, and mute (all donated by UMI) was Peter Barro of Sir Charles Tupper Secondary school.

Trombone Circus was conceived to bring together as many trombone players as possible because there is some concern that the trombone is declining as the instrument of choice for young musicians. A similar event was held in New York in December 1999 and attracted 100 players.

Chamber's heart as big as the sea-to-sky

Ihe Chamber of Commerce

serving Squamish, Britannia Beach and Furry Creek once again had Capilano College students in mind at its 66th annual general meeting and president’s banquet.

The event, held at the Best Western Sea to Sky Hotel in Squamish on Saturday, January 29, was attended by approximately 133 Chamber members and College dean, Stephanie Forsyth. As part of the activities, a fundraiser was held to help students from the region attend Capilano College’s Squamish campus.

“Tt looks as if $1,500 was raised this year,’ says Chamber manager, Karen Hodson. “Approximately $3,000 was raised in total with half going to the Capilano College bursary and half to the Chamber’s programs and projects.

“We actually raised more money than we anticipated,” Karen adds, “and everyone had fun doing it! We had a live Dutch auction, a silent auction and some games, including the millennium millionaire game, which was a big hit.”

Karen’s enthusiasm for the bursary may come from the fact that she is a Capilano College alumna. “I

Guests at the Capilano College table include, from left, dean Stephanie Forsyth, College board member Donnaleen Miller, Voice sales rep Cathie Brough (at back), economic development officer for Squamish, Brent Leigh, Squamish campus regional assistant Alison Turner (front centre), Squamish campus supervisor Inge Oord, and Brent’s wife Barb. (Photo courtesy of lan Jacques.)

graduated back in 1980 from the Tourism Management program,” she says. “I already had a degree in Geography from the University of Victoria.”

Last year, the bursary was presented to University Transfer student, Matthew Lafreniere. The 1998 recipient, Joanne MacMillan, received her diploma in

Business Administration and is working toward a degree.

“We are really pleased with the amount of money raised and that it is going towards benefiting such a worthwhile cause,” says Chamber president Shabbir Dhalla. “Based upon the smiles — and compliments — I think that our mission was accomplished!”