The BJP Webinar Series

Join two-time JUNO-nominated bassist and composer Jodi Proznick while she shares fascinating stories and incredible playing by some of the greatest early jazz bassists, including Paul Chambers, Ray Brown, Oscar Pettiford, Jimmy Blanton, Scott LaFaro, Charles Mingus and Israel Crosby.

Jazz can be an intimidating genre to understand and appreciate. Join us as award-winning bassist, educator and composer Jodi Proznick talks us through a great jazz album and teaches how to listen and what to listen for.

Trumpet is far and away the most physically demanding instrument ever devised, and the people able to conquer it deserve to be celebrated! Join us as accomplished trumpeter and teacher André Wickenheiser takes us on a deep dive into jazz history’s greatest trumpeters over 50+ years of amazing music.

Calgary-based trumpeter André Wickenheiser began his musical studies at Mount Royal University, where he completed an Artist Diploma in jazz performance. His passion for excellence led him to Montreal, where he completed a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in jazz performance at McGill University.

André enjoys a busy career as a freelance musician and is quickly making a name for himself as one of the top jazz trumpet players in Calgary and Alberta. He is a composer, arranger and educator, performing regularly in local groups including the André Wickenheiser Sextet, Past Present Quintet, Lorna MacLachlan Quintet and the Jon McCaslin Quartet. André is on the faculty of Ambrose University and the Mount Royal Conservatory.

Who are some of the most influential jazz pianists, and when did they produce their most significant work? Art Tatum, Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans and McCoy Tyner: each with a unique voice, each responding to what came before and influencing what came after. Plus, we’ll dip into inspired and inspiring contemporary pianists such as JoAnne Brackeen.

Lorna MacLachlan has been writing, arranging and performing in Western Canada for over 30 years. After completing a graduate degree in composition, she composed scores for theatre, dance and national media companies. As an educator, Lorna is passionate about music and a strong advocate for the arts in the development of young minds. She taught music in the public schools for over 24 years and has been recognized nationally for her dedication to excellence in music education.