Big band concert Oct. 6 features VIU faculty, students and alumni

If you enjoy the sounds of big band jazz, don’t miss a special performance tonight (October 6) by some of central Vancouver Island’s most talented musicians.

The Nanaimo Musicians’ Association Big Band (NMA) and the Arrowsmith Big Band share a jazz concert at 7:30 PM in the Malaspina Theatre at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Nanaimo campus.

Faculty, students and alumni from VIU play key roles in both bands.

VIU music instructor Bryan Stovell formed the NMA band in his basement in 1967 and directed for 10 years. His VIU colleague, Steve Jones, directed the band for 20 years until he handed the reins back to Stovell in 2010.

Music professor Greg Bush, who also teaches at VIU, performs on trumpet with both bands and contributes his compositions and arrangements. Recreation and Tourism professor Tom Delamere plays the baritone saxophone.

Students enrolled in VIU's music program form the rhythm section with Patrick Courtin on piano, Johnny Lucas on drums, Jenn Carnahan on bass and Jeff Saunders on guitar.

Several original band members, including current trumpeter Al Campbell, played at Nanaimo’s legendary Pygmy Ballroom in the 1940s. The NMA is directly descended from the Pygmy orchestra and is celebrating its 43rd anniversary this year.

The Arrowsmith Big Band, formed about 30 years ago by well-known swing trumpeter Bill Cave, is based in Qualicum Beach and includes musicians from Courtenay, Port Alberni , Parksville/Qualicum, and Nanoose Bay. Drummer Michael Wright is the band manager.

Both groups are comprised of professional musicians, school band directors, and amateurs who love to play big band music. Outstanding student musicians are invited to join the bands each year. The impressive alumni list includes Diana Krall, Phil Dwyer, and Ingrid and Christine Jensen, all of whom acknowledge the valuable experience they gained as student musicians.

Besides jazz concerts, both bands play for several Swing dances each year, performing the old classics by iconic Swing Era band leaders such as Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Duke Ellington.

The Malaspina Theatre is located at 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo at the VIU campus. Tickets for tonight’s show are $10 and $5 for students, and are available at the door.

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