The Kelowna Big Band,
bringing the vibrant sounds of big band music to life!
Meet the Kelowna Big Band:
Bruce Dougall Lead Trumpet and Band Manager.
Since relocating from Langley to Kelowna in 2009, Bruce has established himself as a sought-after trumpet player in the region. His extensive music involvement includes tours with renowned artists such as Bill Gaither, Larry Dalton, and Living Sound. Bruce has also performed as the principal trumpet in esteemed ensembles, including the Canadian Military Band, Kelowna Concert Band, Okanagan Symphony, Symphony Wind Ensemble, and the Arizona Winds Concert Band in Phoenix Arizona.
Bruce is the founder of the "RE/MAX Rockin’ All Stars" a band of full time RE/MAX REALTORS® raising funds for BC Children’s Hospital. Through their efforts, they’ve raised over $42,000 to date, reflecting Bruce’s strong commitment to giving back to the community.
As a full-time RE/MAX REALTOR®, Bruce combines his passion for service with over 38 years of experience in Real Estate, helping clients with their Real Estate needs in the Kelowna area.
Michael Garding. Alto Sax and Music Director
Michael Garding is a skilled alto saxophonist and a talented writer and arranger of music. He is a cornerstone of the Kelowna Big Band. With decades of experience, Michael brings a polished sound and remarkable versatility to the group, enriching the band’s performances with his expressive playing and technical expertise.
Throughout his musical career, Michael has performed with a variety of ensembles, showcasing his ability to navigate both classic big band charts and modern jazz compositions. Beyond performance, he is passionate about fostering musical growth in the community, mentoring aspiring musicians, and sharing his love for jazz.
Michael’s dedication, artistry, and vibrant tone make him an indispensable part of the Kelowna Big Band, captivating audiences and inspiring his fellow musicians.
Wade Dorsey. 1st Trombone
Wade Dorsey's journey with the trombone began at the age of 13, fueled by an unwavering passion for music. With a familial connection to the legendary Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey brothers of the Big Band era—first cousins to his grandfather—Wade inherited a legacy of musical excellence.
During his time in Edmonton, Wade collaborated with the esteemed Tommy Banks, contributing his trombone skills to television and radio shows. His versatility in the studio led him to back up iconic artists such as Dionne Warwick, Manhattan Transfer, Jan Arden, and Anne Murray, among others.
Since 1994, Wade has served as the principal trombonist with the OSO, showcasing his mastery of the instrument in the realm of orchestral music. Alongside his wife Julie, Wade has embarked on musical journeys around the globe, accompanying choirs and orchestras to over 20 different countries.
Residing in Kelowna, Wade remains an active participant in the local music scene, lending his talents to a diverse array of musical styles and collaborating with various groups. With a rich tapestry of experiences and a boundless dedication to his craft, Wade Dorsey continues to enchant audiences with his soulful trombone performances.
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Dr. Dan (Daniel Kim)
"Demonstrating adeptness with his trumpet, Daniel enriches the live sound of the Kelowna Big Band, seamlessly blending technical prowess, jazz improvisation, and a velvety tone that harmonizes with the ensemble. Beyond his musical contributions, Daniel actively participates in the vibrant Kelowna music scene.
In his professional life, Daniel holds a prominent position as one of Kelowna's leading dentists, owning and operating Mission Creek Dental in the Lower Mission area. Graduating from the University of Alberta's Faculty of Dentistry in 2001, Dr. Daniel J. Kim brings his passion for excellence from the stage to the dental chair."
Mark Doughty. Trumpet
Mark Doughty is an active and versatile trumpet player in the Okanagan music community. He performs regularly with both The Kelowna Big Band and the Kelowna City Concert Band, contributing a solid sound, dependable musicianship, and a genuine enthusiasm for ensemble playing.
With experience in jazz, concert, and community music settings, Mark brings strong section skills and a thoughtful musical approach to every performance. His commitment to continual growth and his enjoyment of making music with others make him a valued member of each group he plays with.
Mark is proud to be part of The Kelowna Big Band trumpet section and continues to be an energetic presence in the local music scene.
Dan McClelland Trumpet Vocals.
Dan served 33 years with Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services, and moved to the Okanagan with his wife, Cari and son, Cooper in 2017. Dan brings years of varied musical experience to the group, having performed on trumpet and vocals in some dynamic settings with VFRS Band 1983 - present. Playing Trumpet, Tuba, and serving as Alternate Conductor and Vocal Soloist with Willingdon Church 140 voice Choir & 45 pce. Symphonic Orchestra 1993 - 2002. Dan was involved playing Trumpet, singing with with the Continentals Gospel Music Ensemble in 1993 on an 18-state concert tour plus performing with Hotline à cappella Quartet 1986 - 2002 as Arranger, Lead, Baritone and Bass.
Dan has performed Bugling honours and the national anthems of both Canada & the USA in multiple settings: Vancouver Canucks Games, BC Lions games, 2010 Winter Olympics, post 9/11 funerals in New York, Vancouver Remembrance Day Ceremonies, 10th Anniversary 9/11 Service in 2011, on Carrier USS Midway at San Diego… and more.
Angus Armstrong
Trombone and assistant Music Director
From 1981 - 1993, he played with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Band. From 1986 - 1993, he became a member of the 8 piece “Bison Band”, as trombonist, keyboardist, vocalist, and arranger.
During (and after) his career with the RCMP Band, he performed with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, and was the Principal Trombonist of the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra and Orchestre Symphonique de Gatineau.
Under the banner of the “Music in the Schools” program sponsored by the National Arts Centre, he played in a group called “The Ragtime Brass”. (brass quintet plus drummer). This group performed regularly in schools, and has performed recitals, and have also done many CBC broadcasts.
Angus was also involved with “Capital Brassworks”, ( www.capitalbrassworks.ca ) a 12 piece brass and percussion ensemble. We performed a series of 3 concerts per year, as well as being an “ensemble for hire” for music festivals, choirs, etc. throughout Ontario and Quebec. He also performed master classes at high school music competitions (Kiwanis, etc.) and has recorded and released 4 CD’s.
In 2020, he retired as the director of the Parkdale Orchestra (www.parkdaleorchestra.ca), and in 2018, the Pembroke Symphony. (www.pembrokesymphony.org)
From 1995 until 2019, he was the musical director of the Ottawa Junior Youth Orchestra, an orchestra comprised of up and coming young musicians from the National Capital Region, which is a part of the much larger Ottawa Youth Orchestra Academy.
Dr. John Mackey, Tenor Sax
John is Professor Emeritus in Oncology at the University of Alberta, and is a cancer researcher and clinician, now working at the Kelowna Cancer Centre. He started Pacylex Pharmaceuticals to develop a new cancer drug that is now in the Phase II international trials. Before moving to Kelowna, he played lead alto and tenor saxophone in Edmonton’s River City Big Band.
Denis Schurmann – Trombone
Denis is a seasoned trombone player with deep roots in the Kelowna, BC music community. Over the years, he has contributed to numerous ensembles and performances—from big bands and concert bands to jazz combos and community orchestras—helping shape the vibrant musical scene in the Okanagan Valley. Known for his clear warm tone, strong musicianship, and collaborative spirit, Denis continues to inspire both audiences and fellow musicians throughout the region.
Francisco Rubio Bocangel, Alto Sax
Francisco is a dedicated saxophonist who has been deeply involved in Kelowna’s vibrant music community for most of their life. With experience performing in esteemed ensembles like the Conn-Selmer Centerstage Big Band, Francisco brings a wealth of talent, passion, and professionalism to the Kelowna Big Band.
Known for their fluid technique and expressive playing, Francisco seamlessly blends tradition with modern jazz sensibilities. Their commitment to excellence and enthusiasm for big band music make them a valuable asset to the band.
Francisco looks forward to continuing their musical journey and contributing to the rich tradition of big band music while captivating audiences with every performance.
Stephen Buck – Bass
Stephen Buck is a renowned professional musician whose talents on both saxophone and bass have made him a prominent figure in the music industry. His remarkable career includes a standout performance on saxophone with Paul Shaffer’s band on the David Letterman show, showcasing his exceptional skill and versatility.
Now based in Kelowna, Stephen continues to enrich the local music scene with his expertise. As a highly sought-after musician, he lends his profound musical knowledge and experience to a variety of projects and genres. In the Kelowna Big Band, Stephen plays the bass, where his profound rhythmic sense and melodic playing significantly enhance the ensemble’s sound.
His ability to seamlessly switch between sax and bass and his dedication to his craft make Stephen a valuable asset to the Kelowna music community and a key member of the Kelowna Big Band.
Bruce Redstone. Lead Alto Sax
Bruce Redstone brings decades of professional experience as a saxophonist, educator, conductor, and adjudicator. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education (Magna Cum Laude) from Central Washington University and a Master of Music in Saxophone Performance from the University of Toronto, where he earned top recital honours.
As a performer, Bruce has appeared with major Canadian orchestras including the Toronto Symphony, Hamilton Philharmonic, Mississauga Symphony, North York Symphony, and Toronto Wind Orchestra, and has performed in concerts and recitals across Canada, the United States, and the UK.
His jazz career includes appearances at the Montreal Jazz Festival, Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival, Calgary International Jazz Festival (opening for Sun Ra), and the Beaches Jazz Festival, along with extensive club and studio work. He is featured on multiple recordings and has performed with groups such as the Larry Bond Quartet, Don Bowes Big Band, Kalais Trio, and Project Phoenix.
Bruce spent nearly two decades on faculty at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, where he taught saxophone, ensembles, and jazz history, and served as Chair of the Woodwinds, Brass & Percussion Department. He has adjudicated and examined across North America for over 20 years, and has taught at the University of Lethbridge, George Brown College, York University, and various music festivals and summer programs.
In addition to his musical work, Bruce has a background in professional photography and taught photography and videography at Humber College from 2016–2025.
Don MacKay – Baritone Saxophone
Don MacKay provides the saxophone section with its rich and essential baritone sound, adding depth and power to the Kelowna Big Band’s performances. His extensive musical experience brings an extra layer of professionalism to the ensemble.
A long-standing contributor to Kelowna’s vibrant music scene, Don has been a key player in groups such as the Kelowna Concert Band and the Lake Country Big Band. His dedication and talent make him an integral part of the Kelowna Big Band.
Daylin Spenst - 3rd Trombone
Daylin began her musicianship in school band and has since become a dedicated member of the Okanagan music community. She has acted as first trombone in the Okanagan Symphony Youth Orchestra, displaying an extensive resume of performances. This includes chamber music ensembles, OSO side-by-side concerts, and an OSO Symphony Storytime concert, which featured a brass quintet. Her experience in a diverse range of musical settings allows her to express musicality in a variety of genres.
Music is an incredibly important aspect of Daylin’s life. Therefore, she is honoured to be a part of the Kelowna Big Band’s trombone section, and looks forward to continuing her musical journey alongside them.
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Ray Roper, Sound
Ray is a Canadian musician best known as the guitarist, vocalist, and principal songwriter for the Vancouver-based band Stonebolt, which rose to prominence in the late 1970s. He wrote and performed on the group’s biggest hit, I Will Still Love You, an international chart success that helped define the band’s melodic rock sound. Roper’s work blended strong pop sensibilities with polished musicianship, earning Stonebolt a lasting place in Canadian rock history. Beyond his recording career, he has remained active in music as a performer, songwriter, and producer, respected for his contributions to Canada’s music scene. Ray has great ears for sound and balance and knows how to balance the sound of our 19 member Big Band.