the Kelowna Big Band
Meet the
Kelowna Big Band:
Bruce Dougall,
Lead Trumpet and Band Manager.
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Bruce has established himself as the go-to lead trumpet player in the Kelowna region since relocating from Langley in 2009. His musical journey includes touring stints with luminaries like Bill Gaither, Larry Dalton, and Living Sound. In addition, Bruce has lent his talents as the first trumpet in esteemed ensembles such as the Canadian Military Band, Kelowna Concert Band, Okanagan Symphony, and Symphony Wind Ensemble.
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Beyond his musical endeavors, Bruce is the visionary behind the 'RE/MAX Rockin All Stars', a group comprising full-time realtors dedicated to supporting the BC Children's Hospital. Their fundraising efforts have surpassed $42,000 to date, a testament to Bruce's commitment to giving back to the community. As a full-time RE/MAX realtor, Bruce brings over 36 years of experience in the real estate industry to his clients in the Kelowna area.
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.
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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."
Michael Garding. Alto Sax and Music Director
Michael is an outstanding musician with an impressive resume and list of accomplishments. As the alto saxophonist and rehearsal director in The Kelowna Big Band, Michael's talent and expertise make him an invaluable asset to any ensemble. Widely regarded as one of Canada’s premier writers, arrangers, and composers, Michael's leadership during rehearsals elevates our band to new heights, filling us all with pride and inspiration.
Gord Deyell, Trumpet
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Gord is renowned as a stellar player, composer, and arranger. His musical prowess is unmatched, making him an invaluable asset to any ensemble.
With a rich and varied musical background, Gord has left his mark on the Vancouver music scene for many years. From serving as a pit orchestra player in music productions to leading stage bands, his leadership and talent have shone brightly. Additionally, Gord has lent his skills to numerous jazz ensembles and bands, further solidifying his reputation as a consummate professional.
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With a wealth of performance experience and a mastery of his craft at the highest level, Gord brings a dynamic energy and unparalleled expertise to every musical endeavor.
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For his day job, Gord works in the movie industry and is responsible for making it all happen!
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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.
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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.
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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.
Everett Martin
Trombone
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Everett Martin, a trombonist of exceptional talent, embarked on his musical journey at a tender age, picking up the trombone at just 8 years old. Thus began a lifelong odyssey through the diverse realms of music, marked by unwavering dedication and remarkable skill.
His musical voyage commenced with the Regina Lions Band, where he delved into a myriad of musical styles, ranging from Concert and Marching bands to Jazz and Dixieland ensembles.
During his tenure with the Winnipeg Youth Symphony Orchestra, spanning three years, Everett distinguished himself as one of the two trombonists, showcasing his prowess in classical orchestration. Simultaneously, his passion for jazz led him to collaborate with the University of Manitoba Jazz Ensemble and various jazz, ska, and vocal jazz groups.
From 2016 to 2018, Everett held the prestigious position of first-chair trombonist for the Bow Valley Winds, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished musician.
Steve Franks Trombone
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Stay tuned, more details to come! An awesome bio!
Noah Truong. Alto Sax
Tim Deroche, Tenor Sax
