The CYMC Island Jazz is an intensive, one-week music camp designed to provide students with an immersive experience in jazz improvisation and performance. We are proud to bring together some of Canada's most prominent educators and performers to offer an engaging and exciting
learning opportunity for musicians of all ages and skill levels.
Island Jazz is open to all instruments, including woodwinds, brass, and rhythm section (piano, electric or acoustic bass and drums), and welcomes musicians of all levels - from beginners to advanced players. Our program is tailored to meet the needs of aspiring musicians who are just starting to learn the fundamentals of improvisation, as well as seasoned performers seeking to deepen their understanding of advanced jazz concepts.
The week is packed with activities, including a rigorous schedule of masterclasses on your instrument, improvisation and theory classes (beginner, intermediate or advanced), as well as small combo and big band rehearsals. Daily jam sessions with faculty members provide students with an opportunity to expand their creative horizons and work on the concepts explored throughout the week. Ensembles formed early in the week based on goals and ability levels will play at the jazz jam concert, and the camp culminates with a concert on Saturday afternoon/evening featuring the Big Band and all combos.
Don't miss this opportunity to perform, jam, and receive practical jazz instruction in the breathtaking setting of the Comox Valley! We look forward to welcoming you to the CYMC Island Jazz Intensive, where you'll leave with new ideas and a stronger foundation in improvisatory techniques
Originally from Montreal, Greg holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Concordia University and a Master of Music in Jazz Performance from McGill University.
Prior to moving to Nanaimo to join the music faculty at Vancouver Island University, Greg was Director of Jazz Studies at Abilene University in Texas.
He has also been a member of the music faculties at McMaster University and Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario, and Red Deer College in Red Deer, Alberta.
In addition to his broad teaching experience Greg has also enjoyed a career as a busy freelance jazz trumpet player, arranger, composer and conductor.
He's had the good fortune of playing in big bands and orchestras that have accompanied many fine jazz artists, and as the leader of his own groups has performed his original compositions in jazz clubs, concert halls and jazz festivals in Canada and abroad. Greg has released a CD entitled Cause and Effect, which features his original music.
Steve Wallace is one of Canada’s foremost jazz bassists. He was born in Toronto in 1956. Most of his career took place there and internationally, playing clubs, touring and recording with such American greats as Zoot Sims, Ray Bryant, Scott Hamilton, Rosemary Clooney, Woody Herman and many more, as well as with such Canadian giants as Fraser MacPherson, Rob McConnell, Oscar Peterson, Phil Nimmons, Ed Bickert, Mike Murley and many others. He moved to Courtenay in July 2021, where he now lives with his wife Anna.
Born and raised in Powell River, BC, Adam Robertson is a versatile drummer, percussionist and composer with strong West Coast roots. In 2020, he completed his Bachelor's of Music in Jazz Studies at Vancouver Island University and remains an active member of the island music scene as both a performer and educator. Adam can be heard in venues across the island with an eclectic mix of artists and ensembles, including Keanu Ienco, Andrew Homzy’s NOLA Nighthawks, free-jazz-noise-rock trio Dry Goods, and modern R&B group Mahogany.
Cayleigh Borsboom is a bookseller by day and a musician by night. She spent two years at Humber College in Toronto studying under the greats of the Canadian music industry before making Courtenay her home. Books, nature, board games, jazz, and friends that are family are what fill her heart with joy.
James holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from VIU and has studied piano with Phil Dwyer, Bob Murphy and Steve Smith.
He has spent a decade working on cruise ships in lounge and show bands.
More recently James has been the keyboardist of the high energy dance band Johnny Inappropriate, the pianist for VIU’s Vocal Jazz Choir directed by Rosemary Lindsay and is the organist with the Duncan Symonds Trio.