Core Faculty Full Line-up
These are the folks that you'll be working with both days at JazzWire Saxophone & Improvisation Summit. They will be teaching the small combos, electives, and masterclasses.
Jeff Antoniuk
Saxophone/Artistic Director
Born in Edmonton Canada, and having lived in Nigeria as a child, saxophonist and educator Jeff Antoniuk has defined his musical life by creating and expanding communities, whether improvising a solo, connecting with a festival audience, or in his numerous workshops and master classes. Heralded for his “considerable chops” (Jazz Times Magazine) and “a creative spark that never lets up,” (Rochester City Paper) Antoniuk is a force to be reckoned with on the horn, and a master educator
renowned around the world. His “Digging Deeper” jazz education videos on Your Tube and Facebook have been watched over 3 million times.
An Eastman Saxophones, Boston Sax Shop and Rovner artist, Jeff is internationally respected as both a master performer, and as an engaging and inspirational educator. He has received numerous awards and commissions, and has produced over 10 critically acclaimed albums over the past several decades. He is currently the Artistic Director of the four international JazzWire Summit workshop and Jazz Band Masterclass in the Washington DC region. Jeff has performed with the likes of Jimmy Haslip, Marcus Miller, Ingrid Jensen and Helen Sung.
A past university professor and guest lecturer, Jeff became clear that good jazz eduction is not about “more information.” Better education is based on more wisdom, more curation, and more community. His subscription web site, www.JazzWire.net is connecting adult musicians from over 25 different countries around the globe, and providing them with a place to support each other, to truly connect and work together, and to get great, actionable input. Jeff has personally worked with thousands of adult musicians to help get jazz back into their lives.
An Eastman Saxophones, Boston Sax Shop and Rovner artist, Jeff is internationally respected as both a master performer, and as an engaging and inspirational educator. He has received numerous awards and commissions, and has produced over 10 critically acclaimed albums over the past several decades. He is currently the Artistic Director of the four international JazzWire Summit workshop and Jazz Band Masterclass in the Washington DC region. Jeff has performed with the likes of Jimmy Haslip, Marcus Miller, Ingrid Jensen and Helen Sung.
A past university professor and guest lecturer, Jeff became clear that good jazz eduction is not about “more information.” Better education is based on more wisdom, more curation, and more community. His subscription web site, www.JazzWire.net is connecting adult musicians from over 25 different countries around the globe, and providing them with a place to support each other, to truly connect and work together, and to get great, actionable input. Jeff has personally worked with thousands of adult musicians to help get jazz back into their lives.
Biboye Onanuga
Drums
Biboye Onanuga is a versatile drummer, imaginative composer, and passionate educator based in Edmonton. A recent MacEwan Music graduate, Biboye quickly became a sought-after player and has made significant contributions to the local community through series such as New Standards—a weekly show and jam session centered around improvisation —and [REJAZZ] by his band Good Information, which reimagines the music of popular hip-hop artists in a jazz context.
In 2019, Biboye spent five transformative months studying in Finland at Metropolia University, delving deeper into the intricacies of jazz drumming and composition while immersing himself in European musical culture. His approach to jazz education is rooted in the live, exploratory, and expressive nature of the music, emphasizing the interplay between tradition and innovation. He fosters a deep appreciation for the art form’s rich history while encouraging students to engage with its contemporary expressions, creating an environment where curiosity and creativity thrive.
In 2019, Biboye spent five transformative months studying in Finland at Metropolia University, delving deeper into the intricacies of jazz drumming and composition while immersing himself in European musical culture. His approach to jazz education is rooted in the live, exploratory, and expressive nature of the music, emphasizing the interplay between tradition and innovation. He fosters a deep appreciation for the art form’s rich history while encouraging students to engage with its contemporary expressions, creating an environment where curiosity and creativity thrive.
Chris Andrew
Piano
Pianist and composer Chris Andrew is one of Canada’s top talents in jazz. Chris’ unique approach and distinct voice on the piano have personally garnered him a CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award, and his ensemble; the Hutchinson Andrew Trio were winners of the prestigious TD Grand Jazz Award at the 34th edition of the Montréal International Jazz Festival. With a career spanning 36 years thus far, Chris has recorded 15 albums as a leader/co-leader and has been nominated 7 times for Jazz Recording of the Year by the Western Canadian Music Awards.
In 2023, Chris was musical director and composer for “Wandering with Wonder”, which was the winner of the Rosie award for Best Musical, or variety program or Series (2023). In addition, he has performed on over 70 recordings as a sideman, has toured across Canada 11 times, and has performed in Korea, Cuba, London, German, Poland, Czech Republic, United States, and Greece.
As a performer, Chris’ resume lists a veritable who’s who of jazz. Chris has performed with Joshua Redman, Sonny Fortune, Melissa Aldana, Paquito D’Rivera, Brad Turner and many more. Locally, Chris has performed or recorded with numerous well-known groups including P.J Perry, Jens Lindemann, the Jump Orchestra, Maracujah, Bomba, Tim Tamashiro, and the Edmonton Symphony.
Currently, Chris is the Section Head of Piano at Macewan University, in Edmonton, Alberta,
In 2023, Chris was musical director and composer for “Wandering with Wonder”, which was the winner of the Rosie award for Best Musical, or variety program or Series (2023). In addition, he has performed on over 70 recordings as a sideman, has toured across Canada 11 times, and has performed in Korea, Cuba, London, German, Poland, Czech Republic, United States, and Greece.
As a performer, Chris’ resume lists a veritable who’s who of jazz. Chris has performed with Joshua Redman, Sonny Fortune, Melissa Aldana, Paquito D’Rivera, Brad Turner and many more. Locally, Chris has performed or recorded with numerous well-known groups including P.J Perry, Jens Lindemann, the Jump Orchestra, Maracujah, Bomba, Tim Tamashiro, and the Edmonton Symphony.
Currently, Chris is the Section Head of Piano at Macewan University, in Edmonton, Alberta,
Aretha Tillotson
Bass
Aretha Tillotson is a Canadian bassist, band leader and composer. As passionate lover of improvised music, Aretha has played across North America with Kris Davis, Francesca Remigi, Allan Chase, and Josh Rosen. In 2023, she toured as a member of the Ingrid and Christine Jensen quintet. She released her debut album Introducing Aretha Tillotson (Bent River Records), and in 2024, she won a Western Canadian Music Award for Jazz Artist of the Year. The record was composed by interviewing intersectional women across arts disciplines about their experiences in arts institutions as part of Aretha's masters thesis, and features Allison Au. As a session musician, Aretha has toured with Universal artist Mick Flannery and worked as a touring/resident bassist on the Broadway rendition of SIX. She continued her work with SIX in 2024 as the bassist for Mirvish Theatre’s residency in Toronto.
Aretha was honoured to receive a presidential scholarship in 2020 to attend Berklee's Global Jazz Masters program, receiving an individual mentorship with John Patitucci, and studying with Linda May Han Oh, Joe Lovano, and Danilo Perez. She earned a Masters of Music in 2022. Aretha is a faculty member at MacEwan University, teaching bass and theory.
Aretha was honoured to receive a presidential scholarship in 2020 to attend Berklee's Global Jazz Masters program, receiving an individual mentorship with John Patitucci, and studying with Linda May Han Oh, Joe Lovano, and Danilo Perez. She earned a Masters of Music in 2022. Aretha is a faculty member at MacEwan University, teaching bass and theory.
Jean-Francois Picard
Saxophone
Jean-Francois Picard comes from a musical family in Quebec. After spending 30 years as a professional musician in the Canadian Forces, he now concentrates on performance and leading numerous bands in Alberta, including serving as musical director of the Gateway Big Band and the Capital City big bands in Edmonton.
Jean-Francois has studied with saxophone legends Pat LaBarbara in Toronto, Bob Sheppard in LA and Greg Fishman in Chicago. You will see him performing with the Edmonton Symphonic Orchestra, Edmonton Opera, and the River City Big Band just to name a few. He has performed with many great musicians from the USA and Canada, including Tommy Banks, PJ Perry, Bob Sheppard, Eric Marientale, Wayne Bergeron, Matt Harris, Guido Basso, Moe Koffman and many others.
Jean-Francois has studied with saxophone legends Pat LaBarbara in Toronto, Bob Sheppard in LA and Greg Fishman in Chicago. You will see him performing with the Edmonton Symphonic Orchestra, Edmonton Opera, and the River City Big Band just to name a few. He has performed with many great musicians from the USA and Canada, including Tommy Banks, PJ Perry, Bob Sheppard, Eric Marientale, Wayne Bergeron, Matt Harris, Guido Basso, Moe Koffman and many others.
Joel Gray
Trumpet
Joel Gray, an Edmonton-based trumpeter and music educator, boasts over 30 years of professional experience. Renowned for his versatility, he has performed with icons like Tommy Banks, PJ Perry, Slide Hampton, Diana Krall, and the Temptations in both jazz and classical settings. He is a regular collaborator with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, having performed at Carnegie Hall and as a soloist.
Joel's career highlights include playing with the Canadian All-Star JazzPops Orchestra, earning a Juno nomination for "Then Is Now 'Rhapsody in Blue,'" and recording with Maria Dunn on her Juno-winning album, A Joyful Banner Blazing. He has also contributed to musical theatre productions such as Book of Mormon, Wicked, and Beauty and the Beast and is set to perform in Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations.
An educator since 1995, Joel has taught at MacEwan University, Augustana University, and Keyano College. He also adjudicates major music festivals and has led the acclaimed “Littlebirds” jazz bands since 2004, inspiring young musicians in jazz.
Joel's career highlights include playing with the Canadian All-Star JazzPops Orchestra, earning a Juno nomination for "Then Is Now 'Rhapsody in Blue,'" and recording with Maria Dunn on her Juno-winning album, A Joyful Banner Blazing. He has also contributed to musical theatre productions such as Book of Mormon, Wicked, and Beauty and the Beast and is set to perform in Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations.
An educator since 1995, Joel has taught at MacEwan University, Augustana University, and Keyano College. He also adjudicates major music festivals and has led the acclaimed “Littlebirds” jazz bands since 2004, inspiring young musicians in jazz.
The Summit reserves the right to change or substitute faculty at any time