Info
|
Donny Kennedy (alto sax) - B.Mus(Jazz) McGill, M.Mus.(Jazz)
McGill
Originally from Regina, Saskatchewan, Donny Kennedy moved to Montreal, Quebec in 1995 to pursue a jazz performance degree at McGill University. During his stay as an undergraduate student, he was the recipient of the David Holt award for academic standing in jazz. He was also a member of the prestigious McGill Jazz Orchestra 1 with which he performed in Mexico, New York, Toronto, Quebec City and Banff. He also recorded three Cd’s with the group (Something Personal. Sang Froid and Conundrum). After graduating with high distinction in jazz saxophone, Donny continued his studies at McGill. He was awarding the graduate level entry scholarship to pursue a Master of Music in Jazz Performance. Donny received his Master’s degree in April of 2001.
Donny leads and composes for his own Sextet. The Donny Kennedy Sextet toured Mexico as part of Festival Internacional Cervantino. This group was also nominated for the GM Grand Prix de Jazz at the Montreal International Jazz Festival in 2003. In 2001, the group was chosen as one of five groups to perform in Toronto as part of a Canada Council initiative to promote emerging Canadian jazz artists. The group has recently released their first recording entitled Horizons. The disc features original compositions by Kennedy.
Donny teaches at McGill University and St. George's School of Montreal. At McGill, he has taught Basic Jazz Arranging, Jazz Materials, Basic Materials of Jazz, Jazz Orchestra III, Jazz Saxophone, and Jazz Combo. He is also the Jazz Combo Coordinator at McGill University. Kennedy is also the music director at St. George's School. He also has directed the Jazz Ensemble at Camp Musicale d’Asbestos (English session) and teaches at the annual Saskatchewan Jazz Camp.
Donny remains active as a freelance musician and teacher in and around Montreal. He has performed with Kevin Dean, Andre White, Kirk MacDonald Joe Sullivan, George Garzone, Don Thompson, Remi Bolduc, Janis Steprans, Kieran Overs, Christine Jensen, The Montreal Jazz Big Band and many other local musicians. He is also a member of the Min Rager Quintet. This group has recently recorded their first Cd, entitled Bright Road.
.
|