Ethan Olynyk started playing the drums when he was four.
His first set was a toy drum his grandmother bought him. For the young Grade 12 student enrolled in the Wellington Jazz Academy, his first encounter with the instrument didn’t make him dream about becoming a famous musician. It was just about having fun.
“Right now, I think, my goal is to be just playing the drums,” he said.
Olynyk didn’t start thinking about taking his playing beyond a recreational pastime until he met Carmella Luvisotto, director of the Wellington Jazz Academy, he said.
He enrolled in the program in Grade 8. As he started to learn more of the technical aspects of the instrument he began to think seriously about pursuing a career in music, said Olynyk.
While he’s enrolled in the jazz program, Olynyk said he isn’t going to limit himself to one musical genre.
“I am in the jazz academy, but will take anything if the opportunity arises,” he said.
Olynyk and students enrolled in the Wellington, Woodlands Secondary School and John Barsby Secondary School music programs will perform alongside Canadian saxophonist Mike Murley during the Harbour City Jazz Fest held Friday (March 11) at the Port Theatre. There will be various band and combo performances by the students featured throughout the show.
“It’s really great to see a musician that is doing what they love to do. It’s worked for them. It’s very reassuring,” said Olynyk, about the chance to perform with Murley.
Luvisotto said Jazz Fest allows students to perform alongside a musician pursuing a career in the art form they love. It gives students insight into the different pathways people can take to pursue a music career, she said.
“It’s a really great positive atmosphere for students,” said Luvisotto.
Murley has played the saxophone on 11 Juno award-winning albums and was named saxophonist of the year by the Jazz Report Awards and National Jazz Awards eight times.
His debut album, Still Rollin’ was nominated for a Juno award in 2012.
Jazz Fest, presented by the Harbour City Jazz Society, is Friday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12.
Revenue from Jazz Fest goes toward the school music programs for Wellington and Woodlands Secondary School and John Barsby Secondary School. When people purchase tickets they can ensure the school of their choice receives money by providing the school’s code. It is Well for Wellington, Wood for Woodlands and Bars for Barsby.
For tickets please call 250-754-8550 or go to www.porttheatre.com.
For more information about Murley please go to http://mikemurley.com.
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