Meet our 2025 student ensembles

Vocal Jazz (Host Ensemble)

Brooks Vocal Jazz Ensemble is a sensational 21-member group of talented students who have successfully auditioned to be part of this elite ensemble. Under the expert direction of Paul Cummings, the ensemble has achieved remarkable milestones, including an inspiring trip to Havana, Cuba in 2024.

This spring, the Brooks Vocal Jazz Ensemble is thrilled to showcase their talents at several prestigious events. They will perform at the TJF Preview Party alongside Brazilian artist Celso Machado, participate in the DeMiero Jazz Festival in Edmonds, Washington, and take the stage at the Townsite Jazz Festival.

Additionally, they will embark on the Vancouver Island Choir Tour, further expanding their musical horizons. The ensemble is also honoured to serve as official student hosts at this year’s Townsite Jazz Festival, a role they take great pride in. With their passion for music and dedication to excellence, the Brooks Vocal Jazz Ensemble continues to captivate audiences and represent their school with distinction.


Brooks Jazz Band (Host Ensemble)

Meet the powerhouse Brooks Senior Jazz Band comprising 31 vibrant, committed, and enthusiastic students from grades 10 to 12. Eager to explore the realms of jazz, they bring boundless energy and dedication to every performance. This group regularly tours in the province of British Columbia. The Senior Jazz Band has embraced the thrill of international travel and touring.  They have just come back from touring in Cuba last spring, they are eagerly awaiting their next tour.  As well as international tours, the Brooks Senior Jazz Band has performed as part of local jazz festivals in the province. As proud ambassadors of jazz, they stand ready to make their mark as a host ensemble for TJF 2025.


Oak Bay High Vocal Jazz (“Jazz Wave”)

Jazz Wave is an advanced, auditioned vocal jazz ensemble at Oak Bay, full of talented and devoted singers that meet Monday mornings and Wednesdays after school. This group of 23 students is made up of grade 11’s and 12’s. Singers in Jazz Wave are exposed to many different genres and styles of music through their diversified repertoire that is frequently performed at events around Victoria. Jazz Wave members are incredibly grateful for their many performance opportunities and the higher level of music this group is able to accomplish with their strong commitment and vocal capabilities. They are delighted to return to the Townsite Festival for the first time in many years!


Oak Bay High Jazz Combo

Oak Bay High School’s Vocal Jazz Combo will feature a variety of singers in grades 11 and 12, complemented by 6 talented and dedicated instrumentalists. The students performing sing or play in as many as seven choirs.  Rehearsals for combos are planned around the many scheduled rehearsals for the school’s ten choirs. Combo rehearsals are primarily student-led, and while these combos showcase the singer’s vocal abilities, members would like to thank the rhythm section for the countless hours put into the music inside and outside of rehearsals. They would also like to thank Mr. Cramaro and all the organizers and supporters of this wonderful festival!


Reynolds Secondary Vocal Jazz

The Reynolds Secondary Vocal Jazz is an auditioned ensemble from the Greater Victoria School District and they are directed by Katy Kerr. They rehearse twice a week at lunch and work on a variety of repertoire from jazz standards, to gospel, to current pop music and a cappella hits.

The Reynolds musicians are grateful and excited to return to the outstanding Townsite Festival this year and be immersed in a weekend full of learning and performing!


Capilano University Combo

James Leishman (trumpet)
Anthony Mulder (guitar