Gregory Irvine, tuba

Born in New Brunswick, raised in Nova Scotia, and now a resident of Prince Edward Island, Gregory Irvine considers himself a true Maritimer. He began his tuba studies in the band program at Middleton Regional High School and continued them at Mount Allison University under James Code. He graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Music degree where he studied with Charles Daellenbach of the Canadian Brass.

After graduation Greg began his professional career as a performer on the tuba in the Hamilton (Ontario) Philharmonic Orchestra where he remained for eleven years. During that time, he also performed as a freelance player in orchestras and ensembles in the Toronto area including the Toronto Philharmonic, the CJRT Radio Orchestra, Orchestra London Canada, and the Toronto Symphony as an extra player. His work as an orchestral musician gave him many opportunities to perform with well-known conductors and musicians such as Arthur Fiedler, Simon Streatfield, Elmer Isler, and Franz Paul Decker. Greg was also active as a chamber musician performing with the Royal Brass Quintet – a resident group of the Hamilton Philharmonic, and the Aeolos Brass Quintet which toured extensively throughout Canada in the 1970s and 1980s. In addition to his performance activities, Greg found an interest in teaching after having several lessons with Arnold Jacobs, the legendary tubaist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Not only did he open his own private studio, but also taught tuba students for a number of years at McMaster University and the University of Western Ontario.

Greg's contact with Arnold Jacobs led him to Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois to study for a Masters degree in Tuba Performance, and eventually, the Doctor of Music degree. While in the Chicago area he became involved as a freelance performer with a variety of ensembles including the Millar Brass and the Lake Forest Symphony.

In 1990, Greg took up his current position at the University of Prince Edward Island. His return to the Maritimes not only offered teaching opportunities but also the opportunity to perform regularly with the PEI Symphony, Symphony Nova Scotia, and more recently, Symphony New Brunswick. He has also performed with a number of chamber ensembles and as a soloist. In March he will be performing in recital with PEISO Principal Trombonist, Dale Sorensen and UPEI Faculty colleague Frances Gray at the Dr. Steel Recital Hall.

This year Greg is on sabbatical from the Music Department at UPEI where his regular duties include teaching brass majors, brass techniques, and a course in instrumental conducting. While on sabbatical he is enjoying having time to work on his book about brass pedagogy, attending and participating in several conferences, and participating in a variety of performance opportunities. Upcoming engagements include performances at the Scotia Festival next spring.
 

(902) 892-4333

For more information, contact: Annette Campbell

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