Mackenzie Tran - Piano
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Mackenzie (she/her/hers) is a vocalist, pianist and educator based in Vancouver, B.C. She began studying music at the young age of 4 years old and quickly took to various different disciplines: singing in both jazz and classical choirs, studying classical piano and accompanying school ensembles, and playing mallet percussion. In her time pursuing her B.Mus at Capilano University, Mackenzie has performed with Narwhal and Nitecap, and has had the pleasure of studying under and performing with many artists from all around the world, including Amanda Taylor, Brennan Baglio, Vinny Golia, Curtis Andrews, Len Arulia and Greta Matassa, and locals Steve Maddock, Jennifer Scott, and Jared Burrows.
Having completed the RCM program and her B.Mus at Capilano University, Mackenzie currently teaches voice and piano lessons privately, with a specialization in students interested in following the RCM program. She plans to go on to teach high school and pursue her Masters and Doctorate. |
Riley Poystila - Bass
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Riley Poystila is an upright and electric bass player based in North Vancouver. Riley has played bass in Jazz Ensembles for the past 9 years along with many projects outside of the Jazz Idiom. Originally from Nanaimo, Riley had the opportunity to attend Wellington Secondary School, under the tutelage of Carmella Luvisotto and Steve Jones. Moving here to attend Capilano University, she recently completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Performance and Composition . Since beginning her jazz career, she has won several awards and recognition among the jazz community. Now, she is using her musical abilities to continue contributing to the Vancouver Jazz Community and to continue making her mark with her music.
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Kate Johnson - Drums
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From East Vancouver, Kate has been playing music since the age of 8, and found her passion in drumming and percussion in grade 5. Once in high school, she helped form and direct Vancouver Technical's Jazz Band in 2014, which started off as an after school club but eventually became a full credit course that is still viewed as one of the top performing groups within the music program at VanTech. After receiving two musical scholarships Kate took a year off school and played with local Vancouver bands such as Caracas and LyMe after their Malaysian tour. In 2019 Kate started school at Capilano University as a drum major in the Jazz Studies program. While there she joined the Leading Ladies Big Band and had the great opportunity to learn from and study with many of Canada's great musicians and educators such as Brad Turner, Bill Coon, Dave Robbins, and Craig Scott. In addition Kate had the special opportunity to learn about and practice traditional West African drumming, rhythm and dance under Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo. Currently Kate is working and making music throughout EastVan with local artists, focusing on creating a more inclusive, safe and accepting music scene throughout her community.
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Isabel Leong - Guitar
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Isabel Leong is a guitarist and vibraphonist based in Vancouver, B.C. Her love of music started at the age of three, studying classical piano under the Royal Conservatory of Music. She later began playing guitar, saxophone, and mallet percussion. Isabel has studied under the tutelage of Bill Coon, Jocelyn Gould, and Craig Scott. In addition to The Leading Ladies Little Big Band, she leads the Ghibli Jazz Orchestra and is an active grant writer and arts administrator.
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