Monday, August 10, 2009

Percussive Arts Society

People & Places

Michael Wood Leaves Stratford Shakespeare Festival

After 33 Years.

January 12, 2009 marked the beginning of a creative renaissance for Yamaha Artist Michael Wood, as he wrapped up a 33 year stint with Canada’s premiere theatre “The Stratford Festival”.

Pursuing his love of jazz music through education and performance venues Michael spent February and March in British Columbia participating at music fests in Kelowna, Vancouver and Nanaimo as well as Collingwood, Ontario his home province. (He will be returning to B.C. this fall presenting workshops for the 2009 British Columbia Music Educators Conference, and Chilliwack’s 2010 music fest.)

Spring offered up opportunities to present his master class “Vibes & the Jazz Song Book” with tours to the University of Ottawa, Wilfrid Laurier and the University of Waterloo. The summer has not slowed down with many festive summer dates. This September Michael will be celebrating his 25^th year as director of the U of Waterloo’s Jazz Ensemble which he considers his music mentorship.

He wishes to thank long time friend Mike Balter and Yamaha Music Canada for their support and commitment to jazz education.