The George Rose Big Band Members

George Rose    trumpet/band leader

Hailing from a musical family, George grewup in rural Burlington. His experience with concert bands, orchestras, small combos, theatre pit orchestras, jazz and dance groups, eventually led him to big bands. Forming his own big band in the early 1980's, George has never looked back. In the 30 years the band has been together, they have made 5 CDs, and are working on number 6.

Sean Colwell         trumpet/road mgr.

One of the band's founding members,Sean has seen many changes. A student when he joined the band, Sean is now counting the years until retirement. Studying music first at Humber College and then McMaster Univ., Sean graduated with an honors Bachelors. He has gained an enviable reputation as Mr. Music  in the Brantford area, as he conducts and hasconducted most bands and orchestras in the area.

 Jon Berec         Trumpet

Jon is a talented trumpet player who

also plays guitar and has been known to

sing. A graduate of Waterloo Univ. Jon

majored in music and computer science.

Jon has been a regular in the band since

the late 1990's.

    Dave McCulloch                Trumpet

Originally from Scotland, Dave played

trumpet in the UK, in various brass bands

and show groups.  Upon arriving in Canada he found his talents to be in demand in the Burlington and Hamilton areas.

 Dave has played with the band since

shortly after it was formed, and has been on all of our recordings.

  Chris Walton          A.Sax/Clarinet/Flute

Chris is a multi-talented musician who hasplayed on the band since our very first

engagement. Always a stong lead player and an amazing soloist, Chris has been an inspiration to many students and seasoned

players alike. Following high school Chris

studied music at the Berkley School of

Music in Boston, and since has played with orchestras and bands of all types.

    Sandy Manning     A.Sax/SopranoSax

Sandy is a talented musician, who has

spent  a lot  of time playing with and

supporting local bands and orchestras.

Often in the pit orchestra for local musicals Sandy can be seen on Sax or  viola.

Another multi-instrumentalist, Sandy also

plays flute and soprano sax.

 Al Newhouse                  Tenor Sax

Al is another multi-instrumentalist who

 is at home on any of the saxophones

Also a fine graphic artist, Al's work can

seen on any of our recent albums

or posters.

 Nathan Walton                Tenor Sax

Nathan plays a variety of instruments

in the woodwind family. Currently

studying music at McMaster Univ.,

&singing in a 4pc. male quartet,

 Nathan's prospects musically

 look great!

 Aaron Haydon              Baritone Sax

Whether it's flute or piccolo, clarinet or 

one of the saxophones, it makes

little difference to Aaron, he plays

 them all well. Currently studying

 music at McMaster Univ., Aaron

 also sings in the same male

 quartet as his friend Nathan.

 No doubt, music will be his life.

 Bob Phillips           Trombone

Starting with a musical family, then school, and community bands, Bob furthered his musical training at Western University in London. Bob currently teaches in Brampton, Ontario and directs the school stage band. As a trombonist Bob plays with various groups in the GTA.  As well as his trombone abilities Bob is one of our featured vocalists.

 Brian  Boyes           Trombone 

 Brian has played with bands in the areas of Cambridge, Brantford and Mississauga, and has been known to perform on trombone, trumpet or percussion.

 Murray Hiliker          Trombone

Murray plays, or has played in all of the area's concert bands. Being a devoted bandsman ashis father was before him, Murray can often be seen performing in the pit orchestras of various musical shows performed in the area. Murray has been in the band since the mid 1990's.

 Chris Hoffman            Bass Trombone

Chris has a wide variety of experience in the music business. From wholesale and retail sales of instruments, music and accessories, to teaching  music in schools, to performing background music for broadway shows, Chris has seen it all.  

 Lowell Soucie              Piano

Lowell is a talented pianist who started out with classical training. His experience ranges from classical recital, to lounge pianist, to burlesque shows, dance combo's to big band. Lowell is only the second regular pianist that the band has ever had.

 Steve Urech             Bass

Steve has become known as the guy with the strange bass. As different as Steve's bass may look, it sounds great in Steves's hands. Steve played around the Hamilton area for many years  with orchestral groups and dance bands before joining the George Rose Big Band in the early 1990's.

 Paul has a varied musical background, playing everything from rock, to country to pop, and now big band. Although at one time a trombone player in the Western University marching band, his main instrument these days is guitar. Paul and fellow bandsman Alan Newhouse often work together in a smaller group called "Corner Pocket". Paul has the distinction of being the first guitar player to be a member of the George Rose Big Band.

 Glen, is probably the most versatile percussionist that I have ever met. Equally at home with a large symphony orchestra, an intimate jazz combo,concert band,or a hard driving big band. Glen has been with our band since we started, but initially it was part-time due to his busy playing schedule at the time. Glen has performed on all the albums that the band has made.

 Michelle is a talented vocalist with an exceptional voice. She has performed with many choirs and vocal groups, including a trio called "Makin' Waves" with whom she recorded. Always an audience favourite, Michelle joined the band in 2005, and has been featured on the band's latest CD's.