Knights of Jazz
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The Knights of Jazz was a musical Jazz ensemble composed of students from Kincardine District Secondary School [KDSS] in Kincardine, Ontario. Under the leadership of Ian Burbidge, the Knights of Jazz operated from the early 1970s to the year 2000. The Knights of Jazz were first formed in 1975, by the KDSS music teacher Blake Smith. Some of the original band members included the Tusz sisters (Terry - trombone and Margaret - trumpet), and their brother Louis (bass guitar), Jane Ellenton (clarinet/tenor sax), Ozzie Argalis (trumpet), Jim Scurfield (drums), Ian Allingham (trombone), Kevin Orr (rhythm guitar) etc. The Knights of Jazz first major road trip was to Northern Ontario in the spring of 1977 and included engagements at the high schools in the towns of Chapleau, Manitouwadge, Marathon, and Wawa.
In their 30 year lifespan, the Knights of Jazz attended the MusicFest Canada competitions annually, earning many Gold Standards. During the 1980 school year under conductor Blake Smith the Knights travelled to England. They attended the Harrogate Music Festival where they were very well received. This trip was so successful that the Knights returned to Harrogate in the spring of 1983, but this time under the direction of the band "doctor", Dr. Tusz.
In their most popular final years, the Knights of Jazz earned a Gold Standard performing such songs as: In the Mood, Peter Gunn Theme, and Girl from Ipanema at the Georgian Bay MusicFest competition.
1999-2000 Knights of Jazz:
Conductor: Ian Burbidge. Band Members: Matt Bacon - Trumpet, Russell Bird - Alto Saxophone, Gordon Bird - Baritone Saxophone, Lindsay Buckingham - Trumpet, Ashley Byle - Trumpet, Tyler Coffin - Bass Trombone, Mark Dalgarno - Tenor Saxophone, Meghan Daniel - Percussion/Piano, Dylan Finkbeiner - Tenor Saxophone, Chris Inkratas - Tenor Saxophone, Steve Lamothe - Drums, Andrew Mann - Trombone, Sheri McKechnie - Alto Saxophone, Sachin Mohindra - Guitar, Alex Raucket - Trombone, Tricia Sautner - Percussion, Ashley Steinhoff - Trumpet, Leslie Taylor - Trumpet.