Founded in 2023 by Ibrahim Toume, Rocky Jazz String Orchestra is a non-profit, pre-professional ensemble based in Edmonton, Alberta, designed to unite the influence of classical strings with the foundations of jazz and contemporary-based music. Primarily inspired by Stan Kenton's Innovations Orchestra, our music experiments with unique instrumentation while combining the diverse skills and talents of musicians in the greater Edmonton area.

Whether you’re an experienced violinist looking to dive into jazz or a saxophonist seeking an ensemble to play with, there’s a place for every musician here! Our goal is to create a space for musicians, regardless of age, to grow as musicians; to build a bridge between the contemporary and the classical, two beloved styles of music in Western Canada.

LAND SOLIDARITY

Our creative endeavours take place on the traditional land of Amiskwacîwâskahikan / ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ, located on Treaty No. 6 Territory, and the Métis Nation of Alberta Region IV; the land of the Néhiyaw (Plains Cree), Anishinaabe, Saulteaux (Plains Ojibwe), Nakoda (Stoney), Dene (Chipewyan), Tsúūt’ínà (Sarcee), Niitsítapi (Blackfoot), Métis, and other Indigenous peoples.

As musicians and artists who seek to build a bridge of music with the influence of diasporic and international cultures within Treaty No. 6 Territory, it is our responsibility to strive to understand the lasting, systemic effects of colonization; to learn and immerse ourselves in the rich art, culture, and history of these Indigenous nations, whose contributions have enriched our communities for generations, and will continue to do so in the future to come.

IBRAHIM TOUME

Ibrahim Toume is a science student at the University of Alberta with aspirations of becoming an MD, specifically an Oncologist. He started music at a young age, but truly found his passion for trumpet in 2022, thanks to the support of close friends and his band teacher, who pushed him to grow and take music seriously.

In 2023, after working on a project with family in Syria, he was inspired to create something of his own in the Edmonton music scene. Ibrahim fell in low with large ensemble jazz and decided, despite being a first year neuroscience students, to start what would become the Rocky Jazz String Orchestra.

2026 would be Ibrahim's final season alongside the RJSO, so he can focus on his path towards medicine. What started as a passion project became something far greater than he could have ever imagined, and he is so proud of what the music scene has built together. He has full confidence in the future of the group as it moves forward under new leadership.

LUCAS ROSEN

Lucas is recently graduated from the University of Alberta with a bachelor's in Saxophone Performance. Following his graduation Lucas has begun to establish himself as an educator teaching Cadet marching bands as well as working with the Youth Orchestra of Northern Alberta- Sistema. This is Lucas's second year directing the Rocky Jazz String Orchestra, where he began his career as an armature band director. Outside of RJSO, Lucas plays first alto saxophone for the University of Alberta Big Band, and has recently performed with the University Symphony Orchestra.

When he isn't playing music, Lucas enjoys riding his motorcycle, climbing, or generally being outside.

Our Founders