Get to know us
The Rocky Jazz String Orchestra is a combination of a regular string orchestra and The Stan Kenton's Innovations Orchestra. Our goal is to add a new way to play contemporary by using aspects of classical music. We take a jazz big band, adding a strings section similar to a regular orchestra while adding a couple percussion and classical brass.
We believe this will help us find the balance between the two genres.
Currently this is a five person team:
Founder: Ibrahim Toume
Yo! I'm Ibrahim, I'm the founder of the Rocky Jazz String Orchestra and a second year Science student at the University Of Alberta with a minor in comp sci. I was born in Tartus Syria, and moved to Canada in 2016. When I'm not studying, I'm writing music or working on my medical application. You can find me volunteering at various hospitals around the city or maybe at CCIS crying over my grades. If you see me come say hi!
Favorite Music:
Wave, Buddy Rich
Role:
Founder & Artistic Director
Instrument:
The Trumpet
Hey, I'm Lucas. I'm a fourth year saxophone performance major at the University of Alberta. I live in the city, but I grew up in Athabasca. When I'm not playing music I enjoy bike rides and baking.
Favorite Music:
Cold Cadaver, King Gizzard & Lizard Wizard
Role:
Interval VP & Co-Director
Instrument:
Saxophone
Chair Internal : Lucas Rosen
Hi, I'm Ethan! I am a student at the UofA, in my last year of a BMus for Percussion Performance. I've lived in Edmonton all my life, but have played and performed internationally for the past few years. When I'm not playing percussion, I'm teaching kids or producing music!
Favorite Music:
Jacob Collier, Hozier, Vulfpeck
Role:
External VP
Instrument:
Percussion
Chair External : Ethan De Souza
sup, I'm Emma! I was born in Edmonton but lived in Philippines before moving back at 4 years old. My personality type is ENTP and my zodiac is Leo; for all my type-casters out there. I'm currently taking a gap year but will be majoring in psychology with a film minor at the UofA in 2025. Currently I'm also apart of the UAJB as a bassist and as an executive as well. (Fun fact; I'm the youngest executive in both bands at 18). I've been playing violin and piano since grade 4, double bass since 7th, and electric bass since 10th. I love to read, listen to music, make websites (like this one), and play video games.
Favorite Music:
Pierce The Veil, Korn, The Cramps, Rob Zombie, etc.
Role:
Secretary and Social Media manager
Instrument:
Violin & Bass
secretary & socials : Emma belle corpus
wassUP, I'm Calvin! I'm a multi instrumentalist in my first year of music at MacEwan university. I've lived in Alberta my whole life just outside of Edmonton till recently. I've been an active part of the marching arts in Edmonton for a couple years now and when I'm not doing that I'm probably practicing, playing or composing somewhere around the city!
Favorite Music:
I'm Confident That I'm Insecure (acoustic-ish) by Lawrence
Role:
Treasurer
Instrument:
Everything!