Saxophonist, Composer, Arranger, Band Leader, Educator

“…facile in her execution and fluid in the spinning out of her melodic ideas.”

– Rick Helzer, Jazz Improv Magazine (Vol. 2, No. 1)

“One of the most compelling voices on the West Coast…”

– The Georgia Straight Jazz Society

Music tells a story: a scripted or unscripted story.  The story that it tells is about our emotions and the act of writing or performing music reveals the soul and character of its creator.  Every single one of my compositions is a character exposition and each orchestration is a setting for that character.  

Improvisation, or an unscripted story, is a vital element in my musical practice.  The thrill of not knowing what will happen next is captivating and the trust that it requires between the performers and between the composer and performers can lead to wonderful moments.  As in any language, the use of symbols and other tools of representation are a part of my music.  Pitches represent colours and colours represent various things such as people and events.  Instruments or groups of instruments can be representational, as can be rhythms, intervals and entire melodies. 

I invite the listener to imagine tasting music – to imagine a complete sensory experience that starts with listening.  Can the flavour of chocolate, vanilla or peanut butter and banana parfait be conveyed?