Grey Jazz Big Band

Robert Bangs  –  drums

Robert began drumming at the age of 12, starting in drum corps, with the Lamplighters from Smiths Falls, the Imperial Knights from Sudbury and Cadets Lasalle from Ottawa. He moved on to kit playing in his late teens and has since enjoyed a diverse musical experience, from new wave with The Crayons to classic rock with Peter and the Wolves, from lounge jazz with the Pete Foret Trio to new country with The Spurs. He’s also delved into more traditional country stylings as drummer with The Radio Kings and with Pat Moore. Robert travelled around the world as back up drummer for the Cirque du Soleil production Quidam, touring China, Mexico, Europe, the UK and South America. He continues to do studio work and performs regularly with Ball and Chain and the Wreckers, as well as local zydeco band The Vanier Playboys. And all the while holding down a government job. Robert is thrilled to be a member of Grey Jazz Big Band.

Brian Boggs  –  Music Director and Shaker

Brian has been involved with music performance and music education for over 35 years, as a High School and University teacher as well as a performer in a variety of ensembles. Most of his early training and teaching has been in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. He held a DND music teaching position in Lahr, Germany for 3 years and has been in Ottawa since 1984. Brian is experienced with a variety of musical ensembles, both as a performer and a music director since 1976 including concert bands from beginners to advanced, marching bands, jazz ensembles and, in particular (50) musical theatre stage productions. He has performed with a wide variety of ensembles from the Lakehead Symphony orchestra to rock and jazz groups. Mr. Boggs received a B. Mus. Ed. from Brandon University and was also enrolled in the M.Mus. Ed program at U.W.O in London where he conducted the Symphonic Band and the Clarinet Choir. He has been active in his career as a festival adjudicator and clinician for a variety of instrumental events and has been actively involved with music education at the senior level through provincial curriculum writing and dedicated arts advocacy initiatives.  

At present he plays professionally in the Ottawa area (woodwinds) and is a consultant and workshop instructor for music programs in the area, as well as a private teacher for senior students. He also plays with several community groups including a rhythm and blues band, Orpheus theatre, jazz big bands and pit orchestras for musicals. Mr. Boggs is also a member of several professional music associations and committees. He is very proud to have worked with many students who have gone on to professional careers in music education or the music and arts industry across Canada and the U.S.

Betty Ann Bryanton  –  Vocalist and emcee

Betty Ann Bryanton, a proud PE Islander, is a life-long vocalist across a variety of genres. She has been described as being “the full package: she sings like a bird, is warm and engaging with her audience and has great rapport with her very talented band members.” It was a natural fit for Betty Ann to join Grey Jazz, having performed in musical theatre, singing with large symphonic choirs, and singing regularly with small jazz ensembles. Betty Ann loves the wide and long-lasting appeal of the big band repertoire, but also loves hearing the energy and excitement of the big band behind her! Her charisma and enchanting voice easily win the hearts of her audience. https://www.bettyannbryanton.com 

Paul Caron  –  Tenor sax and clarinet

Paul got his musical start as a teenager playing clarinet in community concert bands and saxophone in dance combos before pursuing a career as an Ottawa-area educator. Later, he followed more advanced clarinet studies and joined a community symphony, the Parkdale Orchestra as principal clarinettist. In addition to playing lead tenor with the GJBB, he is a member of the Centralaires Concert Band, the Trillium Dixieland Band and the Wild Cards Big Band.