Big band sound

In the autumn of 1995, with a fresh master’s in jazz from McGill University, tenor saxophonist Barry Sorensen founded the Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble. His objective was to create performance opportunities for jazz musicians in Prince Edward Island. Through the music community’s chatter and informal networking, the band slowly formed and began a weekly rehearsal routine that culminated in a debut performance on March 1, 1996, in the Provinces Lounge of the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel. 

Through shifting but consistent membership over 30 years, the Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble has entertained and thrilled Island audiences with its big band sound in local bars, churches, schools, hotels, soft-seat theatres, festival tents, city parks, and a firehall.

Doug Millington moved to Charlottetown from Saskatchewan in 1995. He made himself known to several music teachers in the Charlottetown area, and as a graduate of the jazz program at North Texas State, the community took notice.

One of his earliest contacts in the community was guitarist Perry Williams, and when the invitations for the first incarnation of the Ensemble were being extended, Doug got a call. 

In the summer of 1996, Barry Sorensen decided to try something new. He moved to Europe, studied cuisine, and briefly became a chef. In doing so, he left the role of director and band leader to Doug, who admits that today the group operates as more of a committee. 

Thanks to the efforts of a leadership group within the band (Dan Rowswell, Mike Gallant, Steve Giddings, Siobhan White, Perry Williams, Isaac Williams, Richard Russel) and the woodshedding efforts of the whole crew, the 2025-26 performance schedule is busier than ever. 

Their repertoire is constantly evolving. It ranges from big band classics by Count Basie and Duke Ellington to modern sounds, tackling challenging pieces and incorporating arrangements created by the very talented members of the ensemble. They’ve also presented adventurous performances of theme music from video games and are currently working on a movie-themed show.  

Recently, the Ensemble received the Achievement in Jazz Award at the Music PEI Awards Gala in Summerside, where they gave a triumphant, year to date highlight performance.

So far, in celebration of their 30th anniversary, the band has done two highly successful shows at the Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre in Summerside, and at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown. They’ve also played twice at Salvador Dalí Café.

As part of their effort to nurture and support young talent, the band funds four $200 awards every year for deserving music students at Colonel Gray and Charlottetown Rural high schools. To raise the money for this much-needed program, they will perform on May 1 at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Charlottetown.

 You can also catch their upcoming performance on April 12 at Trailside Music Hall in Charlottetown, where they will do their best to squeeze together on the popular corner stage. 

A well deserved congratulations to the Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble on their benchmark year, their endless passion, and their contribution to the beating heart of the Charlottetown music community.