Officer of the Order of Canada
- Awarded on: October 21, 1998
- Invested on: April 14, 1999
This valve trombone virtuoso is the founding director of and principal composer for the world- renowned big band, the Boss Brass. His artistic accomplishments have earned him four Junos, three Grammies and many other awards. He has also played a vital role in encouraging, training and employing younger Canadian musicians and he continues to conduct musical education clinics at schools across North America. He is a jazz instrumentalist, composer, arranger, music educator and recording artist who has contributed immensely to the development of jazz in Canada.