Gordon Foote

Gordon Foote recently accepted a position at the University of Toronto as professor in the Jazz Studies Program of the Faculty of Music. The most important part of this portfolio will be to direct the University of Toronto Jazz Orchestra (UTJO). Previous to that, Gordon spent 26 years as a Professor in the Jazz Studies Program at the Schulich School of Music of McGill University, in Montreal, Quebec. He served as Dean (interim), Associate Dean (Academic and Student Affairs), Chair of the Department of Performance, Director of Graduate Studies and Chair of the Jazz Area, as well as 6 years at St. FX University in Nova Scotia. Gordon is one of the pioneers of jazz education in Canada, being instrumental in the development and implementation of the first undergraduate and graduate university jazz studies programs in the country.

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Professor Foote was the coordinator of the McGill Jazz Orchestras, and directed McGill Jazz Orchestra I. Under his direction, the ensemble performed throughout the United States, France, Switzerland, England, Ireland, Mexico and Canada. The ensemble has released eight compact discs, with a ninth, the Kenton Project, in production. The ensemble also recorded a project of the music of Slide Hampton.

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“… the hands–down best college jazz ensemble I heard last year was Canada’s McGill University….no one could single them out as anything other than a professional working band.” Jack Bowers, All About Jazz

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“Proof of the excellence of jazz education in Canada.” Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star.

“If they come much better than this I simply won’t believe it…. McGill gets everything right.” John Killoch, Mainly Big Bands.

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As a saxophonist and clinician for Conn-Selmer, Gordon has performed in Canada, Europe and the United States. Gordon has served as the Quebec representative to the IAJE, the Director of Education for IAJE Canada and as President of Jazz Canada. His studies at the University of Minnesota and the University of North Texas combined with 37 years of performing and teaching experience, leave him as probably the most requested adjudicator, conductor, clinician and jazz educator/performer in Canada.