The Vancouver Brass Collective Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing together young brass and percussion professionals to perform and promote brass music in the Vancouver area. Incorporated as a society in British Columbia on June 21, 2019, the Collective fosters collaboration among emerging artists and serves the community through concert performances, education, and mentorship initiatives.

History and Development

The organization was founded with the vision of creating an entrepreneurial ensemble that combines high-quality musicianship with community engagement. After incorporation, the board of directors quickly assembled a team to develop the organization’s operations and artistic direction. In partnership with the Vancouver Academy of Music, the Collective secured rehearsal space and equipment while supporting the academy’s orchestral program.[5]

Jaelem Bhate, an emerging local conductor, was appointed as Music Director. The ensemble held its first rehearsal on September 22, 2019, and rehearsed biweekly through the fall semester. The inaugural concert, titled “Song and Wind,” was held on December 1, 2019, featuring a program of original compositions and arrangements for brass that highlighted the diverse talents of the musicians.[5]

Mission and Values

The Vancouver Brass Collective aims to bring the excitement and energy of brass music to modern audiences and contemporary performance spaces. The group emphasizes:

• Collaboration
• Mentorship
• Community engagement
• Accessibility
• Commitment to diversity
• Camaraderie and support
• Transparency and forward thinking
• High musical quality[1][2]

The Collective acts as a community ensemble grounded in inclusivity and artistic innovation, commissioning works and celebrating Canadian and living composers.[1]

Membership

The ensemble comprises young professional brass and percussion musicians from Vancouver, including trumpets, French horns, trombones, low brass, and percussion sections. Key members have included:

• Trumpets: Leif Atchley, Chris Baldwin, Paul Dubnik, Matheus Moraes, Jay Robinson, Dasa Silhova
• French Horns: Emily Daily, Maddie Davis, Jason Ford, Duane Kirkpatrick, Tyrell Loster, Albert Wu
• Trombones: Marina Antoniou, Kevin Jackson, Sharman King, Josh Sung, Tony Tang
• Low Brass: Angus Brady, Nick Francis, Stephen Franklin, Alan Li, Steve Toren
• Percussion: Luke Hildebrandt, Kaiya Gazley, Jacob Kryger
• Conductor: Jaelem Bhate[2]

Activities and Recordings

In addition to live performances, the Vancouver Brass Collective engages in recording projects that reflect their mission and artistic vision. Their first studio album, Acoustic Alloy, was released on January 31, 2025. The album showcases the ensemble’s diversity, featuring commissioned works, Canadian composers, and a broad array of musical styles that represent the community of musicians behind the Collective.[1]

Acoustic Alloy symbolizes the blending of musical identities, much like an alloy in metalworking, and is available on major streaming platforms.[1]

Community Engagement

The Vancouver Brass Collective is committed to education and outreach, partnering with local institutions and fostering mentorship opportunities for young musicians. The organization’s activities include community concerts, educational workshops, and collaborations that aim to enhance the cultural landscape of Vancouver while supporting emerging professional artists.[5]

This article summarizes the Vancouver Brass Collective Society’s background, mission, membership, and activities as a vibrant nonprofit music organization dedicated to brass and percussion artistry in Vancouver, British Columbia.[1][2][5]