Hart House Jazz Ensemble / About

The Hart House Jazz Ensemble is the University of Toronto's only jazz band made up of students and members from all different colleges and communities. The ensemble has been a part of the Hart House community for more than ten years and is composed of students from every field of study; from chemists and engineers to philosophers and historians. The ensemble has such a strong tie with its members that alumni are welcome in the band and continue to participate in all activities and performances.

The ensemble performs on stage in end-of-term concerts every year in the Hart House Arbor Room. However, the band is not restricted solely to campus performances. They have entered many festivals in the past and in particular have received the Gold Award in the Instrumental Jazz Division category for performance in both the Greater Toronto and Canada MusicFest festivals in 2003.

The Hart House Jazz Ensemble is an active and vibrant band that is united in one common interest: a love of music. Members balance their lives and studies around numerous other commitments but still take the time out to play in the ensemble.

How to get involved:

Auditions for all members take place at the beginning of every school year, within the first few weeks of September. Weekly rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7:30-9:30 pm in the South Sitting Room of the Hart House.

Open Rehearsal for 2011-2012

Monday, September 12, 2011 from 7:30-9:30 pm in the South Sitting Room.

Audition Times for 2011-2012

Monday, September 19, 2011 from 6:00-10:00 pm in the South Sitting Room.
Sign up for an audition time at the open rehearsal or at the HUB.

2011 / 2012 Members

Vocals
Sam Broverman

Violin
Kelly Purpura

Saxophone Section
Thomas Santerre
Liz Wong
Madelaine Jack
Steven Gravelsins
Elliot Wright
Julia Jung

Trombone Section
Brian Case
Joe Pocsai
Sarah Gallah
George Nissan
Courtney Lambert

Trumpet Section
Parker Weiss
Morgan Gardner
Sean Sydney
Felix Yu

Rhythm Section
Mark Kazakevich - Piano
Ryan Cassar - Guitar (2nd Semester)
Simon Bild-Enkin - Bass
Ryan Field - Drums (1st Semster)
Lucas Badenduck (2nd Semester)

Conductor
The Hart House Jazz Ensemble is conducted by Ernesto Cervini. Drummer Ernesto Cervini has quickly become in demand as a sideman and also as a bandleader in North America because of his unique and deep musicality. Ernesto released his debut CD as a leader, Here, in 2006 to critical acclaim: "Here is a wonderful debut that showcases Cervini's monster chops and compositional abilities." Budd Kopman, All About Jazz. In 2009 his sophomore release, Little Black Bird featuring Joel Frahm on Saxophones was released on Orange Grove Records, and is being distribute by ANZIC Records (both based in New York City.) "Drummer Ernesto Cervini plays with such conviction and fire that it's easy to give him your ears and time" says Glen Hall from Exclaim Magazine.

Ernesto has, at the young age of 28, had the opportunity to share the stage with many legendary jazz musicians; Joe Lovano, Clark Terry, Benny Golson, Cleo Laine, Pat LaBarbera, Dick Oatts, Buddy DeFranco, Eddie Daniels, Henry Cuesta, Scott Robinson, Dave Binney, Jim McNeely, Phil Nimmons, Peter Appleyard, Ranee Lee and many others. He has opened for musicians such as Herbie Hancock, Kenny Garrett, Roy Hargrove, Dave Holland, Roy Haynes and Poncho Sanchez. Ernesto is currently the drummer for the ACQ, MEM3, Strange Attractors (featuring Brownman) as well as Monday Off, a 4-part vocal group. Ernesto has recorded albums with many of these groups and Code Breaking by the Tara Davidson Quintet was recently nominated for a Juno award.

Ernesto's diversity as a musician (he is also an excellent pianist and clarinetist) has allowed him to travel throughout the world, performing in some of the world's greatest concert halls and jazz clubs. Ernesto has been featured as a leader and sideman at the legendary Birdland, Sweet Rhythm, The Jazz Standard, The 55 Bar, The Montreal Bistro, The Top Of the Senator, The Rex Jazz and Blues Club and has also been fortunate enough to perform in concert halls such as Massey Hall, The Glen Gould Theatre, The St. Lawrence Center for the Arts and the Sugita Theatre in Yokohama, Japan.

Ernesto received his Bachelors degree from the University of Toronto, and a Masters degree from the Manhattan School of Music. Ernesto is continuing to push musical boundaries with his innovative compositions, as well as his imaginative and explosive drumming. He will be a constant in the global jazz scene for decades to come, through his love for musical performance and education.

Contacts

Hart House Jazz Ensemble: hhjazzensemble@gmail.com
Ernesto Cervini: www.ernestocervini.com