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Mark R DeJong

Accomplished, professional, creative. Consistently demonstrates high level of achievement in numerous contexts. Open to change and facilitates diversity. Demonstrates success in artistic creation, performance, presentation, programming, assessment

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Passion for the performing arts

I have managed a successful career as a performer in music for close to 30 years. During that time I have gained experience in virtually every aspect of music including performance, education, presentation, jazz improvisation, composition, arranging and doubling (flute/clarinet). The diversity of my experience has allowed for a creative and satisfying cross-fertilization of personal development that leaves me open to new challenges and career paths.

Recent feature performances

• 2019 - Various Redline Trio concerts with guests Brandi Disterheft, David Braid, Mike Rud, and poet/author Quincy Troupe • 2018 – Saskatoon Symphony presents “Both Sides Now’ – The music of Joni Mitchell with Sara Slean (vocals) – feature soprano saxophone soloist • 2018 – The Shuffle Demons – guest saxophonist on tour for feature performances at Panama Jazz Festival, and Havana Jazz Festival • 2017 – The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra – guest Canada 150 Suite premiere and live recording

Performing member of ensembles • 2017 – present – Redline Trio; feature performer/band leader of with weekly appearance at Betty Lou’s Cocktail Bar, Calgary • 2012 – present – Calgary Creative Arts Ensemble; founding member/performer - – Calgary’s newest contemporary big band has featured guests including NY saxophonist Ralph Bowen, Sean Jones, Brad Turner and James Zollar • 2001 – present – Outer Bridge Ensemble; founding member/performer - Featured guest artists included: James Zollar, David Braid, Oscar Noriega, Steven Bernstein, Brandi Disterheft Outer Bridge Ensemble highlights include:

• 2017 – New Jersey tour including New Brunswick Jazz Project and Hopewell Creative Arts • 2015 – Feature performance at the Blue Note (NYC) late night groove series • 2006 - 2016 – Opening performances at Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival for Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, Medeski, Martin and Wood, Diane Reeves, Kenny Werner, John Scofield, Jesse Cook, and The Bad Plus. • 2010 – Canada Council supported tour western Canada (Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan) • 2008 – Extensive tour of Italy including Venice, Taranto, Bologna, Verona, Vicenza • 2006 – Alberta Foundation supported tour – western Canada (Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan)

Awards

2018 - Alberta Foundation for the Arts - Art production grant 2015 – Canada Council for the Arts – Art/concert production grant 2014 – Alberta Foundation for the Arts – Art/concert production grant 2012 – Invest YYC – Cultural Capital Crowd-funding initiative 2010 – World Expo, Shanghai China – Featured artist in Canada Pavilion 2009, 2006 - Canada Council for the Arts - Artist touring grant 2009 – University of Saskatchewan – Professional development grant 2008 - St. Peters College - Faculty Association Professional development grant 2007 - Saskatchewan Band Association - Guest presenter 2005 - University of Saskatchewan - Dwayne Nelson teaching award 2001 - Rutgers University - Pee Wee Russell scholarship 2001 – 2003 Rutgers University - Eugene H. Lockfeld Memorial scholarship 1998 - Alberta Foundation for the Arts - Professional development grant 1994 - French Consulate, Paris- International Music Study award 1990 - University of Calgary - Orchestra concerto competition winner 1989 - Alberta Foundation for the Arts - Music scholarship


Tags

Reviews of the Outer Bridge Ensemble...“...the band shades its work with sounds from the East...ragas, Klezmer, and Balkan soul...as well as a nod to downtown NYC folk in the form of a tribute to Phillip Glass. The stylistic elements are woven into the fabric of the music that gives the ensemble a distinctive sound. That translates into pulsating rhythmic groove...they swing, yet with a certain Old-World charm...” Cadence Magazine “.... their mature chemistry and adventurous sounds are evident on their latest release, Seamless....” Roger Levesque, Edmonton Journal

Reviews of "The Unknown" “...The Unknown” focuses on the power of Mark’s tenor saxophone, whose sound remains in the foreground during the epic creations on the album. The piano and wurlitzer provide roundness and a gloomy, hidden feeling, while the solid rhythm section drives through occasional deconstruction and dramatic switches. What makes this album so good is it’s capacity to innovate while remaining accessible, and to produce a sound that goes well with standards while sounding like an album composed and produced today". François-Samuel Fortin, Jazz Director CHYZ 94.3 - Université Laval

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Sonny Rollins
saxophone
Miles Davis
trumpet
Paul Desmond
saxophone, alto
Stan Getz
saxophone, tenor
Joe Henderson
saxophone

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