A Finalist at the Ellsworth Smith International Trumpet Competition, Jay Michalak is in high demand as one of North America’s leading trumpeters. As a soloist, Mr. Michalak has performed with Ensemble Noir, Altius Brass, Kensington Sinfonia, Calgary Bach Society, Calgary Concert Band and was a finalist at the Jeju International Brass Competition. Additionally, Jay was the soprano soloist with the Cadets of Bergen County, including a featured performance at the closing ceremonies of the 1996 Olympics. Jay also co-founded Keybrass, a featured ensemble at the 2008 International Trumpet Guild Conference. Jay has held positions in the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, training orchestra for the Chicago Symphony, as well as freelancing with ensembles across North America and locally with the Calgary Philharmonic, Prime Time Big Band, and numerous productions of Theatre Calgary.
In 2003, Jay started working with the Bands of Calgary as brass coordinator/music director of the various groups, has given masterclasses across North America, and also this past year began co-directing the Valley Winds Concert Band in with his wife, Andrea. Jay is also very active as an arranger, writing for concert and marching bands, brass ensemble, and the Foothills Brass.
Jay, a native of Chicago, IL received his B. Mus from Northwestern University, and his M. Mus from the University of British Columbia. Away from music, Jay enjoys skiing, travelling, and his own unique brand of exercise “slogging,” having completed 4 half marathons and 6 full marathons to date. Jay and Andrea recently welcomed their second child, Eva, into the world, who together with big sister Anna, has just started music classes at Mount Royal!