Jay has played with the CJO for 12 years. He is in demand as one of Canada’s leading trumpeters, educators and band directors. A Chicago native, Jay studied at Northwestern University, the University of BC, the Aspen Music Festival and School and the Banff Centre.
He is an active performer and arranger and is an active pedagogue, spending as much time as possible working with the next generation of musicians. Jay teaches Secondary Music at West Island College and is the recipient of the 2023 Jazz educator of the year award from the Alberta
Band Association

"If I wasn't a musician, I'd probably be rich"

Currently vibing to Chicago, Y0-Yo Ma and a little "oil and gas dude"

Jay Michalak

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