The Guest Director of the 2026 Alberta Jazz Ensemble will be Joel Gray 

Joel Gray is an Edmonton-based freelance trumpeter and music educator with over 30 years of professional experience. A versatile musician, Joel has performed with renowned artists such as Tommy Banks, PJ Perry, and Jens Lindemann, to name a few. He is a regular member of ensembles like the Canadian All-Star Jazz Pops Orchestra, featured on their Juno-nominated album Then Is Now 'Rhapsody in Blue', and recently recorded on Maria Dunn’s Juno-winning album A Joyful Banner Blazing. Joel frequently performs with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, including appearances at Carnegie Hall and as a soloist in their Tribute to Louis Armstrong. His credits in musical theatre include national tours of Wicked, Book of Mormon, and Beauty and the Beast. A committed educator, Joel has taught at MacEwan University, Augustana University, and Keyano College. He currently directs MusiCamp Alberta and the acclaimed Littlebirds jazz bands, inspiring the next generation of jazz musicians.

Past Directors of the Youth Jazz Ensemble of Alberta

2024 - Fred Stride
​2023 - Dean McNeill
2022 - Ray Baril, Edmonton
​2021 - Cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
2020 - Cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
​2019 - Gordon Foote, Toronto