QYO Big Band (BB)

Conductor Michael Connors

 

Watch the QYO Big Band perform Evan Lohning’s Stand Up and Be Counted:

 

 

The QYO Big Band is based in Brisbane and regulary performs in Brisbane, and on tour through regional Queensland and Australia wide. In 2011, the QYO Big Band plays as part of the Redland Spring Festival, at QPAC and at the Brisbane Hilton Hotel.

In 2010, the band toured to Blackall, Tambo, Barcaldine, Moranbah and Mackay, in addition to performances in and around Brisbane.

Since its establishment, the band has performed at the Darling Harbour Jazz Festival in Sydney, the Winton Outback Festival, Brisbane’s River Festival, the Noosa Jazz Festival and the Redland Spring Festival.

 

   

Michael Connors

A regular on the Brisbane music scene as both a commercial/ Jazz trumpet professional and music educator, Michael Connors is now taking the reigns of the QYO Big Band.

After two years studying a Bachelors of Music in jazz trumpet under the Masterful John Hoffman at the Conservatorium of Music, Michael spent a year touring the U.S.A, Canada, South America and the Caribbean. As a lead trumpet player in the Orchestras aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Michael had the opportunity to work with a number of stellar musicians, and world-renowned guest performers.

After his time away Michael returned to Brisbane and completed his Bachelors of Music at the Conservatorium, as well as a Diploma of Secondary Education at Griffith University.

Upon completing his studies Michael has been a prominent member of the Brisbane music scene performing in a number of professional ensembles and groups including The Enthusiastic Musician’s Orchestra (Big Band), Chukale (Cuban Salsa Ensemble) and Odyssey (Covers Band). Some other acts Michael has performed with include Tom Burlinson, Pete Murray, Rhonda Burchmore, and Mickey Dolenz from The Monkeys.  

As well as performing, Michael has been involved in music education at numerous private and public schools teaching instrumental music, tutoring private trumpet students and directing concert and big bands. Recently, Michael has been appointed as the Director Music at Saint Edmund’s College. 

“I approach ensemble directing from a performance perspective, utilizing my own professional experiences as guidance for young musicians. Every ensemble has the ability to make significant improvements when presented with enthusiasm and inspiration. My goal is to show that going to the next level is a mindset not a matter of time.”