BLACK and WHITE

The three members of Black and White have been playing music together for about six years, but only one year ago did they decide to form a competitive group. Under the direction of Gordon Waters, Black and White went to perform in the Shuswap Music Festival and compete in the Interior Jazz Festival. Both events awarded the group with gold and the Interior Jazz Festival also presented a nomination to play in the national jazz festival. The city of Salmon Arm also recognized these achievements and presented Black and White with an award from the Mayor. In the spring of 2009 Black and White recorded some of their favourite jazz standards. A few of these can be found on their facebook page.

Nick - I grew up with classical Piano training from my father till I was in grade 7; from there I practiced myself and taught myself what I wanted to know, including theory. Not until grade 11 did I discover my passion for jazz piano, which carried over to playing with my two great friends forming Black and White. As for the trumpet I did not pick that up until grade 10. I had originally started playing trombone and tuba. Jazz is my passion.

Shane - I was introduced to music at a very young age by my parents putting me through piano lessons. In grade seven I dropped piano and picked up the clarinet playing in the school concert band. Three years later I became inspired by my older brother to play the drums. From then on I would teach myself by listening to my older brother, jazz music and playing in the school jazz bands. In total I have been playing for five years. Because of my instrumental background, I have always strived to become a drummer focused more on style and feel.

Neil - I started playing bass in the summer of grade 8. I took bass lessons for two years, before switching to the upright bass. I played in all the school bands, including the community String Orchestra all the way up to grade 12. In all that time, I have never formally been taught how to play the upright. I'm completely self-taught. Next year I'm hoping to attend Vancouver Island University, in their jazz program, majoring in bass. And if all goes well, I'll be spending the rest of my life doing what I love, playing music.