Dr. Jack Edwards is an active performer on saxophone and bassoon. He has performed with the Georgia State University Wind Ensemble, Georgia State University Symphony Orchestra, Cobb Symphony Orchestra, Greater Victoria Senior Concert Band, Meridiem Wind Orchestra, Raincoast Winds, and Springridge Quintet. He is on faculty at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, teaching saxophone in the Classical School of Music and the Department of Postsecondary Studies. Dr. Edwards has also taught as part of the Senior Collegium Program at the Conservatory.
He has extensive experience as a conductor, conducting ensembles of varied ability levels–from beginner to advanced. During his tenure with the Greater Victoria Junior Concert Band, he created the Greater Victoria Community Marching Band. In 2019, the band’s third year of existence, they earned third place in the Canadian Band Category in the Victoria Day Parade. Dr. Edwards has also taught music theory, from basic to advanced levels, to both private students and classes as a faculty member in the BC Cadet Music Program.
Born and raised in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in northeast Georgia, Dr. Edwards was awarded a full-tuition, four-year scholarship to study saxophone at Jacksonville State University with Dr. Ronald Attinger. After completing his undergraduate degree, he went on to complete two graduate degrees at Georgia State University before moving to Victoria to complete a PhD in Sociology and Curriculum & Instruction.
Dr. Edwards’ students have consistently earned high marks and honours on the Trinity College and Royal Conservatory of Music Examinations, including the Royal Conservatory Gold Medal for the British Columbia and Yukon region. His students have also excelled in the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festivals, earning placement at the Provincial competition, awards, and performances on the GVPAF Woodwinds Honours Concert. With more than 34 years experience as a music educator and performer, Dr. Edwards continues to pass on his love of music to students of all ages and abilities.