Our Story

Formed in 1984 by lifelong Hamilton resident Dr. Russ Weil, the Hamilton All Star Jazz Band (HASJB) served as an enrichment opportunity for talented young musicians from the Greater Hamilton Area. Since its inception, the organization has expanded to include multiple ensembles, ensuring that this enrichment opportunity is available to musicians of all ages and levels.

Our Mission and Vision

The mission of HASJ  is “Music and Youth Building a Better Community”. We aim to be the leading arts organization for youth in the Golden Horseshoe.  Our young people act as ambassadors for our community. We focus on developing responsibility, commitment, teamwork, leadership and respect in an artistically challenging and inclusive environment. We concentrate on excellence in music performance for local, national and international audiences. HASJ provides a proud legacy that is directed by an enthusiastic group of directors, advisors and volunteers who administer a self-sustaining, multi-tiered program for young people and jazz enthusiasts.

Our Organization and Program

Hamilton All Star Jazz (HASJ) consists of 4 ensembles for musicians of all ages.

• Junior Stars (ages 11-15)
• Rising Stars Jazz Band (ages 15-19) 
• Hamilton All Star Jazz Band (ages 15-25)
• After Hours Jazz Band (ages 25+)

Members of our ensembles develop their musicianship through the preparation of classic and contemporary big band repertoire.  There is a concerted focus on performing the music of the most influential names in jazz history including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holliday, as well as highlighting the contributions of Canadian musicians such as Mike Malone, Rob McConnell, and Phil Nimmons.