The Blue Bear Jazz Band was founded in the spring of 2006 and is currently the longest running ensemble at PCHS. Mr. Paul Brisley, a retired music teacher who now resides in Port Colborne, has been directing this ensemble since its conception. Mr. Brisley brings a wealth of knowledge to our students and is a great asset to the Music Department. The Blue Bear Jazz Band has had various combinations of instruments over the past three years and is willing to incorporate non-traditional big band instruments into the group where there is an interest. Ultimately, this ensemble is intended to consist of:

• a saxophone section (made up of alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones)
• a trombone section
• a trumpet section
• and a rhythm section (piano, bass, drums, percussion, and guitar)

To be a member of this ensemble, you must have successfully completed one semester of grade 9 instrumental music or have equivalent proficiency on your instrument. Instruction on piano, bass, and guitar is not available at PCHS and therefore, students interested in playing these instruments as part of the band would need to have taken lessons on these instruments and/or be proficient at reading standard musical notation.

The Blue Bear Jazz Band specializes in music from the 1920's to the present focussing on jazz, blues, funk, latin, and rock. They meet to rehearse every Wednesday from 2:30 pm until 4:00 pm in the music room and are expected to practice daily on their own as well. Instruments are provided free-of-charge to all PCHS music students enrolled in an ensemble or a music class for the duration of their involvement in those groups. There is no cost to students to be a part of this or any other ensemble except the purchase of a "Blue Bear Music" uniform golf shirt that is mandatory for all performances.