| Knights of Jazz | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Kincardine, Ontario |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Years active | 1975–2000 |
The Knights of Jazz was a musical Jazz ensemble composed of students from Kincardine District Secondary School (KDSS) in Kincardine, Ontario of the Bluewater District School Board. Under the leadership of Ian Burbidge, the Knights of Jazz operated from the early 1970s to the year 2000.
The Knights of Jazz were first formed in 1975, by the KDSS music teacher Blake Smith. Some of the original band members included the Tusz sisters (Terry - trombone and Margaret - trumpet), and their brother Louis (bass guitar), Jane Ellenton (clarinet/tenor sax), Ozzie Argalis (trumpet), Jim Scurfield (drums), Ian Allingham (trombone), Kevin Orr (rhythm guitar) etc. The Knights of Jazz first major road trip was to Northern Ontario in the spring of 1977 and included engagements at the high schools in the towns of Chapleau, Manitouwadge, Marathon, and Wawa.
In their 30 year lifespan, the Knights of Jazz attended the MusicFest Canada competitions annually, earning many Gold Standards. During the 1980 school year, under conductor Blake Smith, the Knights traveled to England. They attended the Harrogate Music Festival where they were very well received. This trip was so successful that the Knights returned to Harrogate in the spring of 1983, but this time under the direction of the band "doctor", Dr. Tusz.
In their final years, the Knights of Jazz earned a Gold Standard performing such songs as "In the Mood," "Peter Gunn Theme," and "Girl from Ipanema" at the Georgian Bay MusicFest competition.