Greg Edwards

Greg Edwards is a highly respected clinician, adjudicator, and professional development speaker, widely recognized across Canada for his work with national festivals, honour bands, band camps, and music education initiatives. Specializing in both jazz and concert band, he has also delivered professional development presentations to educators, school divisions, and corporate organizations such as Coca-Cola, sharing his expertise well beyond the classroom.

His teaching career began in Texas and later spanned more than 30 years in Winnipeg, including 25 years as band director at Westwood Collegiate. Under his leadership, the Westwood bands achieved exceptional success at the provincial, national, and international levels, earning top festival rankings and prestigious awards for both band and jazz programs. Career highlights include leading ensembles on multiple European tours, with standout performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and the Salzburg Festival in Austria.

Mr. Edwards’ contributions to music education have been recognized with numerous honours, including Manitoba’s top jazz educator, national jazz director awards, and alumni recognition for resilience and global citizenship. He retired in June 2025 and lives in Winnipeg with his family, remaining deeply passionate about music education. Outside of music, he enjoys cycling, martial arts, hiking, and time at his cottage, while continuing to inspire musicians and educators across Canada.

Professional Recognition:

Don Green Award for top band program at the Manitoba Band Association International Band Festival.

Investor’s Group Jazz Award for top jazz program at the Manitoba Band Association International Jazz Festival.

Headlining spot at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland

Xerox Jazz Educator of the Year awarded at the prestigious Winnipeg International Jazz Festival

Excellence in Teaching Award presented by the University of Manitoba.

Tommy Banks/N.A.C. Orchestra Outstanding Jazz Director Award - presented at the Nationals by Musicfest Canada

Douglas College Alumni 35 Award -honours those who demonstrate resilience and global citizenship, recognizing alumni who apply their skills and knowledge to their careers.

Previous Engagements:

Festivals:

Northern Manitoba Jazz Festival - Performer/ Clinician/ Adjudicator (11 years - Jazz Band)
National Capital Regional Music Festival - Ottawa - Adjudicator/ Clinician (Jazz and Concert)
National Capital Regional Music Festival - Ottawa - Adjudicator/ Clinician (Solo and Ensemble - Brass)
Atlantic Festivals of Music - Halifax - Adjudicator/ Clinician (Concert Band)
Musicfest Canada (Nationals) - Niagara Falls - Adjudicator/ Clinician (Jazz)
Windscapes Band Festival - Kelowna - Adjudicator/ Clinician (Jazz and Concert)
Manitoba Band Association Solo and Ensemble Festival - Adjudicator/ Clinician (3 years)
Manitoba Band Association Level One Festival - Brandon - Adjudicator/ Clinician

Honour Bands:

Westman Centennial Honour Band - Director (Concert Band)
Louis Riel Beginning Honour Band - Louis Riel School Division - Clinician/ Director (Concert Band)

Band Camps:

Yorkton Summer Band Camp - Yorkton, Saskatchewan Director/ Clinician
Fall Band Camp - Vincent Massey High School (Brandon) - Clinician (Jazz and Concert)

Clinics:

Vincent Massey Festival Prep - Clinician (7 years - Jazz and Concert)
St. Charles Catholic School - Clinician/ Mentor
More Beginning Band First Lesson Nights than I can possibly remember. 😊

Professional Development Presentations:

Teacher Wellness Keynote - Louis Riel School Division (Professional Development)
Swan River Band Director Professional Development Day Presentation - Speaker

Community Outreach:

Westwood Community Jazz Ensemble - Founder/ Director (5 years)

Thanks for reading this far..... as a treat, here is a nerdy bit of Edwards trivia...

Mr. Edwards' jazz program had the unique opportunity to perform with the Pat Metheny Group during their Way Up tour. While their contribution was brief—just the first five minutes of a 74-minute epic composition—it was an absolutely incredible experience.