Greg Edwards
Greg Edwards began his musical journey in the school band programs of Williams Lake and Penticton, B.C. Encouraged by his Pen-Hi band director, Dave Burnelle, Mr. Edwards auditioned for and was accepted into the music program at Douglas College. It was here that he discovered his potential and realized he had the skills to thrive as a musician. During his time at Douglas College, Dr. Ed Bach was a significant influence, further nurturing Mr. Edwards’ passion for music and helping him successfully audition for the Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra, where he performed from 1989 to 1990.
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After earning his diploma at Douglas College, Mr. Edwards followed Dr. Bach to Brandon University in Manitoba, where he completed his Bachelor of Music and Education degrees, graduating as valedictorian. He later pursued his Post-Baccalaureate in Education at the University of Manitoba, graduating with top honours in 2002 for achieving the highest GPA in his field of study.
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Mr. Edwards’ teaching career began in Texas, where he taught for a year before returning to Manitoba to teach music for over three decades in Winnipeg. After teaching middle school, he spent 25 years as the band director at Westwood Collegiate. Under his leadership, the Westwood Collegiate bands earned a stellar reputation provincially, nationally, and internationally. His ensembles consistently ranked as the top bands at local festivals, earning accolades such as the Don Greene Award for best band program and the Investor’s Group Jazz Award for best jazz program.
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A respected clinician and adjudicator, Mr. Edwards is well known across Manitoba for his work with various music festivals, including directing the Central Manitoba Honour Band and serving for an unprecedented 11 years at the Northern Manitoba Jazz Festival. In 2005, his 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 a memorable highlight.
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In 2007, Mr. Edwards was recognized as Manitoba’s top jazz educator with the Xerox Jazz Educator of the Year award at the prestigious Winnipeg International Jazz Festival. His excellence in teaching was also acknowledged by the University of Manitoba in 2011. In 2022, he received the Tommy Banks/N.A.C. Orchestra Outstanding Jazz Director Award, naming him the top jazz educator in Canada. Only five individuals in the country have ever received this prestigious honour. Most recently, in 2023, Mr. Edwards was named one of the recipients of the Douglas Alumni 35 award from his alma mater, Douglas College in New Westminster, B.C. The Alumni35 award honours those who demonstrate resilience and global citizenship, recognizing alumni who apply their skills and knowledge to their careers, life’s work, or passion projects.
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During his tenure at Westwood, Mr. Edwards had the privilege of leading his ensembles on four extraordinary European tours, performing in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria. Notably, the bands were selected to perform at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival, earning a headliner spot in 2009. They were also invited to perform at the world-renowned Salzburg Festival in Austria, one of the oldest and most prestigious music festivals in Europe.
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Mr. Edwards retired from teaching in June of 2025 and now resides in Winnipeg with his wife, Lori, and their two children, Avery and Blake. Outside of his work with musicians across Canada, he is an avid cyclist, hiker, and enjoys spending time tinkering around his cottage at Victoria Beach. Music education remains his primary passion, and instilling that passion in his students has been the cornerstone of his teaching career.
