Ross Wooldridge
Woodwinds
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Born 1962 in Hamilton Ontario, Ross Wooldridge showed early musical ability, taking piano lessons by age four. Self taught on clarinet at age 13, he took up the saxophone at 16. Attending Mohawk College and Humber College, Ross honed his arranging and composing skills. Afterwards he added to his portfolio the skills of Producer, Conductor, Transcription specialist and Educator. Ross enjoys co-leading the traditional jazz band the Dixie Demons with trombonist Dan Douglas, and a busy career of playing and recording with his Tribute to the Benny Goodman Sextet, and Tribute to Artie Shaw and his Gramercy 5, and his various big band shows such as Benny Meets Artie – the Hits of Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman. Notable names he has recorded with are Peter Appleyard, Don Thompson, Alex Pangman, Jaymz Bee, Terra Hazelton and the late Jeff Healey. Leader of Toronto's Galaxy Orchestra, Ross has written many of their arrangements and produced their CD “Tribute to the Kings of Swing” which is played regularly on radio stations across North America. Two new albums from the Galaxy Orchestra scheduled for release soon. Notable are his critically acclaimed recordings Tribute to the Benny Goodman Sextet Volumes 1 and 2, Scuttlebutt – a Tribute to Artie Shaw and his Gramercy 5 and two Dixie Demons recordings “Live at the Rex” and “Fossil Fuel”. Most recently Ross produced and arranged the new album by Brenda Brown “Life Among Giants”, a dynamic recording featuring a stellar big band and concert orchestra. Ross teaches elementary school band classes for the Toronto District School Board. He joined the Sound Factory faculty in the winter of 2024. |
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