Jazz at the Winery

Clint began to play at the age of eleven under the guidance of his dad, Freddie Pelletier, who soon noticed that only three months after he had started, his speed and dexterity were phenomenal. A short time later he and Freddie produced a “Beginner Guitar” instruction video that was released independently and continues to sell well. They also recorded an album of guitar instrumental standards in 1999 appropriately entitled, “Like Father, Like Son”. 

In 1998 Clint traveled to Toronto to represent the superior guitar line, Fury Guitars at a guitar show and is now endorsed by them. He also snagged an endorsement with Elixir Strings, also a superior product. 

Clint spent his high school years playing in a variety of local events and bands as well with his family group “The Pelletiers,” before enrolling in the music program at Grant McEwan College in Edmonton, Alberta in 2000. After college Clint played guitar for Rounder Records fiddle and step-dance sensation, April Verch, and then moved on to perform with the famed world music fiddle group, “Barrage”. He toured extensively throughout Canada and the United States with both acts, gaining valuable experience in music and theater. After a time he chose to quit touring in order to continue his rigorous practice schedule. Clint continues to study music independently and has an admirable dedication to continue to improve.

At home now in Burns Lake, BC, his hectic pace continues as he has become a sought-after free-lance guitarist, playing a variety of styles from jazz, rock and flamenco to country and bluegrass. He also is a popular instructor at various guitar and fiddle camps in Western Canada. Clint continues to study music independently and has an admirable dedication to continue to improve, making him a relatable and inspiring coach. 

In his recital on Wednesday, you may hear Clint playing bluegrass, country, rockabilly, surf, old Tyme, jazz, flamenco or classical: his musical styles are like the weather…exciting, varied, and bound to change! 

"Jeremy Berkman... turns phrases into characters with eloquent tone and smooth line in Underhill’s stunning Trombone Quintet…” - Elissa Poole (Globe and Mail)

A graduate of Juilliard School of Music as well as Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music (with degrees in music and economics) trombonist Jeremy Berkman currently plays with and leads the education and community engagement efforts of Vancouver’s award winning Turning Point Ensemble (TPE). He performs with the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, One Two Trio (Brass Trio), and large jazz ensembles led by Jill Townsend, Daniel Hersog, and John Korsrud. With TPE, Jeremy has co-led a number of large scale collaborations and in 2011 was honoured with Vancouver’s Mayor’s Arts Award (Music). His most recent musical passion is music from the 16th and 17th century, which he plays on a sackbut made in 2020 by BC brass instrument maker Andrew Clark inspired by various instruments from the 16th century. He has contributed to over 40 commercial recordings, and is featured in Still Image (music of Owen Underhill on Centerdisc). With The Peggy Lee Band he has recorded five cds, toured nationally and internationally, and as a band member been nominated for a Juno Award. A student of Tim Atherton, Thomas Cramer, and Per Brevig, Jeremy taught for 30 years at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Jeremy's students have become successful professional performers, educators, and most importantly more passionate listeners.  Jeremy's first visit to Orchestra North was in 2017 as part of a collaboration with Turning Point Ensemble, and he is very happy to be working to develop a new project with Roxi Dykstra and Orchestra North for which this year's visit will hopefully advance!

Jordan Daviel (M.Mus. Cello Performance, Univ. of Ottawa, B.Mus. Composition and Theory, Univ. of Victoria, B.Ed. Music, Univ. of British Columbia) has been working as a professional musician and educator since 2003.  He held the position of principal cellist with the Prince George Symphony Orchestra for seven years and director of the Prince George Conservatory of Music for four years before transitioning to teaching music in public schools for the last twelve years. 

Currently, Jordan is the music teacher at Smithers Secondary School, teaching concert band, jazz band, rock band, marching band, choir, and musical theatre.  He enjoys performing with his own jazz combo as well as other groups around town and has been directing the Smithers Community Band for the last nine years.