Jeff Christmas - drummer

Jeff Christmas is a Canadian composer, arranger, conductor, drummer and percussionist who studied at York University (Toronto), Western University (London), and Berklee College of Music (Boston). He has conducted and performed with symphony orchestras across Canada and the United States, appearing with artists such as Denny Doherty, Michael Burgess, The Rankins, Ashley MacIsaac, J.P. Cormier, Jackie Richardson, Martin Fry (ABC), Roger Hodgson (formerly of Supertramp), and was recently conductor for legendary and multi-Grammy Award winning Michael Bolton.

He has been the guest conductor with many orchestras including Tucson Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic, Fresno Philharmonic, Winnipeg Symphony, Roanoke Symphony, Thunder Bay Symphony, Victoria Symphony, South Dakota Symphony, Vancouver Island Symphony, Lansing Symphony, Springfield Symphony, Stratford Symphony, International Symphony, Lexington Philharmonic, and Jacksonville Symphony.

Jeff’s original compositions, With Glowing Hearts, and Carry the Light were featured in the documentary “Vancouver 2010 – Olympic Torch Relay”. He was also the Musical Director/Arranger for the opening of the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, where he conducted the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra with guest artists Randy Bachman, Burton Cummings, Tom Cochrane, Doc Walker and Chantal Kreviazuk.

As a drummer and guest conductor for Jeans ‘n’ Classics, Jeff has appeared with artists such as Amy Sky, Marc Jordan, Lorraine Segato (Parachute Club), Alan Frew (Glass Tiger), Rik Emmett (Triumph), Brian Vollmer (Helix), Lawrence Gowan, Jim Witter, Thomas Wade, The Spoons, and the late Kenny McLean (Platinum Blonde).

Jeff’s many original compositions for live performance include Opening Ceremonies music for the Canada Games, film and television work, musical theatre, and arrangements for numerous Pops shows.

Awards include: Multiple London Music Awards (for composing), the 2005 Jack Richardson Award for Classical Soloist/Conducting, and a 2013 induction into Western University’s Don Wright Faculty of Music “Wall of Fame”.