Greg Edwards

Why Greg Edwards is Proof of the Importance of Challenging Yourself

Greg Edwards' time at Douglas College helped shape his passion for music into a successful career. Although he played trumpet in his high school's jazz band, Greg needed help finding confidence in his skills. Nonetheless, he dared to audition for the Bachelor of Performing Arts program at Douglas College and decided it was a sign of his potential if admitted. When Greg was accepted, his teachers' encouragement showed him that he possessed the skills to thrive as a musician.  One of Greg's instructors at Douglas College, Dr. Ed Bach, was a major influence on his education and career in music, even leading him to perform as a member of the Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra from 1989–1990.

After completing his diploma at Douglas College, Greg followed Dr. Bach to Brandon University in Manitoba, where he received his Bachelor of Music and his Bachelor of Education, graduating as valedictorian. Greg also completed his Post Baccalaureate in Education at the University of Manitoba in 2002, receiving top honours for graduating with the highest G.P.A. in his field of study.

Greg has been teaching music for nearly three decades, among which he has been the band director at Westwood Collegiate in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for 23 years. Under his direction, the bands from Westwood Collegiate have become highly respected nationwide. Music education remains his main passion, and instilling that passion and potential in his students has been the driving force in his teaching.

Greg credits Douglas College as the launching pad for his meteoric career. In 2007, Greg was named the top jazz educator in Manitoba by being presented with the Xerox Jazz Educator of the Year award at the prestigious Winnipeg International Jazz Festival. In addition, the University of Manitoba acknowledged him for his teaching excellence in 2011. Most recently, in 2022, Greg received the Tommy Banks/N.A.C. Orchestra Outstanding Jazz Director Award, naming him the top jazz educator at the Canadian Nationals. Greg is only one of 5 people in the country to have ever received this prestigious honour.

The support and encouragement Greg received at Douglas College helped lay the foundation for the musician and educator he is today. He is truly grateful for all the opportunities the faculty provided him at Douglas College. It is quite obvious for Greg: "I simply would not be where I am today if it wasn't for Douglas."