Rumble in the Knox (Lowest Acoustic Instruments of Saskatchewan)

Brian Garbet composes acoustic and electroacoustic music for film, theatre, and the concert hall. His work often incorporates field recordings and found sound through transcription, spectral analysis, and fixed audio playback.

He received a BFA from Simon Fraser University, where he won a Jeu de Temps/Times Play national prize for his composition Ritual. After years of touring and recording with the rock band Crop Circle, Brian studied in Vancouver with Rodney Sharman and Hildegard Westerkamp, completed his Master of Music at UBC and completed his PhD at the University of Calgary.

He has presented research in Canada, England, Japan, and South Korea. He has been published internationally including a chapter to the publication John P.L. Roberts, the CBC/Radio Canada, and Art Music (Cambridge Scholars Press). He has enjoyed two residencies at the Banff Centre, was twice a participant at the Darmstädter Ferienkurse and spent an extended research residency in the United Kingdom.

Brian has taught electronic music and sound at the University of Lethbridge, the University of British Columbia, and Vancouver Community College, and recently has been the Audio and Music Technician at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. He has also scored music for short films, done sound design, and produced/engineered multiple releases for other artists.

Garbet’s music has been performed by François Houle, Quatuor Bozzini, Standing Wave, the Victoria Symphony, Alberta Winds, Astralis, Turning Point Ensemble and Nu:BC; he has been commissioned by the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, American poet Christine Hume, Land’s End Ensemble, and twice by the Strata Festival.

Kendra Harder is a queer composer, arranger & guitarist, and budding feminist musicologist. She uses her work to explore and create, experiment and play. Every new piece is an evolution of who she is, and a glimpse into her neurodiverse inner world.

Kendra is a present recipient of the Chung-Wai Chow and John Right Art Song Mentorship Program (Canadian Art Song Project), and she has also developed operas through the Fresh Squeezed Opera Digital Vocal Lab (Fresh Squeezed Opera), and the Mécénat Musica Prix 3 Femmes (Musique 3 Femmes). She holds a Bachelor of Music (University of Saskatchewan), and has privately studied with Cecilia Livingston, Niloufar Nourbakhsh, and Alexandra Gardner.

Spencer Krips is a Canadian musician living in the prairies in Saskatchewan. Active in the classical, jazz, and music theatre scenes, Spencer draws inspiration from all aspects of his musical background in his compositions.

Spencer studied Music Education at the University of Saskatchewan, where he was actively involved with the U of S Jazz Ensemble, Wind Orchestra, and Greystones Singers. During his studies, Spencer performed with the Carn Davidson 9, the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, and the Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra. Currently, Spencer is an active member of the Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra and the Saskatoon Brass Band, occasionally performs with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, and is the hospitality coordinator for the Strata Festival of New Music.

Spencer’s compositions have been performed across North America, including notable performances by the University of Toronto Hart House Jazz Ensemble and the Kansas State University Concert Band.

On November 12, 2021, Spencer released an album, titled “behold, the sonic universe”, featuring Fraser Krips on percussion. The album explores the relationship between nature, performer, and listener. It is available for purchase and on all streaming platforms.

Jude Leschyshyn (rhymes with “musician”) is a pianist and saxophonist based in Saskatoon. He holds a B.Mus. and Jazz Certificate from the University of Saskatchewan. He works as a music teacher, performer, accompanist, and composer.

With fifteen years of piano experience, Jude teaches and tutors piano, music theory, and music history to all ages and skill levels. He is currently accepting new students—enquire here.

Jude performs with the Footnotes Big Band and the Saskatoon Experimental Music Ensemble. When he can, he performs with his jazz trio or in solo recital. He is open for booking as an accompanist.

Rochelle Wright is a third-year music student and piano major at the University of Saskatchewan. Currently residing in Saskatoon, Rochelle is involved in the artistic scene as a musician and composer. 2024 marks Rochelle’s Strata Festival debut!