Solo trumpet with the internationally recognized Foothills Brass Quintet, Principal Trumpet of the Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra, and finalist at the 2004 Ellsworth Smith International Trumpet Competition, Jay Michalak is in demand as one of Canada’s leading trumpeters, and is a dedicated and passionate band director and educator.

When not teaching the next generation of music lovers in his concert and jazz bands, Jay can be found performing in professional concerts across Canada. As a trumpet soloist he has performed with the Calgary Civic Symphony, the Kensington Sinfonia, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra among others, and was a finalist at the 2006 Jeju International Brass Competition. Additionally, Jay was a featured soloist with the Cadets of Bergen County Drum and Bugle Corps at the Closing Ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. He has previously held positions in the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra and the Civic Orchestra or Chicago, and performed with ensembles across Canada, including the Land’s End Ensemble, Calgary Jazz Orchestra, Auto-Rickshaw and Theatre Calgary.

 He has given masterclasses at universities across North America, including the universities of Nebraska, Miami, British Columbia, Alberta and Prince Edward Island, and recitals across the globe including performances at UCLA, South Korea, Malaysia, Brazil and Estonia.

Jay, a native of Chicago, IL received his B. Mus from Northwestern University, M. Mus from the University of British Columbia in 2000, and Master of Teaching degree from University of British Columbia in 2019.