It is with mixed emotions that I announce the retirement of Denny Christianson from Humber College effective August 31, 2018. For the past 17 years, Denny has served as the program coordinator for Humber’s renowned Bachelor of Music degree program and the former Advanced Diploma program in music.
As the founding director of the music degree, Denny collaborated with music faculty to create the most comprehensive undergraduate music program in Canada. By combining the latest recording technologies and entrepreneurial business strategies with performance, production, songwriting, and composition in jazz, pop, R&B, Latin and world music, this program consistently produces many of the most successful and versatile musicians and music industry professionals in Canada and abroad.
Denny has recorded or produced hundreds of commercials, TV shows, albums and movie soundtracks. Before joining Humber in 2001, he was best known for directing the Denny Christianson Big Band and for his 30-year career as a brass musician in Los Angeles, Montreal, and Toronto. He performed and recorded with greats such as Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Smokey Robinson, Pepper Adams, Diane Shurr, Tony Bennett, Michel Legrand, Bill Holman, Carmen McRae, Ed Shaughnessy, Hubert Laws, J.J. Johnson, Kai Winding, Benny Carter, Steve Gadd, Sweets Edison, Kenny Drew, Mose Allison, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and many others. He also worked for several years on TV with Sammy Davis, Jr.
Denny has inspired students by connecting them with incredible faculty and other industry pros, and he has been responsible for bringing to Humber some of the biggest names in jazz, including Pat Metheny, Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette, Kurt Elling, and Michael Brecker.
We will always be grateful to Denny for his unwavering commitment to the students, faculty and staff at Humber, for being dedicated to world-class education, and for believing people should live their dreams, follow their passion, and share with the world.
Please join me in thanking Denny Christianson for his outstanding service to Humber, and congratulating him on starting the next exciting chapter. Thank you, Denny!
Sincerely,
Steve Bellamy
Dean, School of Creative & Performing Arts
