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Neil Yorke-Slader

Chairman, Instrumental Jazz Division

Neil Yorke-Slader is a Superintendent of Instruction with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board in Ottawa, Ontario. He has composed numerous works at various levels for jazz ensemble, several of which are available through UNC Jazz Press and Burnihla Music Publishing. He taught music at the elementary and secondary levels for 17 years, and is active as a jazz adjudicator and clinician throughout North America.

Neil Yorke-Slader is well known throughout the Capital region for his dedication to Education and the Arts. He directs the renowned Nepean All-City Jazz Band, one of Canada's pre-eminent student jazz ensembles for the last 21 years. In 1995 Neil received the City of Nepean's Distinguished Service Award for Arts and Culture, and their 1998 Distinguished Service Award for Education.

Neil's reputation extends far beyond the Ottawa area, however. He was the recipient of the 1999 Ottawa International Jazz Festival's "Achievement Award" and in 1991 he received the International Association of Jazz Educators Award for Contribution to Jazz Education. He is considered one of the leading Canadian authorities on the teaching of stage band fundamentals and rehearsal techniques. Neil is listed in the National Register's 2003 "Who's Who in Executives and Professionals."