Nicole Henning (Founder & Director):
Nicole has been teaching instrumental, vocal and musical theatre in the Durham and York regions for the past 15 years. Nicole is currently teaching at Captain Michael VandenBos P.S. in Whitby. Nicole holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Guelph and a background in tourism which allows her to look after both trip planning as well as the business side of Durham Jazz. She obtained her Music Education Degree from the University of Toronto. Nicole is the founder of the Durham Jazz Organization and has directed a band for the last 14 years. She continues to love each and every day with the DJ family and is excited to direct a big band this year as well as being the vocal coach.

Andrew Cohen (Director):
Andrew was the first director on board in 2009 when DJ started. Andrew has been teaching music in Durham Region and is currently teaching at Ormiston P.S. in Whitby. Andrew holds a degree in Classical Piano from Australia and a Masters in Music Education.

George Karounos (Director):
George has been teaching in the Durham District School Board for 15 years and is currently teaching at Scott Central P.S. in Uxbridge. Prior to teaching, he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from York University, with a focus on jazz guitar and jazz trumpet. George has performed in a variety of jazz combos and large ensembles at various jazz festivals and jazz clubs throughout the GTA over the past two decades.

Thomas Steele (Director):
Thomas Steele is a saxophonist, composer and music educator. He has been a director with Durham Jazz for 7 years, is an instructor at the Durham Integrated Arts Camp and is the intermediate division music teacher at Sherwood Public School. Thomas holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University.

James Morris (Director):
James joined the DJ team 15 years ago as a member of our very first band. Since then, he has continued to volunteer and work with the bands from year to year in a variety of aspects. As he attended O’Neill CVI’s Performing Arts program he was a great advocate for the DJ program within his school. James has just graduated from the Humber College Jazz Performance degree program. James received his Masters in Composing for Film, Television and Video Games from Berklee School of Music in Valencia, Spain and is currently enrolled at the University of Toronto for his Bachelor of Education degree.

Joey Slegtenhorst (Director):
Joey is a music teacher for the Durham District School Board, and joined Durham Jazz as a director in 2021.  He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with honours from York University, where he focused on film production, sound recording, and performance on the bass.  Joey has enjoyed directing, recording, and performing with a variety of groups around the Greater Toronto Area, from community concert bands to R&B and soul ensembles.