Professor Phil Nimmons joins the Faculty of Music in 1973 #tbt

Already an incredibly accomplished performing and touring musician at this point, jazz clarinettist, composer, and band leader Phil Nimmons started teaching a course in jazz techniques at the the Faculty in 1973.

Phil was known for his band Nimmons ‘N’ Nine that start in 1957. In 1965 it expanded to Nimmons ‘N’ Nine Plus Six. Check out his press kit from 1975 [pdf]. Phil was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1993.

Phil Nimmons N’ Nine Plus Six perform Bird Burger, 1970:


Last June Phil turned 95 years old and he still comes to the Faculty of Music each week to teach an improvisation class.

On Monday, October 1 we are excited to have Phil Nimmons in Walter Hall with pianist David Braid (BMusPerf 1998) for “Nimmons ‘N’ 95”, hosted by Heather Bambrick (BMusPerf 1997).

Phil Nimmons performing in Toronto, photo by Bruce Litteljohn.

Phil Nimmons performing in Toronto, photo by Bruce Litteljohn.

 

David Braid is a graduate of the Faculty of Music and jazz piano instructor.

Below is a photo of David from 1999 when he performed at an U of T Alumni Association event at the President’s House. Behind him is Dr. John Lawson, a long time supporter of the Faculty of Music and Chair of the Faculty of Music Dean’s Advisory Board in the 90s and early 00s, and on the far right is Marilyn Genovese Brown, who worked in the Faculty of Music’s Development and Alumni Relations Office. Other members in the photo were part of the U of T Alumni Association.

avid Braid John Lawson Marilyn Brown 1999 UTAA event

David Braid John Lawson Marilyn Brown 1999 UTAA event