'The Shoulders of Giants'

Born in Ottawa Ontario, Gavin's  love for music and drumming began at a very early age. At six months old he was pulling pots and pans from the cupboard, assembling them into a makeshift drum set and pounding away for hours. At the age of eight, Gavin landed his first professional gig.  Approached by the lead percussionist of the Ice Capades, he was asked to open the show with a timpani roll in front of an audience of over 4000 people. Subsequently, he was awarded the handsome fee of $6.00 C.A.D.  Continuing his rhythmic pursuits, Gavin studied with local teachers and dedicated himself to endless hours of personal practice.  At age 12 Gavin was playing with musicians twice his age and creating a buzz on the local music scene.  Moving to Calgary in his teens, he continued his private tutelage, private practice and performing live in local bands.  Gavin went on to study in New Orleans with Ray Fransen and then onto Berklee, Boston to study with John Ramsay.  Being committed to excellence in every facet of his musical endeavours has helped Gavin establish a professional career that has lasted for over two decades.  

 

Throughout his career, Gavin has had the opportunity to act as both musician and Music Director for a vast number of International artists.  These include Joan Rivers, Sweet, Big Kenny (Big and Rich), Greg Godovitz (Goddo), Destino Tenors, Bobby Arvon (Harry James Orchestra), Scott Keo (Michael Buble Tribute), Susan Anton, Howard McCrary (Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson), Ray Griff, The Platters, The Drifters, and The Coasters.  Gavin has traveled extensively in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, the UK and Europe and has recorded in excess of 100 albums. Having produced and arranged several projects for various artists, one such artist accepted invitations to perform at both Carnegie Hall and The White House.  At the 2008 GMA Awards, Gavin was honoured for the #1 Jazz/Blues Song of the Year, 'I Believed It' and the #1 Urban/R&B/Soul Song of the Year, 'Free'.  In January 2008, he played the Miss America Gala at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada and had the privilege of playing for Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien.   Recently, Gavin completed touring with Canada's most prolific country artist, Ray Griff. 

 

  Gavin Sorochan is the creator and CEO of NightCastle Productions™ and Classic Album Concert Series™. NightCastle Productions defines both character and quality. Gavin and the company enable only the most professional and skilled musical entertainment to reach the market. Their multi-genre index ranges from rock and country to jazz and fusion. NightCastles flagship presentation, RUSH: Moving Pictures and Greatest Hits, '74-'81 parallels the dedication and excellence its creator has built his career upon.

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In accordance with his professional ethics and philosophy, Gavin has founded Musician’s Institute of Canada. The core initiative of MIC is formed from his extensive encounters with professionals and students from across the globe.  Through these chance mergers, he has developed an objective that rivals the world’s finest institutions. The MIC model is a fully integrated learning facility that specializes in advanced student development. Driven by increased  musical complexity and a demand for well trained musicians, MIC determines to provide the music industry with artists and instrumentalists of the highest calibre.  

 

Gavin's principal focus is to communicate the essential virtues of music and art to musicians and to the broader population. Through drum clinics, private teaching, recording, live performances and civic dialogue, he has assisted many musicians in their pursuits for excellence and mastery. In addition, he has provided awareness to the public regarding the importance of music in society and to the challenges facing todays aspiring professionals. 

 

Gavin's newest online initiatives, 'The ChopHouse' and 'UNSUNG' are available on both YouTube and Facebook. His first venture, 'The ChopHouse', is an exhaustive series of drum set tutorials dealing with the foundations of drum set technique, with an emphasis on expanding each musicians personal understanding and creativity. His second initiative 'UNSUNG', is fashioned toward giving acclaim to artists who exemplify the attributes of dedication, determination and mastery. 'UNSUNG' also serves as a platform for civic and national dialogue regarding the challenges humanity faces within the complex framework of an uncertain global paradigm.

 

Furthermore, Gavin has recently established the NightWing Foundation. NWF's mission is to provide for peoples needs, to empower them and to equip them in overcoming hardship. 'Helping individuals and our community at large is the tangible bi-product of an intrinsic humanity. That is something we all share'.

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A focused and devout practice regimen informs Gavin's ability to communicate and deliver the highest level of performance to musical contractors and unparalleled education to students, worldwide. Both his playing and teaching are influenced by the finest educators, (Alan Dawson, Gary Chaffee, Gary Chester, Gavin Harrison) and their respective teaching materials, (Complete Drummer's Vocabulary, Patterns Series, The New Breed, Rhythmic Illusions). Gavin's detailed and uncompromising instruction have been significant factors in leading several of his students to successful, mainstream music careers.

 

Gavin is the co-producer and arranger of the Jazz/Fusion trio "The Moving Instant". Along with fellow musicians Jason Graham-Guitar and Stefano Valdo-Bass,  the trio recently completed their debut album. Having  garnered considerable attention and praise from acclaimed musicians and the music industry, it is a watermark achievement for all the members involved. In concert, The Moving Instant performs original compositions, along with arrangements from the music of Mike Stern, John Scofield, Vital Tech Tones, Peter Erskine and Jeff Beck.  

Gavin currently resides in Calgary, Alberta where he continues an active recording, producing, touring and teaching schedule.

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Quotes: 

Steve Vintner (Andrea Bocelli, Jeff Beck) - “Gavin’s drumming is simply off the scale”. 

                         

                         Jim Trimble (Road Manager to Buddy Rich and Trombone Player for Buddy Rich Big Band) -                     “Gavin isn’t working on his feel and chops. He’s there. An amazing drummer”!