Evening Concert Sunday, April 15, 2012

Winspear Centre, Edmonton 8:00 pm Epsilon

Program to be selected from the following: When Love Comes to Town With Littlebirds Big Band Forget You Chicago Reach Out Virtual Insanity/Canned Heat Book of Love Somebody That I Used to Know Fields of Gold The Face There You Are Gilliland

G. Barkley S. Stevens B. Quilala Jamiroquai P. Gabriel Gotye Sting RyanDan K. Carter

BIOGRAPHIES

Epsilon is a Canadian vocal group based out of Edmonton, Alberta. The group consists of six members (Caleb Nelson, Bernard Quilala, Brett Ludwig, Tyler Smith, Kyle Carter, and Andrew Malcolm) with extensive backgrounds in rock, pop, jazz, classical, and choral music. Epsilon is renowned for its exceptional a cappella singing - tight harmonies, seamless phrasing, thrilling lead-solos, and intricate beat-boxing. Their love for singing and their ability to create a soundscape with their voices continues to inspire audiences both young and old. The groups repertoire ranges from the upbeat stylings of rock and pop music to the complex nuances of jazz, drawing influence from Boyz II Men, Take 6, Michael Jackson and many others. Epsilon has performed with many organizations, including the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra at their First Night at the Pops concert, and with Pro Coro Canada at various concerts. They have also performed as guest artists at various festivals including the Edmonton Cantando Festival in 2009, and ChoralFest North alongside the talented Contemporary Vocal Ensemble "Sixth Wave". In 2008 they competed in David Foster's Star Search, placing as finalists and performing at David Foster's prestigious charity auction. Recognizing the importance of encouraging choral and vocal education, Epsilon has performed and presented workshops for many high schools and community groups, including the Men of Note from Grande Prairie, Take Note from Red Deer, the Elk Island Honour Choirs.

Caleb Nelson: Wetaskawin born Caleb Nelson began his singing career relatively late compared to some of his Epsilon band mates but youd never be able to tell. He started singing in high school and went on to study Music at the University of Alberta. Currently working as a recording engineer and audio editor, Caleb has been a part of Canadas professional choir, Pro Coro for 7 seasons and busily arranges music for Epsilon as well as other choirs. With a strong grasp of the classical, jazz, pop and rock genres, coupled with his ability to sing higher than most girls, Caleb Nelson has become one of the most sought after singers in Edmonton while being one of the 6 signature voices in Epsilon. Bernard Quilala: is an Edmonton-born performer and has been singing since the age of 6. Doing the majority of his musical training in his shower and car, Bernard has also graduated from programs at Edmonton Musical Theatre. Bernard is fortunate enough to garner national recognition on reality television shows having been a Top 16 competitor on both Popstars: The One and a Wildcard competitor on the 2004 season of Canadian Idol. In 2008, Bernard participated in the David Foster Star Search where he met fellow Top 5 finalists, Epsilon. A friendship formed culminating in his joining the group just three years later. In April 2010, Bernard opened a concert for the incomparable Michael Bolton and followed that amazing experience up by singing backup for Johnny Reid at the 2010 Canadian Country Music Awards. With musical influences such as Elvis Presley, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Boys II Men, Bernard Quilala brings some soulful R&B groove to Epsilons already versatile style. Brett Ludwig: his smooth voice and flowing musicality come from passion, talent, and hard work. Trained in classical piano from the age of 6 up until he was 16, Brett later focused on singing and joined choirs such as the Elk Island Youth Choir, Kokopelli and FORM Vocal jazz. In FORM, Brett learned that he loved singing almost every part - male and female - but also learned to fill out a cappella sound with vocal drums, often called beatboxing. To add to his harmonic palette, he studied at Grant Macewan in the jazz piano program and learned the complex sounds of jazz alongside the accessible beauty of pop music. Brett currently enjoys singing with Pro Coro, gigging as a pianist and adding his voice to Epsilon's talented cast.

Tyler Smith: Singing since the age of 6, Tyler Smith was classically trained in voice from age 13 to 17. Tylers accomplishments include Performing in Citadel Theatres Foote Theatre School for two years, as well as singing in the solo ensemble group for Edmontons Singing Christmas Tree for two years. Very passionate about theatre arts, Tyler has performed in Edmonton productions of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and RENT. He plans on pursuing this passion with the theatre arts program at Grant Macewan University. Naming Michael Buble, Charice Pempengco, Idina Menzel and Josh Groban among his favorite artists and influences, Tyler Smith brings a classical style fused with pop sensibilities to the Epsilon mix. As the youngest member of Epsilon, he hopes to one day understand the numerous 80s pop culture references the rest of the group makes Kyle Carter: From a young age, Kyle Carter knew he wanted to be a musician. It didnt take him long to get the ball rolling either. Kyle started composing as a young child and later developed a passion for arranging scores. His first professional appearance as a singer came at the age of 10, performing alongside the very talented Donnie Osmond. Studying music at the University of Alberta and majoring in voice, Kyle joined Canadas professional choir, Pro Coro and has been a member for over three seasons. With musical influences such as Michael Jackson, Skrillex, AC/DC, and Frank Sinatra, Kyle Carter quickly became the resident rocker of Epsilon and continues to bring an edge that many singing groups lack. Kyle has and continues to compose and arrange many of Epsilons song choices. Andrew Malcolm: Although one of the youngest members of Epsilon, Andrew Malcolm out-mans most of his band mates with his low voice. With a bass range that is nothing short of epic, Epsilon needed to purchase a subwoofer just for Andrews voice when they learned that he was singing lower than the speaker's bass range. As legend tells, Andrew was singing boy soprano in the Edmonton Children's Choir and when he returned from summer vacation he was the lowest bass voice for Kokopelli. Members of Cadence, a Canadian A Cappella ensemble, have described Andrew's sound as "laser guided bass." Andrew Malcolm brings his unique talent to Epsilon giving them a whole level of tone that few groups can only dream to attain.