Joel Lareau

Trombone

Joel was born and raised in Regina. He began taking piano lessons at a young age and started trombone in grade 6 through the Regina Catholic Schools Division.  After graduating from LeBoldus High School in 2007, Joel joined the University of Regina Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and Jazz Band as a community member.  He also joined the Halcyon Chamber Choir where he sang for 8 years and played in the South Saskatchewan Youth Orchestra for 2 years.

In 2012, Joel began the pursuit of a degree in Music Education at the University of Regina and studied trombone under the direction of Dr. David Dick. During his time at the U of R, he continued to play in the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band and joined the U of R Chamber Singers. Joel convocated from the U of R in 2016 with his Bachelor of Music Education degree. 

Joel is currently a Band Director for the RCSD North Area Elementary bands.  In addition to playing with the Regina Jazz Orchestra, he also performs with multiple local groups including: The Pile of Bones Brass Band, The New Montagues, SOUL DEEP, ELEV8, Lyssa and the Try-Tones, and the 620 CKRM Rider Pep Band.  He has opened for acts such as The Blind Boys of Alabama and Michael Kaeshammer and has shared the stage with the likes of Wayne Bergeron, Herman Matthews (Tower of Power), Stanton Moore (Galactic), and Bernard Purdie (Aretha Franklin, Steely Dan, etc.).  Joel is also a utility player for the RSO.