Founder and Artistic Director of the KoSA International Percussion Workshops and Festivals, and member of the internationally acclaimed percussion ensemble Répercussion, Aldo is a world recognized drummer and percussionist.  He has performed with such artists as James Brown and Chris DeBurgh and has recorded with Celine Dion, Jon Bon Jovi and Aldo Nova.

Originally from Trinidad, James Andrews is a professional steel drum instructor and instrument producer, with over 40 years of experience.  He was Music Leader and Manager of the Trinidad and Tobago Cultural Group and Manager and Leader of the musical band formed to represent Trinidad and 
Tobago at Expo 1967 in Montreal.  Under the direction of James, the Pan World Musical Institute was formed, introducing steel pan drumming to Canada. 

CAMILE BÉLISLE| Drums

A skilled drummer and musician, Camil Bélisle has been a dynamic presence on the Montreal music scene for more than twenty years. Travelling to New York, Los Angeles, Boston and Toronto, he has trained with some of the greatest drummers in the business-Peter Erskine, Alan Dawson and Jim Blackley, to name a few.

A consummate professional, this talented artist is much in demand as a radio and television musician and is often asked to perform at major national and international musical events.

Also a conscientious teacher, Camil has shared his expertise with students at the Université de Montréal (jazz and popular music program), the Cégep de Drummondville (jazz and popular music program) and, for many summers, the famous music camp held at the Domaine Forget in Quebec's Charlevoix region.

Having studied with the masters in Africa, Yves is a well respected African drumming specialist. He is a busy performer as well as teacher in the Montreal area.

John has played with several pop, jazz, fusion and Latin formations in the Montreal area.  He has received a diploma in Drums and Percussion from Humber College of Applied Arts and Concordia University. John has been an instructor at KoSA Academy for 3 years and has regularly participated in the annual KoSA International Percussion Workshops and Festival.

Juan Garzón Brown comes from Guantánamo, Cuba, Mr. Garzón Brown was a principal percussionist in the Grupo Folklorico Ban Rarra from 1994-2003, a group that preserves and performs the music and dance particular to Cuba's distinct Oriente region. He has worked as an accompanying music professor

He taught at Humboldt State University in Arcata, California. Mr. Garzón Brown was also a featured artist on the “Drum Jam” CD, a 1999 Afro-Cuban recording on the Bembe Records label, as well as on the 1999 recording of the “Ban Rarra” CD in Los Angeles, California.

His unique musical ability and knowledge of the Oriente rhythms that only a small percentage of well-trained musicians can approximate includes the following rhythms and traditions and their historical contexts: Conga Oriental, Tajona, Congo Laye, Tumba Francesa, Vodú, Gaga, Rumba Oriental, Changüi Guantanamero, and Kanekela.

Kiko Osorio is at the heart of Cuban music in Montreal. Born in Cuba and educated at the National Arts School in Havana and the Provincial Arts School in Holguin, Kiko has contributed to numerous recordings as a multi-percussionist and vocalist. His professional experience includes tours and performances at the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal, Casino de Montreal, Francofolies and many others. He is also a recognized as a teacher who shares his passion for music as a clinician and instructor.

Mario is most recognized for his dedication and musical abilities in the variety of Brazilian rhythms.  He has performed with Al di Meola, Paul Winter and Sambeamba, and has recorded with Claude Dubois, Querubim Samba, and Mamadou Baye to name a few.  In 2004 he was also a faculty member for the KoSA International Percussion Workshops and Festivals.

Paul is one of Montreal’s busiest recording and performing percussionists. He is the percussionist for Celine Dion and Gregory Charles. He has also recorded and performed with many of the top artists in Canada. 

Michael Pucci is a well known guitarist and teacher in Montreal,has toured with international artists such as Celine Dion and Chris De Burg and local artists such as Roch Voisine and Ginette Reno to name a few.He has also worked on numerous television shows,recorded numerous albums,and jingles,and has just terminated a European and Asian tour with Cirque du Soleil.He created, in 1985, a guitar jazz and pop program at the University of Montreal where he is currently teaching.He is delighted to be part of the KOSA.

Amelia McMahon was raised in the folk scene of Nova Scotia. In 1999, she moved to Montreal where she received her Bachelor of Music from the Schulich School of Music and studied with Juno award winning jazz artist, Ranee Lee. She has toured in North America and Europe and appears on 7 albums. As an accomplished soloist and chorister, Amelia has a diverse background on stage and in studio. Most recently, she joined Quebec superstars, Malajube and Voivod, for a sold out show in Theatre Maisonneuve during the 2010 Francofolies. She has also performed with David Benoit, Joel Miller, Bobby McFerrin and the MSO. Through private lessons, teaching at the McGill Conservatory of Music, leading masterclasses, adjudicating and having directed the McGill Jazz Choir, she has been bringing her experience and expertise to her voice students for over 7 years. Amelia is excited to be a new addition to the Faculty at the KoSA Academy.

www.ameliamcmahon.com

Jean-Sébastien Williams, a native Montréaler, has been playing professionally on the local and international music scene for over 10 years. Jean- Sébastien has performed with many local and international jazz performers such as Ravi Coltrane, David Binney, Térez Montcalm and many others. As a teacher, he has given master classes at Concordia University and was also a judge on the jury for the Montréal Guitar Grand Prix. Jean-Sébastien can be heard on over 20 albums and has written music for television and documentary films.

Montreal keyboardist John Roney is one of the most active and visible artists on the Canadian music scene. His versatility as a jazz pianist, classical pianist and multi-genre composer is unrivalled. His musical training includes studies at Cawthra Park School of the Arts, University of Toronto, Berklee College of Music, UCLA, The Banff Centre of the Arts and McGill University, where he is currently on faculty as professor of jazz piano. John has three albums and several award nominations to his credit, and has participated in numerous tours and on more than 50 recordings.

Jim Bland is a Montreal based guitarist skilled in a wide range of styles, including jazz, folk, bossa nova and rock. He has been an active member of the local music scene for 10 years. Since graduating from McGill with a Bachelor of Music, Jim has performed at jazz festivals in Canada and Europe, including the North Sea International Jazz Festival in the Netherlands. He has toured in Canada with several rock bands and in Asia with the Latin-influenced singer Athésia. He has been teaching privately for 10 years.