Oceanside
Big Band

Dream Big

Big Band

The Oceanside Big Band was formed in October of 2022 by veteran educators Dave Fullerton and Jim Thompson whose combined experience directing high school music programs in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland totals over 50 years. The band joined Oceanside Music in the fall of 2023 and assumed its new name, Oceanside Big Band. Under Dave’s direction, Oceanside’s Big Band is a band reminiscent of the Big Bands of the 1930’s and 1940’s playing both the ‘danceable’ music of those decades plus repertoire from today’s top arrangers. Big Band Members include many past music educators and those with a wealth of other musical experience that play brass, wind, keyboard, and base
instruments, backed by a full rhythm section. To join, musicians must have previous musical experience and are either invited or selected by referral or by their musical reputation. The Big Band loves to perform and is very active in the community. We perform two large concerts every season, as well as a host of smaller ones throughout the Oceanside area. 

Oceanside Big Band Musical Director

Dave Fullerton

Dave graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1974 with a Bachelor of Music Degree. Upon completing his Professional Certification the following year, he began teaching secondary school music.  For 37 years Dave directed a variety of music programs at high schools throughout BC’s Lower Mainland until retiring as Department Head at Semiahmoo Secondary School, known for having one of Canada’s most celebrated music programs.  Throughout his career Dave gained a reputation for producing outstanding concert and jazz Bands. He also gained experience with concert choirs and vocal jazz ensembles, many of which received acclaim at local, national and international music festivals that included competitions and events across Canada, the US (Hawaii, New York, Disneyland, Moscow Idaho) and in Europe (Expo 2000 in Hanover, Germany).  Dave is the recipient of MusicFest Canada’s Dr. Keith Mann Memorial Award, awarded annually to a single Musical Director at Canada’s national music festival. 

For much of his career, Dave held membership in the British Columbia Music Educators’ Association. In addition to serving organizationally, he has been a presenter at conferences, and in 1980, was privileged to be the Director of the Provincial Honour Wind Ensemble. Dave has served as an adjudicator for competitive concert band and stage band festivals and has, for many years, directed community jazz and concert bands.  

Dave relocated to Vancouver Island in 2016 and now resides in Nanoose Bay. He has been active in the mid-island area serving as the Director of the Nanaimo Concert Band for three years culminating with their 150th Anniversary Concert at the Port Theatre in April 2022 and then, co-founded the Big Band in 2023 where he’s not only the Musical Director but also serves as Lead Tenor Sax. In 2024, the band joined Oceanside Music taking on the name Oceanside Big Band. Since then, Dave and his talented group of musicians have performed throughout the Oceanside community where they’re known for their lively performances that keep audiences toe-tapping and dancing in the aisles.