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

The previous Oceanside Big Band director was Dave Fullerton. 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.

Dave has stepped down from the Music Director position and the band is running without a Music Director right now, but is still very much active. Thanks very much Dave for your years of service!