Anson Zhang
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Born in Vancouver, B.C., Anson Zhang started learning piano at the age of 4, and played his first concert at the age of 6. He reached grade 10 piano in the Royal Conservatory of Music at a very young age and has perfect pitch as a side effect from playing piano. In 2005, he began learning trombone and joined his school band, where his presence was immensely felt. For a while, Anson studied with master trombonist Neal Bennett, developping a beautiful tone quality that has been praised by many. Anson went to Ottawa with his school band to compete in MusicFest Canada, winning the National Arts Award for outstanding excellence in music.
As the years passed, Anson tried out many instruments, competing in the Kiwanis Music Festival for two consecutive years, and winning 1st place in his section for both those years. He has also played in the B.C Honour Orchestra and the Envision Jazz Festival Rep. Band, two ensembles in which only the best of B.C are chosen to play in. Anson began playing drums in 2008. He is self-taught, but improved immensely in a short period of time, quickly establishing himself as one of the best drummers in his school.
In 2009, Anson competed in the Envision Jazz Festival with the Kitsilano Jazz Band and the Kitsilano Fusion Combo. He competed as a junior, but won the best junior AND the best senior trombonist awards. The Kitsilano Fusion Combo, comprised of only three musicians, also won the best combo award. In 2010, Anson’s reputation as a trombone player earned him a spot In the Vancouver Olympics Closing Ceremonies stage orchestra as the lead trombone player.
Currently, Anson is part of many ensembles, including the Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Kitsilano Fusion Combo. He has the uncanny ability to pick up almost any musical instrument and be able to play it better than your average beginner right away. He is also reasonably fluent with every brass instrument, and specializes in improvisation and ear work.
