Battle of the Big Bands: Two Teachers, Two Ensembles, One Festive and Friendly Tussle for Charity

In a friendly competition set to fill Denford Hall with holiday cheer and world-class jazz, two beloved GNS band teachers will square off in a unique musical event. Monday night December 15, 2025, won’t be about grades or curriculum. It will be about groove, rhythm and raising money for important local causes.

Band teacher Mr. Steve Thompson will take the stage with the renowned Don Leppard Jazz Orchestra, while band teacher Mr. Robert Gordy will perform with The Island Big Band. Billed as a “Christmas Battle of the Big Bands for Charity,” all proceeds will benefit the Mustard Seed Church and The Salvation Army Sunset Lodge.

The tradition of this charity concert was initially established by The Island Big Band, which previously held annual benefits at Hermann’s Jazz Club. Last year, a scheduling conflict prompted a change of venue, leading the event to Denford Hall. This new setting created an unexpected opportunity for collaboration.

“The Don Leppard Jazz Orchestra—that I’m a member of—also rehearses here on Monday nights every week, so we cross paths quite often,” explains Mr. Thompson. “The leader of The Island Big Band came to us and said, ‘Let’s get together, and we can bill it as a battle of the bands’. But it’s pretty friendly as far as battles go.”

The spirit of the event is one of mutual respect and community, rather than fierce competition. Many musicians from both ensembles play together in other groups and share a long-standing history in the Victoria jazz scene. But the core goal remains the same. As Mr. Gordy puts it, it’s about raising money for charity.  Last year, the concert raised around $1,500. This year organizers hope to top that.

Having a teacher from the school in each band adds a unique dimension to the show, allowing each ensemble to rally their respective communities, friends and families for maximum impact.

While both are classic big bands featuring the same instrumentation—typically five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones, and a rhythm section—they each bring a distinct musical focus to the stage.

The Don Leppard Jazz Orchestra leans toward the “established pillars” of the jazz community. Their repertoire is dedicated to preserving and performing the classic works of historical jazz giants. “We try to play a lot of repertory music, like Duke Ellington and Count Basie and Stan Kenton and Woody Herman and Dizzy Gillespie,” says Mr. Thompson. “We try to stay faithful to the heritage of the music.”

In contrast, The Island Big Band has a slightly more dance-oriented focus, reminiscent of the Glenn Miller era. They also embrace originality, featuring many custom arrangements and original compositions. “Their bass player is quite a prolific writer and arranger,” notes Mr. Thompson. The Island Big Band also focuses on works by many modern arrangers like Gordon Goodwin, Tom Kubis, Dave Barduhn, Michael Sweeney and Victor Lopez.  While the difference may come down to semantics, the slight variation in repertoire promises a diverse and engaging night of music.

The calibre of musicianship in both groups speaks to the talent in this town. The Don Leppard Jazz Orchestra, for instance, is a veritable who’s who of music educators and local legends. Its ranks include multiple active and retired band teachers, as well as highly accomplished professionals. In the saxophone section alone, there are four teachers, including Steve Thompson and Audrey Bailey, the former band teacher at GNS. This carries through the band with teachers from Mount Doug, Gordon Head Middle School and St. Michaels, alongside retired military members and professional musicians.

Their “all-star rhythm section” features some of the best in the city, including Tom Vickery on piano, Joey Smith (who played with the Glenn Miller Orchestra) on bass, Rich Lang on drums, and Al Vance on guitar.

When it comes down to a bit of good-natured ribbing, Mr. Thompson’s message to his opponents is brief and bold: “Bring it, I say, yeah, bring it. We’re going to be at the top of our game, so you better show up!”

Mr. Gordy offers an equally sporting challenge: “May the best band win!”

Event Details:

• Christmas Battle of the Big Bands for Charity
• Featuring: The Don Leppard Jazz Orchestra (with Steve Thompson) vs. The Island Big Band (with Robert Gordy)
• When: Monday, December 15, 7:00 p.m.
• Where: Denford Hall, 781 Richmond Avenue, Victoria, B.C.
• Admission: $20 cash at the door benefiting The Mustard Seed Church and The Salvation Army Sunset Lodge