Joel Gray is an Edmonton-based freelance trumpeter and music educator with over three decades of experience. He has shared the stage with esteemed artists such as Tommy Banks, PJ Perry, Slide Hampton, Diana Krall, and the Temptations, showcasing his versatility in both jazz and classical genres.

Joel is a regular performer with various musical ensembles, including the Canadian All-Star JazzPops Orchestra, which gained recognition with a Juno award nomination for their album "Then Is Now 'Rhapsody in Blue'." Joel recently recorded with Maria Dunn on her Juno award winning album "A Joyful Banner Blazing".  He is also a frequent collaborator with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, having played as assistant principal trumpet in Carnegie Hall and featured as a soloist in their "Tribute to Louis Armstrong."

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In addition to his performance career, Joel has contributed his talents to professional musical theatre productions, including the National Broadway Tours of popular shows like "Book of Mormon," "Wicked," and "Beauty and the Beast." He is eagerly anticipating his involvement in the upcoming production of "Ain't To Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations" in Edmonton.

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As a dedicated music educator since 1995, Joel has taught at respected institutions such as MacEwan University, Augustana University, and Keyano College. He currently serves as the Director at MusiCamp Alberta and has adjudicated at various music festivals, including the Cantando Music Festival and the Kiwanis Music Festival. Notably, he has been the director of the acclaimed “Littlebirds” jazz bands since 2004, fostering young talent in the realm of jazz education.