BIO
The OPTIMISTS is a brass and percussion ensemble based out of the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada. We are an entertaining stage and parade ensemble with a repertoire of a variety of jazz, blues, R&B, rock, and more, guaranteed to have audiences tapping, clapping, and singing along. Entertaining others is the heart and soul of our group, and we thrive on the positive vibes audiences give us back.
Our band members have been playing, teaching, and arranging music for decades, with several participating in other ensembles and community concert bands/orchestras throughout Southern Ontario and the upper US.
In 2019 and 2017, we enjoyed standing ovations at the Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival in South Korea. In 2018 and 2016, our performances earned gold medals at DCI SoundSport competitions during the World Championship in Indianapolis. Our performances have delighted audiences and children at many festive parades throughout Southern Ontario.
MUSIC
Repertoire 2024
Crazy Little Thing Called Love (by Queen)
Everybody Needs Somebody To Love (by The Blues Brothers)
Sweet Caroline (by Neil Diamond)
Oye Como Va (by Santana)
Jump In The Line (by Harry Belafonte)
My Girl (by The Temptations)
Caravan (by Duke Ellington)
Jump Jive an' Wail (Brian Setzer)
Country Roads (John Denver)
... and more...