John Capon – A Short Biography
email : johncapon.capon@gmail.com
John started his career as a Bass Trombonist in Vancouver, BC in 1960. He played with the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, the CBC Vancouver Orchestra, the Fraser McPherson Orchestra at the Cave Theatre Restaurant, the Bobby Hales Orchestra at Izzy’s Supper Club and a variety of CBC shows under the leadership of Dave Robbins.
In 1967, after completing a Bachelor of Music at UBC, Capon moved to Toronto, Ontario. His soloistic approach to the Bass Trombone became a regular feature in many TV commercials and film score recordings. While in Toronto, Capon also played for 20 years with the Canadian Opera Orchestra, the National Ballet Orchestra and 15 years with Phil Nimmons’ Nimmons ‘n’ 9 + 6.
In 1986 Capon moved back to the west coast with his wife, artist Tawny Maclachlan Capon and their three young children to live on Gabriola Island. Since then he has had a very diverse career as a conductor (Malaspina Choir 1987 to 2001, Gabriola Chamber Ensemble), performer, teacher (Vancouver Island University, Shawnigan Lake School) and arts administrator (Artistic Director, Malaspina University/College (now VIU) Summer Jazz Academy. His CD “Full Circle” is in regular rotation on Jazz radio all over North America. His CD, “Twosome”, is with the great guitarist Reg Schwager.
In recent years Capon has been active with the Gulf Island Stompers.
Capon’s arranging and composing career started in the early sixties with commissioned works for CBC’s Jazz Radio Canada played by the Dave Robbins Band and Nimmons ‘n’ 9 + 6. Capon has written extensively for various brass ensembles and the Malaspina Choir. His song Gabriola Christmas is featured every year by the Gabriola Island Singers. He has also co-written many songs and composed a number of Jazz tunes.