Dr. Russ Weil was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. An educator at heart, Russ was a teacher and administrator with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board 1969 to 2014, serving as an elementary and secondary school teacher, a high school department head, and Co-ordinator of Music. As Co-ordinator, Russ was responsible for music education from kindergarten to grade 13 for over 40,000 students. From 2003-2009, he served as instructor in music education at the Brock University Faculty of Education.
Russ is the Founder of Hamilton All Star Jazz Ltd., a community based organization that boasts 3 Jazz Big Bands for young people ranging in age from 12 to adult. The All Star Jazz Band, which Russ directed for 34 years, released 9 CDs with some of Canada’s greatest professional legends of jazz as guest artists. Over 1,500 young musicians have participated in this organization since its inception some 41 years ago. The HASJB has toured Europe 5 times. Graduates of Hamilton All Star Jazz have won numerous Juno and Grammy Awards.
In 2003, Russ was granted an Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree from McMaster University for his extensive work with young people and the arts. Additional awards include the City of Hamilton Arts Award and a community service award from the Hamilton Spectator. Russ has travelled extensively as an adjudicator and clinician for music festivals throughout Canada. Dr. Weil holds a B.A. in music from McMaster University, an M.Ed. from the University of Toronto, a D.Litt. from McMaster University, and an A.R.C.T. from the Royal Conservatory of Music