M. Gerry Hébert is the first Artist in Residence. The new Music Artist in Residency program was implemented at CFIS in 2010/11.  M. Hébert, who was chosen for his dedication to advancing music in Calgary, will share his musical experience, passion for the arts and instrumental skills with students in Grades 4 to Senior High.

M. Hébert will build upon the strong foundation laid out by Mme McLennan, CFIS band teacher from 2007-09. Throughout his impressive list of accomplishments the same message continually percolates to the surface: he is dedicated to bringing out the musical best in everyone. This dedication is evidenced in performances and recordings in which all participants are challenged and engaged musically.
The same applies in classrooms and clinics where M. Hébert works with students and professionals. They are invited to excel and learn to love the process. Whether performing, composing, arranging or teaching music, working as an artistic director or serving as an executive for organizations that further music programs and culture, he is and always has been a true advocate for live musical performance.

Ask anyone about music in Calgary and M. Hébert’s name is likely to come up. When Calgary Inc. featured him in their Top 40 under 40, the magazine said, “He has helped raise Calgary’s profile in the national and international jazz community by making the city a destination for musicians.” He is the artistic director of destination central for jazz in Calgary, the Beat Niq Jazz & Social Club. He is a founder and director of the Calgary Youth Jazz Orchestra, is serving a second term as president of the Calgary Musicians Association, and is a former vice-president of C-Jazz, the Calgary Jazz Association. M. Hébert studied music in Paris, the Banff Centre for the Arts, Grande Prairie Regional College and at the University of Calgary, where he subsequently received his bachelor of music with a major in secondary education in 1990.
As a professional musician for more than 20 years, He has enjoyed a busy playing career that includes being a founding member of The Swinging Bovines, a professional touring saxophone quartet that played over 500 concerts internationally.

M. Hébert’s performance credits include the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, multiple professional theatre productions, the Calgary Jazz Orchestra and his own Gerry Hébert Quartet which will be releasing a third feature CD recording this fall. Overall he has appeared on over 20 CD recordings and numerous television and radio broadcasts.