Canberra City Band

Jenna Hinton - Not born, but Canberra bred, Jenna has been involved in Canberran the professional and community music scene for almost 20 years.  

Having studied at the ANU School of Music, with tutelage from Gary France and Dave Goodman, she has played in a variety of ensembles including professional cover bands, big bands and with well known community ensembles such as the award winning Canberra City Band, Canberra Brass and Spectrum Big Band. She is also a current rank and file member of the Australian Wind Symphony. Jenna is passionate about promoting women in music and founded and directed the CW (Canberra Women’s) Big Band to a sold out IWD event in 2020, and hopes to resurrect the ensemble soon.  

She has been involved in musical theatre for over a decade and has played drums and percussion for both professional and community shows such as Annie, The Witches of Eastwick, Funny Girl, High Fidelity, Next to Normal, Strictly Ballroom, Mamma Mia, and many others. She is a sought after Musical Director, previous shows include My Fair Lady, South Pacific, Guys & Dolls, The Wedding Singer, Godspell, Hello, Dolly!, Oliver!, Keating!, and The Sound of Music.

Jacob Finlay is the Musical Director of Canberra City Big Band (formerly Spectrum Big Band), a dynamic 20-piece ensemble dedicated to celebrating the energy of classic jazz while exploring the evolving sounds that define the genre’s future.
 

A professional trumpet player with the Australian Army Band at the Royal Military College, Duntroon, Jacob brings extensive experience as both performer and educator. He holds a Bachelor of Music from the Queensland Conservatorium and a Graduate Diploma of Education, and has spent more than a decade as a Director of Performing Arts in schools, inspiring young musicians and leading ensembles across a wide range of genres.

Jacob’s performance background includes extensive work and competition experience with leading bands, most notably the Brisbane Excelsior Band. His conducting experience spans choirs, concert and big bands, brass ensembles, massed ensembles, and musicals. He has also shadowed world-class conductors through Queensland’s State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP), refining his approach to leadership, interpretation, and ensemble development.

As Musical Director, Jacob is committed to musical excellence and community engagement, guiding Spectrum Big Band to deliver polished, dynamic performances for diverse audiences