Since receiving a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of British Columbia in 1979, Al Guraliuk has been actively involved in Vancouver's musical community.

He has traveled to New York, New Orleans, Havana and Rio to further study music. This exciting trumpeter is leader of Champagne, a nine piece party band, The Champagne Orchestra, The Gastown Strutters Dixieland Band and The Al Guraliuk Jazz Quartet, in addition to being involved with numerous other projects. As a jazz musician, Al strives to attain a balance between emotion and technique and, above all, a sound that really swings.

He has been a featured jazz soloist at concerts held at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and The Arts Club Theatre.

With a natural flair for showmanship and a commercial approach to music, Al is an ideal dance band leader. His dance band has performed at numerous events including The Vancouver Police Ball and the Grant Thornton International Gala which also included David Foster and Bryan Adams.

As Musical Director, Al has performed with the late Danny Kaye, headlined Las Vegas acts like Danny Gans & Fred Travelena and with many of Vancouver's finest performers such as Dee Daniels, Denzal Sinclaire, Tom Arntzen and Tania Hancheroff.

The combination of Al's musical credentials  and extensive business experience provides him with the rare trait of being both creative and organized. Al is President of Total Entertainment Network which has set new standards in the entertainment industry providing exemplary service and talent since 1986.

request a quote

Music moves me. I spend most every minute toward the goal of being a better musician with hopes I can move other people... or at least entertain them!

After over 40 years of playing the trumpet I think the key is to find continued joy in music. I have sustained my love for music by pursuing the endless quest of learning and growing as a musician. I make of point of professional development and have attended numerous workshops and master classes in addition to musical retreats at Jazz Port Townsend and The Banff Centre. I have also attended two International Trumpet Guild Conferences and always enjoy the camaraderie amongst trumpet players.

I play a custom Marcinkiewicz Bb Trumpet Rembrandt SC Three X.7 ML bore with a reverse lead pipe. I went down to visit Joe Marcinkiewicz and his team last year to help a friend buy a trumpet. I was a little bit like Goldilocks and found each of the trumpets too dark or too bright. I really enjoy a horn that gives me the versatility to sound like Doc or Chet depending on the gig. A few months later Andy Fuller from the shop called me and said they just built a medium large horn with a huge Mic Gillette bell. 

When he played it he knew it would be just right for me. Andy was kind enough to drive up to Vancouver to deliver the trumpet. It is a wonderfully crafted instrument with amazing response. The horn plays very soft and cozy but still screams in the upper register. I have never played a trumpet that gave me such versatility! Many fine players are using Marcinkiewicz and I encourage you to check out their web site. 

The same road trip we stopped off at the Monette factory. We spent a day hangin’ with Dave Monette and his staff. Dave has a very holistic approach to the trumpet and suggested that I did not need trumpet lessons….. I needed to go back to yoga!! We spent the day eating pizza and talking trumpet. Dave is a pioneer who is taking the trumpet to the next level.

Many web sites have endless discussions about the pros/cons and cost of Monette equipment. The guy is very smart and very passionate. The Monette team fitted me with a set of mouthpieces that are perfect for my requirements. The mouthpieces are simply easier to play. They slot better, feel better, play better and sound better than other mouthpieces. Check out Dave’s web site. 

Close to the end of this road trip I asked my girlfriend to pass me a straw at the 7-11. She turned all red in the face and flipped out shouting “what size straw would you like…. the .007 or the .008 ‘cuz there is a 1000th of a ml difference between the two plus they are available silver, gold, brushed gold, and silver with gold accents!” Words of advice…if you are taking your sweetie on a trumpet road trip make sure you take her out for dinner in appreciation for her support!