Comprehensive Biography - Under Construction
A first-generation Canadian of Caribbean/West Indian descent, Mike Manny was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. He was immersed in the world of music at the tender age of 4 years old with the Humber College – Music Education for Children Program. He continued his music training throughout high school at the Etobicoke School of the Arts, post-secondary education at Humber College, and eventually, graduate studies at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music in New York City.
After studying in NYC, Mike returned to Toronto where he freelanced throughout Southern Ontario performing in various jazz settings and local Salsa bands. After starting his military career in the Artillery Reserves, Mike transferred to the Regular Force as a full-time musician, where as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, he has travelled the world performing music.
No longer with the music trade, Mike currently resides in Ottawa working in Information Management at the National Defence Headquarters. The 'day job' allows him the time to freelance in Ottawa and surrounding areas where he has been able to perform with many groups within the community - through online/virtual performances due to the pandemic, and in-person settings as venues start to re-open.
Mike is also an avid night-rated pilot, and likes to volunteer his time with the youth of the local Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron where he teaches the cadets proper drill, dress, and deportment. However most importantly, he is the administrator of the squadron’s Power Familiarization Program where he regularly takes cadets flying in order to encourage them into aviation, and hopefully inspires them to pursue their own pilot’s license.
Excerpt Bio from dig! Magazine by Charlene Diehl, Associate Editor (Jan/Feb 2016 Edition):
In 2009, pianist (and pilot!) Mike Manny was posted to Winnipeg as part of the Royal Canadian Air Force Band. He brings with him a terrific pedigree: he studied jazz piano at Humber College, then did a Master’s on scholarship at the Manhattan School of Music. This past summer, he was posted to the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Northwest), and the shift to regular hours has given him the flexibility to perform more freelance gigs and do some workshops.
In 2009, pianist (and pilot!) Mike Manny was posted to Winnipeg as part of the Royal Canadian Air Force Band. He brings with him a terrific pedigree: he studied jazz piano at Humber College, then did a Master’s on scholarship at the Manhattan School of Music. This past summer, he was posted to the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Northwest), and the shift to regular hours has given him the flexibility to perform more freelance gigs and do some workshops.
Excerpt Bio from recording "Sound of Freedom" (June 2012):
Warrant Officer Mike Manny was born in Toronto, Ontario and has been immersed in the world of music since the tender age of 4. A scholarship graduate of the prestigious Manhattan School of Music in New York City, WO Manny joined his first band in the Canadian Forces in 2002 and has since performed extensively with the Forces worldwide. Mike is proud of his occupation as a musician in the Canadian Forces, which offers him both a rewarding musical career and the opportunity to work closely with others towards a common goal for our country. In addition to his day gig as keyboardist for the Royal Canadian Air Force Band - 17 Wing in Winnipeg, WO Manny is an avid amateur radio operator, an accomplished marksman and an experienced pilot. Currently, WO Manny volunteers in his spare time with the 170 'St. James' Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron in Winnipeg.
Warrant Officer Mike Manny was born in Toronto, Ontario and has been immersed in the world of music since the tender age of 4. A scholarship graduate of the prestigious Manhattan School of Music in New York City, WO Manny joined his first band in the Canadian Forces in 2002 and has since performed extensively with the Forces worldwide. Mike is proud of his occupation as a musician in the Canadian Forces, which offers him both a rewarding musical career and the opportunity to work closely with others towards a common goal for our country. In addition to his day gig as keyboardist for the Royal Canadian Air Force Band - 17 Wing in Winnipeg, WO Manny is an avid amateur radio operator, an accomplished marksman and an experienced pilot. Currently, WO Manny volunteers in his spare time with the 170 'St. James' Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron in Winnipeg.
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