Faculty of Humanities

A seasoned performer, accomplished composer and respected educator, saxophonist Darcy Hepner has dedicated 35 years toward refining his grasp of jazz, R&B and blues. He has performed with such legendary figures as B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, Sergio Mendes and Henry Mancini, toured with swing giant Artie Shaw, recorded with the cutting edge free jazz ensemble The Berlin Contemporary Jazz Orchestra and was a member of the renowned jazz-rock group Blood, Sweat & Tears.

Raised in Hamilton, Hepner comes from a musical family. His father, Dr. Lee Hepner, was the founder of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and a Professor of Music at McMaster University. His mother, Patricia Rolston, was the founder of the Mohawk College Music Program and is a well-known pianist who has performed throughout Canada and Europe.

Darcy received a Bachelor in Music from McMaster University in 1978 and, after completing his M.A in Jazz, he moved to New York to study and work as a professional musician. From 1985-1989, he taught at the Berklee College of Music in Boston before moving on to become the Founding Department Head of the Selkirk College Music Program in B.C. From 1996-2005 Darcy lived in New York, working on the jazz scene and on various Broadway and off-Broadway shows.
In the summer of 2005 Darcy returned to his hometown of Hamilton with his wife Astrid and young daughter Camilla, He is currently a Professor of Music at Mohawk College. Since January 2008 he has lead the Darcy Hepner Jazz Orchestra, a 16 piece all-star jazz ensemble which has received critical and popular acclaim.