Gregory Runions

Gregory Runions is an Associate Professor at Queen’s University's School of Music, specializing in Jazz and Music Education. He holds a B.Mus from Queen’s University and an M.Mus from the Crane School of Music (Potsdam, NY). His roles include teaching percussion, directing the Queen’s Jazz Ensemble, and performing as Timpanist with the Kingston Symphony. Runions is known for his work as a vibraphonist, composer, and arranger, leading his own septet and big band. His creative focus lies in big band composition and jazz improvisation, with notable collaborations like the Greg Runions Septet featuring Kenny Wheeler. He has produced recordings under labels like Whitewater Music Publications and UNC Jazz Press, and his works have been performed internationally.

Education: B.Mus (Queen’s University), M.Mus (Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam).

Research Interests: Jazz composition, big band orchestration, percussion performance, and music education. His compositions blend traditional jazz elements with modern improvisational techniques, often exploring themes of cosmic imagery and urban landscapes (e.g., Star Stuff - A Cosmos Suite, Centre Street Scenes). His work emphasizes collaborative ensembles and the interplay between melody, rhythm, and harmony.

Recordings include Star Stuff - A Cosmos Suite (2025), Suite Vincent (2019), and But Not Forgotten (1993). He has received support from Queen’s University’s Fund for Scholarly Research for projects like Suite Vincent.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Greg Runions Septet/Big Band, collaborating with artists such as Kenny Wheeler and Mike Cassells. His work often involves interdisciplinary projects combining music with visual arts, as seen in his Inno Alla Vita performance.