Rob Gellner is a Guelph, Ontario–based composer, arranger, trumpeter, and flugelhornist whose work bridges jazz, funk, and media composition. He is currently completing a double Master’s degree in Professional Media Composition and Orchestration for Film, Games, and Television.
Rob currently performs with Fresh Water Funk, The Clefs of Moher, a 12-piece Celtic-Jazz ensemble, and the Tom Nagy Christmas Spectacular. He is a founding member of KW Big Band Theory and continues to appear as a guest artist with the group.
He has also performed with ensembles including Benton Street Orchestra, The Basically Basie Big Band, Groove Corporation, and in pit orchestras for Royal City Musical Productions Inc. (RCMPI), Kitchener/Waterloo Musical Productions (KWMP), and Globe and Drayton musicals on trumpet, trombone, and French horn.
The Rob Gellner Sextet released its debut album, What If (2015), featuring original compositions. His music blends lyrical, memorable melodies with lush harmonies and thoughtful arrangements, drawing influence from jazz-funk, 1950s jazz, fusion, and world music.
Rob is available for media composition, orchestration, commissions, studio recording, and live performance.
The Chapman Stick
Chapman Stick Exploration
Rob is currently learning the Chapman Stick, an innovative electric instrument devised by Emmett Chapman in the 1970s. With 10 or 12 individually tuned strings, the Stick allows a single player to cover bass lines, melody, chords, and textures simultaneously.
Rob has explored the Stick in a few live settings, including a Jazz Room performance with the Tim Moher Group. While he is primarily focused on his Master’s studies at this time, he is excited to continue experimenting with this instrument in the future.
Rob Gellner Sextet - CD
