My name is Maude Fortier, I am originally from Quebec and I am currently studying jazz performance at McGill University. I started playing the alto saxophone at the age of 11.

Subsequently, I joined the music concentration at La Camaradière secondary school. In addition to being part of the school band, I played in the junior and senior stage band for four years, which allowed me to discover my passion for jazz. We have won several gold medals with this ensemble, notably at the Festival Jazz-Pop de Québec as well as at the JazzFest des jeunes du Québec.

At the end of our high school, our program offered us the opportunity to perform a solo piece in a recital where I won first place. For my post-secondary studies, I chose to study at the Cégep de Sainte-Foy in jazz profile where I won the musical expression prize in 2021 as well as a scholarship for student merit.

Since then, I have been pursuing my musical career by performing in jazz bars in Quebec and Montreal. Along with my studies, I work as a part-time reservist in the Royal Canadian Navy and I hold the position of saxophonist in the band of HMCS Donaconna in Montreal. I also perform in the National Band of the Naval Reserve. I also performed several times with the jazz combo of HMCS Montcalm, my former unit, where I served as master of ceremonies during concerts in addition to being responsible for public relations.

Before joining the ranks of the Canadian Armed Forces, I spent five years in the cadet program which I left with the rank of warrant officer and drum major. I performed many concerts there, including a tour through the province of Quebec and Ottawa, in addition to acting as an instructor.