Canadian Staff Band Begins Fifth Decade

The Canadian Staff Band (Bandmaster John Lam) kicked off its 41st season in high spirits on 9 September 2009. The first rehearsal of the season allowed members to catch up with one another and read through a variety of pieces, including several additions to the Staff Band’s repertoire for the coming year.

The Staff Band was happy to welcome a guest to the rehearsal. Marco Herrera, a young Salvationist musician and medical student from Ecuador who had traveled to Canada to attend the National Music and Gospel Arts camp held the previous week. He was invited into the horn section for the duration of the rehearsal, which he both enjoyed and appreciated immensely.

As the CaSB commences a new season of ministry, they welcome back alumnus Kevin Wilson of London Citadel. Wilson previously played with the Staff Band from 1987 to 2000 and replaces veteran percussionist Ron Reid, who retired in June followed 32 years of service.

In addition to the change in the percussion section, the Staff Band now boasts four pairs of father-son combinations among the current membership as Joshua Bailey of Listowel joins the band on troombone. A mechanical engineering student, Bailey is a longtime member of Impact Brass Divisional Youth Band. Father-son combinations currently in the Staff Band include John and Jeremy Avery, Dave and Phil Rayment, Ron and Adam Pearson, and Ken and Josh Bailey.