Canadian Staff Band Personnel Update

The Canadian Staff Band (Bandmaster John Lam) has announced a number of personnel changes as they begin the 2010 – 2011 season.

The Staff Band says farewell to Adam Pearson and Alex Bolton, both of whom stepped out of the band over the summer. They continue to be active at their home corps of Guelph Citadel and North York Temple, respectively.

Returning to the Staff Band after one year’s absence is Derek Ritson from Oshawa Temple. Ritson previously played with the band from 2001 – 2009 and rejoins the group on solo horn.

Stepping out of retirement is long-time staff bandsman Ian Watkinson from Mountain Citadel, who has agreed to help out on second horn for this season. A founding member of the Staff Band in 1969, Watkinson played soprano cornet until 1975, and returned to play solo horn from 1992 – 2001.

The Staff Band also welcomes Nicole Downer back after a brief maternity leave in the spring. Downer will be playing flügelhorn this season, as Valerie Moreton moves to first horn.