en 60 The Canadian Staff Band is saddened to announce the loss of one of its alumni members, Lt-Colonel William Kerr, who is now with the Lord he loved and served.

One of five brothers from Vancouver, four of whom became Salvation Army officers, Bill was appointed to the CSB in 1973 and played euphonium alongside Major Bill Brown until 1980. Staff bandsmen of the time will recall how Major Norman Bearcroft, CSB founding bandmaster, wrote the euphonium duet Timepiece for the ...two Billso in 1973. It became a staple of the band's repertoire and was used for many years afterwards.

Following his service in the CSB, Bill served in various administrative appointments with The Salvation Army. For many years, while stationed at territorial headquarters in Toronto, he also led the North Toronto Youth Band. Retiring as an officer in 1993, he maintained his interest in banding and became senior bandmaster at North Toronto, a position he held until April 2010. Bill's lasting legacy is the influence he had on the many young people who grew up under his leadership and who will be forever grateful for his support and encouragement. His presence will be sorely missed.]]> 1823619830 Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400 219240356 1823619830 0 2013-05-09 The Canadian Staff Band is saddened to announce the loss of one of its alumni members, Lt-Colonel William Kerr, who is now with the Lord he loved and served.

One of five brothers from Vancouver, four of whom became Salvation Army officers, Bill was appointed to the CSB in 1973 and played euphonium alongside Major Bill Brown until 1980. Staff bandsmen of the time will recall how Major Norman Bearcroft, CSB founding bandmaster, wrote the euphonium duet Timepiece for the ...two Billso in 1973. It became a staple of the band's repertoire and was used for many years afterwards.

Following his service in the CSB, Bill served in various administrative appointments with The Salvation Army. For many years, while stationed at territorial headquarters in Toronto, he also led the North Toronto Youth Band. Retiring as an officer in 1993, he maintained his interest in banding and became senior bandmaster at North Toronto, a position he held until April 2010. Bill's lasting legacy is the influence he had on the many young people who grew up under his leadership and who will be forever grateful for his support and encouragement. His presence will be sorely missed.]]>
Derek Ritson came into the band in 2001 and played for more than 10 years with the CSB during two terms of service. We wish him well as he continues to serve at his home corps of Oshawa Temple.

Joshua Bailey came into the band in 2009 and has been a member for almost four years. A former member of Impact Brass, we wish hime well as he continues at his home corps of Listowel, Ontario.]]> 1760370656 Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400 219240356 1760370656 0 2013-04-12
Derek Ritson came into the band in 2001 and played for more than 10 years with the CSB during two terms of service. We wish him well as he continues to serve at his home corps of Oshawa Temple.

Joshua Bailey came into the band in 2009 and has been a member for almost four years. A former member of Impact Brass, we wish hime well as he continues at his home corps of Listowel, Ontario.]]>

The CSB is pleased to host the Amsterdam Staff Band for a 10-day tour of Southern Ontario May 17-26. This will be the band's third visit to Canada and their first under Bandmaster Olaf Ritman.

Dates are as follows:

Friday, May 17 - London Citadel
Saturday-Sunday, May 18-19 - Simcoe
Monday, May 20 (Victoria Day) - Niagara Falls (afternoon concert at the Falls)
Tuesday, May 21 - Listowel
Wednesday, May 22 - Georgina
Thursday, May 23 - Ottawa Citadel
Friday, May 24 - Peterborough Temple
Saturday, May 25 - Scarborough Citadel (joint concert with CSB)
Sunday, May 26 - Yorkminster Citadel (morning); Empress of Ireland Memorial Service (afternoon)

More information about the band and its upcoming tour
can be found on their website by clicking on the link below.






]]> 1758028293 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400 219240356 1758028293 0 2013-04-11

The CSB is pleased to host the Amsterdam Staff Band for a 10-day tour of Southern Ontario May 17-26. This will be the band's third visit to Canada and their first under Bandmaster Olaf Ritman.

Dates are as follows:

Friday, May 17 - London Citadel
Saturday-Sunday, May 18-19 - Simcoe
Monday, May 20 (Victoria Day) - Niagara Falls (afternoon concert at the Falls)
Tuesday, May 21 - Listowel
Wednesday, May 22 - Georgina
Thursday, May 23 - Ottawa Citadel
Friday, May 24 - Peterborough Temple
Saturday, May 25 - Scarborough Citadel (joint concert with CSB)
Sunday, May 26 - Yorkminster Citadel (morning); Empress of Ireland Memorial Service (afternoon)

More information about the band and its upcoming tour
can be found on their website by clicking on the link below.






]]> Julie Chaytor as our latest member. Originally from St. John's Temple, Julie studied music and education at the Memorial University of Newfoundland, and is currently a medical student at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. In between she did a teaching internship in London, Ontario, as well as in St. John's, and has been actively involved in various music ensembles including the Canadian Forces, as well as participating in a missions trip to Bolivia in 2009. She currently attends St. Catharines Corps.

Julie's appointment comes in the midst of a reshuffling of the CSB's cornet section that was made just after Christmas. For our complete current roster, see our Personnel page.]]> 1379940981 Mon, 21 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500 219240356 1379940981 0 2013-01-21 Julie Chaytor as our latest member. Originally from St. John's Temple, Julie studied music and education at the Memorial University of Newfoundland, and is currently a medical student at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. In between she did a teaching internship in London, Ontario, as well as in St. John's, and has been actively involved in various music ensembles including the Canadian Forces, as well as participating in a missions trip to Bolivia in 2009. She currently attends St. Catharines Corps.

Julie's appointment comes in the midst of a reshuffling of the CSB's cornet section that was made just after Christmas. For our complete current roster, see our Personnel page.]]> The Canadian Staff Band is saddened to announce the loss of one of its founding members, Ian Watkinson.

Ian was the CSB's first soprano cornet player and remained in the band for several years under Major Norman Bearcroft. He then moved to Vancouver, but after a number of years returned to Toronto, where he was reappointed to the band on solo horn by Bandmaster Brian Burditt. He retired in 2001 following the CSB's second tour of Australia and New Zealand.

In 2010, at age 74, Ian came out of retirement to fill a need on second horn and played with the band under Bandmaster John Lam for just over a year, before illness prevented him from continuing.

Altogether, Ian gave more than 18 years of distinguished service as a staff bandsman. He also enjoyed a long association with Toronto's Heritage Brass, both as a member and for the last two years as bandmaster. Knownfor his gentle, encouraging spirit as well as his keen wit and sense of humour, Ian was a friend to all who knew him - young and old alike. His presence will be missed. ]]> 2090185933 Tue, 23 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400 219240356 2090185933 0 2012-10-23 The Canadian Staff Band is saddened to announce the loss of one of its founding members, Ian Watkinson.

Ian was the CSB's first soprano cornet player and remained in the band for several years under Major Norman Bearcroft. He then moved to Vancouver, but after a number of years returned to Toronto, where he was reappointed to the band on solo horn by Bandmaster Brian Burditt. He retired in 2001 following the CSB's second tour of Australia and New Zealand.

In 2010, at age 74, Ian came out of retirement to fill a need on second horn and played with the band under Bandmaster John Lam for just over a year, before illness prevented him from continuing.

Altogether, Ian gave more than 18 years of distinguished service as a staff bandsman. He also enjoyed a long association with Toronto's Heritage Brass, both as a member and for the last two years as bandmaster. Knownfor his gentle, encouraging spirit as well as his keen wit and sense of humour, Ian was a friend to all who knew him - young and old alike. His presence will be missed. ]]> The Canadian Staff Band is saddened to announce the loss of one of its founding members, longtime trombone soloist Robert Merritt.

Bob was a stalwart Salvationist and dedicated bandsman who played with the CSB for more than 20 years. Personal highlights included the band's first visit to Newfoundland in 1971 and its first tour of England in 1974. How thrilled he was to recall the band's entrance into the Royal Albert Hall accompanied by the ISB and the march down The Mall into the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. Another highlight was the final meeting in Brisbane, Australia, at the end of the band's 1985 tour.

Bob's golden tone will be recalled by many, especially as heard in two of his frequently played solos, William Broughton's arrangement of Take Up Thy Cross and Norman Bearcroft's The Word of Grace, written especially for him. In retirement, he continued to play with the Metro Toronto Reservist Band, now known as Heritage Brass, where his presence will be missed.]]> 258397528 Tue, 23 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400 219240356 258397528 0 2012-10-23 The Canadian Staff Band is saddened to announce the loss of one of its founding members, longtime trombone soloist Robert Merritt.

Bob was a stalwart Salvationist and dedicated bandsman who played with the CSB for more than 20 years. Personal highlights included the band's first visit to Newfoundland in 1971 and its first tour of England in 1974. How thrilled he was to recall the band's entrance into the Royal Albert Hall accompanied by the ISB and the march down The Mall into the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. Another highlight was the final meeting in Brisbane, Australia, at the end of the band's 1985 tour.

Bob's golden tone will be recalled by many, especially as heard in two of his frequently played solos, William Broughton's arrangement of Take Up Thy Cross and Norman Bearcroft's The Word of Grace, written especially for him. In retirement, he continued to play with the Metro Toronto Reservist Band, now known as Heritage Brass, where his presence will be missed.]]>
Highlights will include our upcoming trip to Red Deer, Alberta, to celebrate The Salvation Army's 100th anniversary in that community, and our fourth annual Fall Festival on November 18th at Scarborough Citadel, Toronto, featuring Impact Brass under the direction of Bandmaster Ken Bailey.

In 2013, we will be travelling to Columbus, Ohio, for the annual God and Country Festival April 6-7. And to top things off, we look forward to welcoming the Amsterdam Staff Band in May. Led by Bandmaster Olaf Ritman, the ASB will be conducting a 10-day tour throughout Ontario, culminating in their joint appearance with us for our 44th anniversary festival on May 25. Interested followers of both groups will want to mark their calendars now for this exciting event. More details and ticket information will be available in the new year.

Thank you for your interest and support of the Canadian Staff Band's ongoing ministry. Check back with us often for the latest news and updates.
]]> 517529680 Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400 219240356 517529680 0 2012-09-26
Highlights will include our upcoming trip to Red Deer, Alberta, to celebrate The Salvation Army's 100th anniversary in that community, and our fourth annual Fall Festival on November 18th at Scarborough Citadel, Toronto, featuring Impact Brass under the direction of Bandmaster Ken Bailey.

In 2013, we will be travelling to Columbus, Ohio, for the annual God and Country Festival April 6-7. And to top things off, we look forward to welcoming the Amsterdam Staff Band in May. Led by Bandmaster Olaf Ritman, the ASB will be conducting a 10-day tour throughout Ontario, culminating in their joint appearance with us for our 44th anniversary festival on May 25. Interested followers of both groups will want to mark their calendars now for this exciting event. More details and ticket information will be available in the new year.

Thank you for your interest and support of the Canadian Staff Band's ongoing ministry. Check back with us often for the latest news and updates.
]]> Serena Doars, who has found she is unable to continue with the CSB and stepped out at the end of the summer. Serena came into the band in 2005 and has been a valued member of the cornet section as well as leader of our new timbrel section. Her buoyant spirit and cheerful smile will be missed. The CSB wishes Serena well as she continues in service at her home corps of London Citadel.

We are also saddened to announce that Major Ted Kimmins will no longer be continuing with the band as our endowment officer. A charter member of the band, playing E-flat bass from 1969 to 1975, Ted returned to help out the band in 2007 in a very special capacity. For the past five years he was worked hard to lay the groundwork for a special CSB Endowment Fund that, when fully realized, will make the band self-sufficient for years to come and allow the group to visit smaller centres throughout the territory that otherwise could not afford to host it for a weekend enagement. Ted has also travelled with the band and documented many of our excursions through his many photographs which have appeared on the website and elsewhere. We will miss his contribution and wish him well as he continues in retirement at his home corps of Oshawa Temple.

On another note, we are pleased to extend an official welcome back to percussionist Gordon Mayer. Gord previously played percussion in the CSB with Kevin Wilson from 1987 to 1992, and since 2009 has been helping us out on a part-time basis as he was able to do so. He has now been re-appointed to the band officially and we are glad he will be able to continue to serve with us in the days to come. ]]> 645915738 Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400 219240356 645915738 0 2012-09-26 Serena Doars, who has found she is unable to continue with the CSB and stepped out at the end of the summer. Serena came into the band in 2005 and has been a valued member of the cornet section as well as leader of our new timbrel section. Her buoyant spirit and cheerful smile will be missed. The CSB wishes Serena well as she continues in service at her home corps of London Citadel.

We are also saddened to announce that Major Ted Kimmins will no longer be continuing with the band as our endowment officer. A charter member of the band, playing E-flat bass from 1969 to 1975, Ted returned to help out the band in 2007 in a very special capacity. For the past five years he was worked hard to lay the groundwork for a special CSB Endowment Fund that, when fully realized, will make the band self-sufficient for years to come and allow the group to visit smaller centres throughout the territory that otherwise could not afford to host it for a weekend enagement. Ted has also travelled with the band and documented many of our excursions through his many photographs which have appeared on the website and elsewhere. We will miss his contribution and wish him well as he continues in retirement at his home corps of Oshawa Temple.

On another note, we are pleased to extend an official welcome back to percussionist Gordon Mayer. Gord previously played percussion in the CSB with Kevin Wilson from 1987 to 1992, and since 2009 has been helping us out on a part-time basis as he was able to do so. He has now been re-appointed to the band officially and we are glad he will be able to continue to serve with us in the days to come. ]]> A Psalm of Praise.

The album will be the fifth under Bandmaster John Lam, who has made recording a priority since his appointment in April 2008. Listeners can look forward to enjoying the following selections:

Servants of God (Steven Ponsford)
A Psalm of Praise (James Curnow)
Cornet Solo The Lord's Prayer (Albert Hay Malotte, arr. Ian Jones)
Soloist Steve Brown
Daystar (Ray Steadman-Allen)
Franconia (Jonathan Rowsell)
Euphonium Solo Harlequin (Philip Sparke)
Soloist Cameron Rawlins
Fill the World With Glory! (John Larsson, arr. Kevin Larsson)
Trombone Solo This I Know! (Terry Camsey)
Soloist Craig Lewis
The Firing Line (Bruce Broughton)
Tuba Solo The Higher Plane (Stephen Bulla)
Soloist Noel Samuels
They Shall Come From the East (John Larsson, arr. Kevin Larsson)
My Jesus, I Love Thee (A. J. Gordon, arr. Ron Heintzman)
Resurgam (Eric Ball)
Shine On Us (Michael W. Smith, arr. Jonathan Rowsell)

The new CD is currently being edited and should be available before Christmas.
]]> 2049312517 Mon, 09 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400 219240356 2049312517 0 2012-07-09 A Psalm of Praise.

The album will be the fifth under Bandmaster John Lam, who has made recording a priority since his appointment in April 2008. Listeners can look forward to enjoying the following selections:

Servants of God (Steven Ponsford)
A Psalm of Praise (James Curnow)
Cornet Solo The Lord's Prayer (Albert Hay Malotte, arr. Ian Jones)
Soloist Steve Brown
Daystar (Ray Steadman-Allen)
Franconia (Jonathan Rowsell)
Euphonium Solo Harlequin (Philip Sparke)
Soloist Cameron Rawlins
Fill the World With Glory! (John Larsson, arr. Kevin Larsson)
Trombone Solo This I Know! (Terry Camsey)
Soloist Craig Lewis
The Firing Line (Bruce Broughton)
Tuba Solo The Higher Plane (Stephen Bulla)
Soloist Noel Samuels
They Shall Come From the East (John Larsson, arr. Kevin Larsson)
My Jesus, I Love Thee (A. J. Gordon, arr. Ron Heintzman)
Resurgam (Eric Ball)
Shine On Us (Michael W. Smith, arr. Jonathan Rowsell)

The new CD is currently being edited and should be available before Christmas.
]]>


Over the years the CSB has had numerous family combinations in the band - mostly, although not always, at the same time. Here's a list for your interest:

* Bramwell Allington*† - son Rick - granddaughter Jennifer
* John Avery - son Jeremy
* Ken Bailey - son Joshua
* Norman Bearcroft* - son Bram
* William Burditt*† - son Brian* - grandson Andrew
* Douglas Court* - sons Douglas Jr. and Glenn
* George Cuthbert*† - son Norman
* Art† and Gary Dean (brothers) - Art's grandson Cameron Rawlins
* Stan Ewing - daughters Sarah and Emily
* George Horsley† - son David†
* Tom LeGrow - son Tom Jr.
* Kevin and Curtis Metcalf (brothers)
* David Moulton† - son David Jr.
* Ron Pearson - son Adam
* Andrew and Justin Poirier (brothers)
* Dave and Paul Rayment (brothers) - Dave's son Philip (also a son-in-law, Doug Elvin)
* Ken Smith - son Jeremy
* Robert Venables - sons Barrington and Brindley (also Robert's brother-in-law, Mark Hall)
* Ty and Melody Watson (to date the only married couple in the band)

*founding member (1969)
†Promoted to Glory]]> 300994157 Thu, 07 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400 219240356 300994157 0 2012-06-07


Over the years the CSB has had numerous family combinations in the band - mostly, although not always, at the same time. Here's a list for your interest:

* Bramwell Allington*† - son Rick - granddaughter Jennifer
* John Avery - son Jeremy
* Ken Bailey - son Joshua
* Norman Bearcroft* - son Bram
* William Burditt*† - son Brian* - grandson Andrew
* Douglas Court* - sons Douglas Jr. and Glenn
* George Cuthbert*† - son Norman
* Art† and Gary Dean (brothers) - Art's grandson Cameron Rawlins
* Stan Ewing - daughters Sarah and Emily
* George Horsley† - son David†
* Tom LeGrow - son Tom Jr.
* Kevin and Curtis Metcalf (brothers)
* David Moulton† - son David Jr.
* Ron Pearson - son Adam
* Andrew and Justin Poirier (brothers)
* Dave and Paul Rayment (brothers) - Dave's son Philip (also a son-in-law, Doug Elvin)
* Ken Smith - son Jeremy
* Robert Venables - sons Barrington and Brindley (also Robert's brother-in-law, Mark Hall)
* Ty and Melody Watson (to date the only married couple in the band)

*founding member (1969)
†Promoted to Glory]]>