At the end of another busy season, the CSB is bidding farewell to three of its members who have given dedicated service.

Percussionist Ron Reid is officially retiring after 32 years of service. Only 16 when he joined the band in 1971, Ron has been almost a permanent fixture throughout the CSB's history and is one of a select few who can say they have played under all five staff bandmasters. His contributions with colleague Stan Ewing have kept audiences spellbound as they watched their antics during innumerable live performances over the years. In addition to his skill as a percussionist, Ron could often be found in Sunday school during CSB corps visits, entertaining young people of all ages with his skills as a magician, always with a spiritual point. We salute Ron for his many years of staff band ministry and wish him well as he continues his duties as bandmaster at Peterborough Temple. 

Also stepping out of the band are Michael Stayner and Derek Ritson. 

Michael first joined the CSB for the 1998-99 season before leaving for work in London, England, where he was a member of the International Staff Songsters. Returning home to Canada, he came back to the CSB in 2003 and has now completed seven years with the band. The CSB is grateful for Michael’s versatility as he has been called on to play trombone, baritone and euphonium. We will also miss his outstanding contributions as a piano soloist. 

Derek joined the CSB horn section in 2001 just in time for the band’s tour of Australia and New Zealand and leaves the band following eight years of distnguished service. 

We wish both Michael and Derek well as they continue serving at their home corps of Oshawa Temple.