After an absence of more than 50 years, it is interesting to note that the possibility of reforming a Canadian Staff Band was discussed on the waters of the Atlantic as Major Norman Bearcroft and his wife, Jill, made their way to Canada in 1968. Norman had been appointed as Territorial Music Secretary, and following a number of interviews with the Territorial Commander, Commissioner Clarence Wiseman, the concept soon became a reality.

Although there was some opposition, a few key musicians, officers and leaders were brought together in late summer to plan the formation of a new staff band. Major Bearcroft casually visited a number of corps within easy reach of Toronto , listening to the players to ascertain their ability and potential role in the new group. The Army's financial secretary agreed to a loan to fund the band and the trade secretary helped supply some converted pitch instruments. This, together with a generous gift of three instruments and music, set the stage for the first rehearsal . Invitations and phone calls resulted in a meeting at THQ in the fourth-floor cafeteria in October 1968. Those invited were addressed by the chief secretary, Colonel Leslie Russell. Then, following a cup of tea and prayers, each bandsman made his way to the film room in 2B – the second basement. There each man's name appeared on his appointed chair. This studio was excellent for detecting any errors ... when the air conditioning unit was off!

The Inaugural Festival was held in Toronto 's Bramwell Booth Temple on January 18, 1969 , to a capacity crowd. The Canadian Staff Band was supported by a composite band and male chorus selected from local corps bands. Excitement was heightened as the massed band played the festival march The Canadian and one of the 1914 bandsmen, Colonel Ernest Green, carried the new flag, donated by five survivors, to the platform. Each new staff bandsman followed, smartly attired in his new uniform. Symphony of Thanksgiving was the staff band's major contribution to that historic night, presided over by Commissioner Clarence Wiseman, territorial commander.

On Sunday, the band led the meetings at Toronto Temple , and Bandmaster Bearcroft insisted on an evening march of witness. Bitter winter winds were blowing and not long into the march all attempts to keep instruments open failed. The band arrived back at the Temple whistling a march!

[Historical Footnote: It is a matter of record that even before the 1969 inaugural festival, the first official engagement for the Canadian Staff Band was a program of Christmas music presented at the Toronto Harbour Light in December 1968. It became an annual tradition that continued for 36 years, until the transfer of residents to make way for the construction of a new building prevented it for the first time in 2005.]

Setting the Standard

The Canadian Staff Band soon made a name for itself as it ministered in corps small and large throughout Canada and the United States. Typical programs of the day featured numerous new compositions and arrangements by Bandmaster Bearcroft, invariably introduced by the composer in his own inimitable style.

The band toured Western and Eastern Canada , visiting Newfoundland for the first time in 1971, where it left a lasting impression. Bandsmen recall how night after night Newfoundlanders in the audience rose to their feet for the Ode to Newfoundland, featured prominently in Bearcroft's Songs of Newfoundland, written especially for the tour.

In 1974, the band undertook its first overseas tour , visiting England , Scotland and Wales . Highlights included Deryck Diffey's presentation of Golden Slippers at the Royal Albert Hall, where the CSB shared the stage with the International Staff Band.

During these years, the band was also featured regularly at congresses and commissionings, including the 90th Anniversary Eastern Canada Congress in 1982, led by General Erik Wickberg at Toronto 's Varsity Arena. The band also was a regular feature at the annual  Spring Festivals and the  Festivals of Gospel Song inaugurated by Major Bearcroft, held each November at Toronto 's historic Massey Hall.

A large part of the band's musical ministry has always been through its recordings. Original LPs from these early years included The Gospel Train, Home for Christmas, Golden Slippers, Salute to Montreal , The Sound of Britain, Logos (featuring the music of Ray Steadman-Allen) and The Newfoundlander.