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The site for The Salvation Army Canadian Staff Band. See also:

Burditt Years (1985 - 2002)

Brian BurdittFollowing the Canadian Staff Band's tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1985, the Redheads were appointed as corps officers of Southmount Corps, Vancouver, and Brian Burditt assumed the responsibility of Staff Bandmaster. A charter member of the band, Brian began the first season on solo cornet, soon moved to flugel horn and eventually became deputy bandmaster. Well known for his training and conducting abilities, he became the first Canadian and lay person to permanently conduct the band.

Under Brian's leadership, the band's ministry continued to flourish. Overseas tours included Switzerland , Norway , a third visit to England for the 1990 International Congress with General Eva Burrows, and the band's first visit to Bermuda in 1993. Visits to the United States included playing at Disney World in Florida, playing in the 1994 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, and performances at the Great American Brass Band Festival in Danville, Kentucky.

Memorable Milestones

In 1989, former bandmasters Lt-Colonel Norman Bearcroft and Major Robert Redhead returned to help the CSB celebrate its 20th anniversary . Then, in 1994, an historic event was held at Toronto 's Roy Thomson Hall to celebrate the band's 25th anniversary . For the first time ever, four staff bands gathered to present an International Brass Spectacular . The International Staff Band, led by Lt-Colonel Robert Redhead, joined with the New York , Chicago and Canadian Staff Bands, and bandmasters from the Melbourne , Amsterdam , German and Japan Staff Bands, to present two unprecedented concerts, necessary to accommodate all those wishing to attend from around the world.

In 1997, the band visited Brazil , a trip that left a lasting impact on each bandsman privileged to take part. In July 2000, the band took part in the International Millennial Congress in Atlanta , Georgia , and in 2001 conducted a second tour of New Zealand and Australia .

During Brian's time of leadership the band moved from LP recordings to cassette tapes and compact discs. Albums recorded under his leadership included  To Serve and To Save, A Pastoral Symphony, Sounds of Joy, Sweet By and By, Spirit of the Pioneers, Praise, In Tribute, Made in Canada , The Southern Cross, Celebrate and  Heaven and Earth (with Herb Bruce, trombone). The band was also heard on numerous recordings of music festivals from Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto and other concert venues.