In June 2002, following 17 years of leadership, Brian Burditt retired as bandmaster, to be succeeded by Kevin Hayward . Born in Bermuda , Kevin moved to Toronto in 1985 to complete his university education and had been a member of the band’s trombone section since 1988, serving as deputy bandmaster since 1992.

Although not embarking on any international tours, the CSB visited seven out of ten Canadian provinces during Kevin’s four years of leadership, including visits to Halifax , Winnipeg , St. John’s , and a 10-day Western Canada Tour in 2005 that took the band to Victoria , Vancouver , Calgary , Edmonton and Saskatoon . It also continued to minister at commissioning events and at the popular Christmas With The Salvation Army programs in Toronto beginning in 2002. A particular highlight was working with world-renowned trumpeter Jens Lindeman to produce a unique recording, Rising Sun, released in 2003.

In 2004, the CSB celebrated its 35th anniversary with a gala festival featuring guest artists Jens Lindeman and Curtis Metcalf, guest conductors Lt-Colonel Norman Bearcroft and Brian Burditt, and a host of CSB alumni. The weekend, which included an anniversary dinner, was a memorable one for all concerned. During the second half of the Saturday night program, former band members joined the current CSB to present a selection of items from the band’s repertoire over the years, including Bearcroft’s Songs of Newfoundland , Just Like John and Timepiece, played by eight euphonium soloists!

Also in 2004, the band played at the Empress of Ireland 90th anniversary memorial service and the closing events for the Toronto College for Officer Training. It also played before a worldwide audience at the International Mosaic of Worship at Jackson ’s Point, Ontario , part of the International Music and Other Creative Ministries Forum organized by Colonels Robert and Gwenyth Redhead.

In 2005, the band ventured into further uncharted waters by playing a concert with Toronto jazz bassist Duncan Hopkins.The result was Red and Brassy, a live recording from the concert featuring the altogether unique sound of a jazz quartet playing alongside a traditional British-style brass band in a number of specially-arranged selections. The CD was the last of three albums released under Kevin’s leadership, alongside Rising Sun (with Jens Lindemann, trumpet) and To Worship, which featured music from the band’s concert repertoire.
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Unfortunately, following a difficult 2005-2006 season owing to ongoing health concerns, Bandmaster Hayward’s term as leader came to a premature end with the announcement that he was stepping down as of August 1. His final performance with the band came during the CSB’s participation in the 120th annual Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Congress, which included the closure of the St. John’s College for Officer Training. Unfortunately, Kevin was unable to be with the band for its visit to the Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings later that summer. However, under the capable leadership of Deputy Bandmaster Steve Brown, the band inspired audiences and made a lasting impression by its participation throughout a memorable weekend.