BTTB Staff

Burlington Teen Tour Band :: BTTB Staff

Rob Bennett Managing Director	Rob Bennett has been a member since 1977, when he joined the Peanut Band -- the feeder group for the Band (since renamed the Junior Redcoats). In 1979, he moved up to the Teen Tour Band percussion section, playing cymbals, bass drum and triple drums until 1984. In 1984, he became one of the Band’s drum majors and served in that position until retiring from active membership in 1989. From 1983 to 1986, he served three consecutive terms as president and past president of the Band executive. During this period, his contribution to the community was acknowledged by the Rotary Club of Burlington, which awarded him with a Youth Appreciation plaque. While serving on the Band’s elected executive he originated the idea of presenting special silver rings to Band members with five consecutive years of service. The ring presentation has become one of the highlights of the Band’s annual Christmas banquet and dance. In 1993, Bennett helped establish the Teen Tour Band Alumni Association. His career as a Band instructor began in the early 1990’s, when he began to assist the drum majors and section leaders during marching practice. He also designed and instructed the drill for a Scarborough barbershop singing group of 75 members, which subsequently won an international championship in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In September 1998, Rob was appointed to the position of full time Managing Director of the Band and Music Programs Manager for the City of Burlington’s Parks and Recreation Department. Rob is also the Chair of the Lt. Governor's Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers selection committee.

Bill Hughes Director of Music	Born in Hollywood, Northern Ireland, Bill started playing flute in local bands and was soon performing in open competition. Bill was the Principle Flute and Piccolo player with the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines for nine years, during which time he performed solos for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and other Heads of State at many state banquets and other official functions. Freelance flute throughout Britain and Europe, Bill performed with many of the top London Orchestras, as well as, recordings for television, radio and records. His accomplishments reads like a Who’s Who of Music and in addition was named "Flute Player of the Year" in 1972. Bill has performed in countries such as: Switzerland, Germany, United States, Denmark, Netherlands, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brazil and Canada. Bill was bestowed with honours as he became "Chevalier de la Jarretiere de Lorraine", which is french for "Knight of Lorraine". After settling in Canada, Bill was honoured to be asked to continue a long tradition of musical excellence and became Captain, Director of Music with the 48th Highlanders of Canada. Under his direction, the 48th Highlanders recorded their first album. In addition to many guest conduction performances, Bill’s solo skills are much sought after and a new Flute concerto is being specially written for him by Dr. Anthony G. Holland. In September of 1998, Bill officially joined the ranks of the Burlington Teen Tour Band, becoming only the fourth Music Director since the band was founded in 1947.

Jeff Thomblison Senior Marching Instructor	Jeff Thomblison played both trumpet and drums as a member of the Junior Redcoats, before he turned 13 and moved up to the Teen Tour Band percussion section in 1979. He performed as a drummer and drum major until 1985. During his years in the Band, he also served as Vice President and Fund Raising Chairman on the Band’s elected executive. He began teaching percussion in the City of Burlington’s music instruction program in 1981. In 1984, he became the Band’s assistant percussion instructor. He also helped form the Teen Tour Band Alumni Association in 1993, by serving on the charter board of directors. His duties expanded in the summer of 1995, when he became logistics co-ordinator for the Band. After assisting with marching and field show practices for a number of years, he officially became one of the Band’s marching instructors in the fall of 1995.

Trevor King Instructor	Trevor King played snare drum in the Teen Tour Band drum line from 1974 until 1980. By the time he left the Band, he had begun working as a professional dance teacher. He has also served as the choreographer for figure skaters in the area, producing and performing in a number of productions, including the U.S. production of Nutcracker On Ice. He has performed at Canada’s Wonderland, fashion shows, and has served as master of ceremonies at many events. King is a chartered member of the Teen Tour Band Alumni Association executive. He was named choreographer for the colour guard in the fall of 1995.

Lorne Ferrazzutti Percussion Instructor	Lorne Ferrazzutti has been teaching young people percussion instruments since he was a teenager in Toronto - teaching other students in marching bands at Danforth and Western Tech Schools. In 1958, he began a long time association with the Toronto Optimists Drum and Bugle Corps - one of the most successful drum corps in North America. He wrote most of the drum parts and taught the drum line from 1958 until 1972. During that period, the Optimist won the Canadian national championships every year. In the early 1960’s he also taught the drum line of the Jestors Senior Drum and Bugle Corps. In 1964, the Jesters amalgamated with the Hamilton Viscounts to become the Canadian Commanders, a senior drum corp, which came under the sponsorship of the City of Burlington Parks and Recreation Department in 1968. In 1980, he was temporarily assigned to help the Teen Tour Band’s drum line prepare for their annual Hamilton Place Concert. This has turned into an ongoing commitment as the band’s percussion instructor. Lorne’s love and commitment for percussion has been passed on to countless Teen Tour drum line members, so much so, he is now assisted by "retired" Band members. Lorne also instructed Rob Bennett, Jeff Thomblison and Brad Hall while they were marching members.

Band Staff Support Staff	Mary Anne Quaglia Colour Guard / Majorettes Pam Stavenow Colour Guard Francis Smith Woodwind Andrew Adams Brass Jim Heaslip Brass Misty Johnson Flutes Andy Fur Percussion Carolynn Blake Uniforms