top of page

Marching/Managing Directors

Music Directors

Robert Vincent Garnier

1980-1995

Robert Garnier's introduction to Band & Drum Corps came in the 1950's when he joined The Township of Trafalgar Boys Band, later to become the Patrolmen Drum Corps. After a few years, Robert was accepted by Canada's Famous Preston Scout House. Upon leaving, Robert joined De La Salle Oaklands Drum Corp. This is where his first introduction

to the world of creating drill design and colour guard shows occured. At the age of 21, he joined Canada's Marching Ambassadors. Rob Garnier has taught bands, drum corps, and colour guards; adjudicated numerous groups throughout the country and is responsible for create a unique marching program that has been used by groups like the Senoriates, E.L. Crosley, Philippine Heritage, and the Seaforth Girls. Rob Garnier's 15 years spent as marching director with the Burlington Teen Tour Band were the most memorable, and the emergence of today's BTTB staff from a program he played an influential role in is perhaps his greatest achievement.

Bob Webb

1968-1980

Mr. Webb started in the Burlington Boys and Girls Band as a percussionist at the age of 11. In 1965, he was elected President of the Boys and Girls Band and formed a new organization, the Burlington Teen Tour Band. It was his philosophy that to develop a better band, the band must travel and members must be kept active. In 1970, he Graduated from Ryerson 

Polytechnical Institute in Business Administration. Mr Webb performed as a percussionist from 1968-1970 in the Lorne Scot Military Band and the Queen's Own Rifles Military Band. Some of the highlights of Mr. Webb's career with the Burlington Teen Tour Band include their performances in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, the Parade of Champions in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the Cotton Bowl Parade in Dallas, Texas.

Sir William (Bill) Hughes

1998-2018

Sir William (Bill) was born in Holywood, Northern Ireland, where he started playing flute in local bands at the age of 7. A student of Harry Eden and Geoffrey Gilbert, Bill was Principal flute and piccolo with the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, during which time he performed on the Royal Yacht, at many State banquets and Official Functions. After settling 

in Canada, Bill joined the Burlington Teen Tour Band as the Music Director in 1998. One of Bill's fondest memories with the band was the 60th anniversary of the D-Day invasion in Normandy, France when the veterans came to the beach and interacted with band members. Other highlights from his BTTB career include multiple Rose Parade appearances, the most recent of which has been immortalized in a CBC documentary, "Band Geeks." Over his 20 year period with the band, Bill successfully nurtured a tight knit, world-class band and leaves behind a legacy of good-will, humour, and a passion for building connections with members.

Don Allan

1977-1998

Don Allan's career in music began when he joined the local junior band in his home town of Dundas, Ontario. Enlisting in the R.C.A.F. in 1951, Mr. Allan served with the Air Transport Command Band in Victoria, B.C., where he also completed the bandmasters course. After 21 years in the Canadian Air Force, he started his career with the Burlington Teen Tour Band in

1971 as a woodwind instructor. Through the decade, he worked as the Assistant Director and was appointed Music Director of the Band in 1977. Mr. Allan felt that each member had something to contribute and collectively the band brought it all together. Mr. Allan took the band to Europe and all over North America, and to Holland in 1995 to be a part of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands. Mr. Allan retired from the Burlington Teen Tour Band in 1998.

Eric Ford

1968-1977

Eric Ford began his music career at the age of 8 on the violin and changed two years later to the cornet. At 15, he was the cornet soloist in at Toronto's Massey hall. In 1941 he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and flew overseas. In 1947, he joined the R.C.A.F band as a trumpet soloist and arranger. After retiring from the R.C.A.F., Mr. Ford moved his family to

Burlington, where he was 

appointed the Music Director of the Burlington Teen Tour Band in 1968. He was well known for his great sense of humor and was a man who gave a great deal of himself to the Band and its members. During the 70's, the Band's excellent musial capabilities increased, and the number of performances grew with the demand for the band's appearances throughout North America and Europe.

Elgin Corlett

1947-1968

Elgin Corlett was the founder and first Music Director of the Boys & Girls Band. His musical career took him on tours with various dance bands throughout Ontario and he played with the Canadian Army Band overseas during the Second World War. In 1949, Corlett took the Band to Warren, Ohio to perform at a football game and play a 

concert. By 1952, membership had climbed to more than 150 boys and girls. In 1967, the name changed to the Burlington Teen Tour Band, and the band also received a new style of uniform that is still worn today. Mr. Corlett developed a philosophy that focused on producing a better band, keeping members active year round, and organizing annual tours. Nurturing the interest and talents of young people and giving them a sense of confidence and accomplishment is the legacy of Elgin Corlett. 

bottom of page