Our Staff

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 commerorative rings to Band members with five consecutive years of service.

 

The ring presentation has become one of the highlights of the Band’s annual year-end 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 and in 2013 he was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to youth.

Clarinets / Saxophone      

 

Colour Guard                    

                                         

                     

 

Flutes                              

 

Lower Brass/Trumpets      

                   

 

Percussion 

 

 

 

Marching / Equipment                   

                                         

                                        

                                       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Francis Smith

 

Mary Anne Quaglia

Emily DiMatteo

Sam Moffatt

 

Jennifer Vaughan

 

Jim Heaslip 

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Matthew Wicks

Hilary Whiskin

Malcolm Sanger

 

Jeff Thomblison

Steve Kariatsumari

Born in Holywood, Northern Ireland, Bill started playing flute in local bands and was soon performing in open competition. A contemporary of James Galway, 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.

 

As a Freelance flautist 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 he 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.

 

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.

1986 he was the Director of Music for the Musical Salute in Toronto for Queen Elizabeth II during her state visit.

 

In 1992 Bill was awarded the Canada Confederation Medal and in 1998 was bestowed with honours as he became "Chevalier de la Jarretiere de Lorraine", which is french for "Knight of Lorraine".

 

In addition to many guest Adjudication / Clinician and Conductor performances, Bill’s solo skills are also much sought after and he performs Solos and Recitals across North America.

 

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.

 

A past board member of the Ontario Arts Council, Bill currently sits on the Music Advisory Committee for Mohawk College.

 

 

Archive                                

 

 

Equipment Driver              

                                            

                                             

                                             

                                             

                                             

 

Hats                                      

 

Music Librarian                    

 

New Member Coordinator     

 

Photographer                       

                                             

                                             

 

Uniforms   

 

 

Web Design, A/V, & Editing                          

                                             

Kellie Skerrett-Buttenham

 

 

Bill Sumner

Vic DeMelo

Ryan Dack

 

 

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Heather Weaver-Orosz

 

Jayne Walker

 

Janice Kariatsumari

 

Andrea Carroll

Linda Yamamoto

 

 

Carolynn Blake

Leslie Russell

 

Grant Sweeny