Brian Burditt, who led the Canadian Staff Band from 1985 to 2002, has been re-appointed as staff bandmaster effective August 1. He replaces Kevin Hayward, who announced his resignation earlier this year.

Born and raised in Hamilton, Ont., Brian soldiered for 30 years at Argyle Citadel, where he was bandmaster for 17 years. He holds a BA in music and a master of education degree, and taught music in elementary and secondary schools for 20 years. A charter member of the CSB, Brian played flugel horn for 10 years. He served as deputy bandmaster for three years under then Major Robert Redhead and first became bandmaster on August 1, 1985.

In 1988 Brian became territorial music director, a position that led to his subsequent appointment as territorial music secretary in 1991. In this capacity he was responsible for the ongoing growth and development of music ministries throughout the Canada and Bermuda Territory, including giving oversight to the National School of Music. He has also travelled throughout North America, Europe, Brazil and South Africa as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator.

Since 2002 Brian has served as the Army's director of world missions at THQ. He will continue to work full-time in this position and has agreed to resume leadership of the Canadian Staff Band without any extra remuneration.

Bandmaster Kevin Hayward will continue to lead the CSB for its upcoming engagements at the provincial congress in Newfoundland and Labrador June 22-25 and its visit to Old Orchard Beach, Maine, U.S.A., July 28-31.