Contributors for this year's CD:

Brass Bands:

St. John's Temple Band conducted by David Rowsell, has contributed regularly to the Christmas Cd project. David is a published brass composer, and the two items offered on this year's CD are his own brand-new arrangements.

Seasonal Slides is a quartet made up of well-known stellar trombonists Bill Way, Kevin Hayward, Andrew Poirier and Douglas Burden. Their contribution was recorded especially for the Christmas CD project.

The Canadian Staff Band recording of "Joyful Bells" was originally released on their 1980 album "To You at Christmastime", and has been digitally remastered for this particular CD.

This CD also features London Citadel Band, and The Sovereign Brass.

Choral: Featuring the 2005 Festival Chorus, recorded at Roy Thomson Hall last December. Besides offering us the beautiful "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring", the CD features the premiere recording of Len Ballantine's "Christmas Presence".

Soloists:

	Craig Woodland is another London Citadel bandmember, a trumpet soloist and a published brass composer. What is less known is his beautiful Broadway-sounding tenor voice. Besides offering us two trumpet solos, Craig ministers to us vocally in his arrangement entitled "Wondrous Story", which shows off his extensive vocal range and emotional warmth.
	Cameron Rawlins, hailing from Newmarket Ontario, is currently studying music at the University of Toronto. His upper register vocals carry a warmth and style similar to Josh Grobin, and we are fortunate to have two vocal offerings from him on this CD.
	Elizabeth Shepherd, daughter of our Chief Secretary Colonel Glen Shepherd, is a professional jazz pianist and vocalist. Her rendition of "What Child is This" showcases her harmonic creativity, producing an arrangement of the familiar carol that is unique and fresh. Her Norah-Jones-style voice offers an intimacy that is captivating, striking right to the heart of the listener.
	Kathryn Ballantine is just beginning her first year at Sheridan college in Oakville, after graduating from an arts high school that specializes in training students for musical theatre, covering dance and acting as well as vocal training. Her father Len Ballantine adeptly accompanies her in their arrangements of "I Wonder as I Wander" and "Go Tell it on the Mountain." Her debut CD, already recorded, will be released in the next few months.
	Ken Lavigne has already made a name for himself on the Canadian west coast. Also specializing in musical theatre, he has recently released his debut CD which can be purchased online through his website (click on the link here): Ken Lavigne.We are grateful for his willingness to donate his rendition of "O Holy Night" to our recording.
	Andrew Poirier: The CD opens with trombonist Andrew Poirier's gorgeous rendition of Gruber & Gott's "Silent Night", accompanied by the flawless playing of London Citadel Band.

All in all, there are 18 songs and an hour of music that makes the $1.25 price tag unbeatable. The early-bird deadline for this offer is September 15th. Because a limited quantity of the CD is pressed, there are no guarantees of its availability after the deadline. Getting your order in now guarantees that you will receive the quantity you need in time for Christmas.