Beginning November 3rd, Majors Len and Heather Ballantine will be leaving Music & Gospel Arts to take up their new post as corps officers of Yorkminster Citadel (Toronto). They will, however, continue to have a connection to THQ as music consultants, and have committed to manning the music office two days a week until the new Territorial Music Secretary begins his post.

Filling Len’s shoes will be Major Kevin Metcalf, who has been serving in Australia for the past three years as the Assistant Training Principal in Sydney, Australia. For fans of The Canadian Staff Band, Kevin Metcalf is no stranger, as he was a Staff Bandmember from 1976 (at the invitation of Norman Bearcroft) until 2001. From 1995 to 1999 Kevin also served in the THQ Music Department as Assistant Territorial Music Secretary, under the leadership of current CSB Bandmaster Brian Burditt.

Kevin, along with his wife, Loriann, was commissioned as a Salvation Army officer in 1986. He has served in corps appointments in British Columbia (White Rock and Port Alberni) and Ontario (Newmarket and St. Thomas). He has also served on the Training College staff in Toronto. Kevin is not only an accomplished cornetist, but also writes and arranges for brass bands, although his works have never been officially published.

Kevin’s wife, Loriann, has been assigned as associate corps officer for the Toronto Harbour Light Corps. Both Kevin and Loriann will officially begin their posts on January 19th, 2007.