Several of Canada's top bands were busy with concerts leading up to Christmas.

The Hannaford Street Silver Band held a concert in November with Bram Tovey as the guest conductor. Two of his major works were featured: 'Requiem for a Charred Skull', and 'A Night to Sing', written for the 2005 British Open Championships. (For more information visit www.hssb.ca)

Intrada Brass Band (bandmaster Bram Gregson) featured Bob Venables in Allen Vizutti's 'The Rising Sun', and Robert Miller presented Peter Graham's challenging euphonium solo ‘Brillante'. Other items from the band included Sir Malcolm Arnold's 'Little Suite for Brass', and Holst's 'Suite in Eb' conducted by Professor Jim White. (For more information visit www.intradabrass.ca)

London Citadel Band (John Lam) hosted tuba star Patrick Sheridan in a concert which included 'Flight of the Bumble Bee', 'Frosty the Snowman', and 'Grandfathers Clock'. (For more information visit www.londoncitadelband.on.ca or www.patricksheridan.com.)

The Canadian Staff Band participated in the annual 'Christmas with the Salvation Army' held in Toronto's Roy Thomson Hall. B/M Brian Burditt steered the band through Leroy Anderson's 'A Christmas Festival' (Arr. Bill Gordon), and Bill Himes' big band number, 'Three Kings Swing'.

Just after Christmas, the Canadian Staff Band traveled to sunny California for a six day tour which included concerts in San Diego, Hollywood, Pasadena, and Los Angeles, as well as participating in the annual Tournament of Roses Parade held on New Years Day. On the stand were Curnow's 'Fanfare & Flourishes'; 'Call of the Cossacks' (Graham); Bach's 'Toccatta in D Minor' (arr. Farr), and Bob Redhead's new work, 'Christ-Hymn'. The Band also featured some of it's outstanding soloists, including Brindley Venables in 'Jubilance for Cornet and Band' (Himes); Steve Pavey in Chris Mallett's 'Traveling Along'; and Barrington Venables in Kevin Hayward's version of 'Joshua'. (For more information visit Canadian Staff Band Site)

- submitted by Stan Ewing