The Naden Band Ensembles

Led by Lt(N) Ben Van Slyke

The full complement of 35 musicians in the Naden Band perform in the Concert Band ensemble. This ensemble plays a wide variety of musical genres ranging from traditional wind band repertoire to contemporary and world music. Formal concerts, community festivals and school shows are examples of the kind of events the Concert Band can support. The most popular event of the year is our series of Christmas concerts performed at the Royal theatre; a family tradition enjoyed by all who attend.

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Led by Lt(N) Ben Van Slyke

The Parade Band is a concert band that moves. This ensemble is seen publicly year round, appearing annually at Remembrance Day, Victoria Day Parade and Battle of the Atlantic, to name a few. Other than a couple of notable community events such as holiday parades of lights, the vast majority of performances this ensemble gives are of a ceremonial and/or military capacity. The parade band supports visits by foreign dignitaries, our Governor General and Lieutenant Governor as well as local Change of Command ceremonies, award ceremonies, and ship deployments/arrivals.

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Led by PO 1 Paul Richey

Pacific Blue is an energetic 18-piece big band that provides music for both concert and dance settings.  The band’s dance repertoire spans the decades from the Big Band Swing Era up to popular dance hits from the present, and everything in between.  In a concert setting, the band performs classic and contemporary music from the big band repertoire, and has a special emphasis on music from Canadian and local composers and arrangers, including some from within the band.

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Led by PO 2 Ross Macdonald

This highly popular group is known for its ability to entertain audiences in an array of musical styles ranging from mainstream jazz to swing, Afro-Cuban, funk and pop. The ensemble’s instrumentation consists of saxophone, trumpet, guitar, bass, and percussion.

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Led by MS Laura Engsig

This versatile ensemble is made up of clarinets of all sizes, and often includes percussion. The group specializes in Contemporary, Fusion and Ethnic music but repertoire also includes Pop, Jazz, Classical, Baroque and all kinds of old favourites. The High Cs actively seeks out opportunities to perform works by Canadian composers. From mess dinners to pirate video duels to sit down recital concerts there is something for everyone in this ensemble.

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Led by PO 2 Michel Wade

This ensemble consisting of clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, banjo, and drums, dedicates itself to the performance of early jazz standards. With its upbeat and crowd-pleasing renditions of musical hits such as Louis Armstrong's When the Saints Go Marching In, this group is a favourite amongst audiences of all ages.

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Led by PO 2 Bob Fearnley

This ensemble adds pageantry to Governmental, Military and Civic events. Notable performances include the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II during her visit in 2002 and the Opening Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games and regular Gala events at Government House, in Victoria.

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Led by S1 Laura Andrew

This ensemble, comprised of flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and french horn, performs traditional and contemporary repertoire. The Prevailing Winds are often requested to play formal recitals and ambience music for private functions. In addition, this quintet enjoys educating youth with their interactive and engaging school shows.

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Led by PO 2 Steven Donegan

The Fairwater Brass Quintet is a versatile ensemble that performs a wide variety of music ranging from Renaissance to the contemporary. This group regularly performs for Changes of Command or graduation parades and also provides music for official functions, receptions and dignitary visits. In addition to providing military musical support, Fairwater Brass also enjoys an active public and education performance schedule throughout the year.

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Led by PO 2 Roy Styffe

The 'Sound Wave Saxes' is a vibrant and adaptable ensemble focusing on entertainment and modern challenging sounds. This group has a varied repertoire and demonstrates passion, skill, and a reverence for the tradition of Jazz and Classical music.

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Led by S1 Zachary Everett

The Sliders perform music from the 17th to the 21st centuries in every style from solemn songs of remembrance to bright bebop compositions. Whether playing on their own or as a featured group, the Sliders are an exciting way to hear the unique skills of our trombone section.