Members of the Naden Band

Originally from Richmond, BC, Lieutenant (Navy) Benjamin Van Slyke, CD, joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as a reservist with the 15th Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery as a musician in 1995. During his time in the reserves, he had many wonderful experiences with the regimental band as well as several taskings with the Ceremonial Guard in Ottawa. Lt(N) Van Slyke also had the opportunity to perform on the trumpet all over North America in varied settings, building a wide array of experience as a musician.

In 2005 Lt(N) Van Slyke transferred to the regular force after successfully auditioning and being offered a position with the Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in Halifax, NS. After three years with the band, he was posted to the Canadian Forces Language School in Shearwater, NS for second language training on a year long course. In 2009 upon completion of second language training Lt(N) Van Slyke was posted to La Musique du Royal 22e Régiment at BFC Valcartier, QC. He was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer in 2012 and posted back to the Stadacona Band.

In 2016, Lt(N) Van Slyke was sent on the Unique Skill Qualification (USQ) for conducting brass and reed ensembles at CFB Borden. After completing the USQ he was posted to the Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) band in Edmonton, AB taking on the newly created role of Standards and Training manager for the unit. Posted to the Naden Band of the RCN in 2018 Lt(N) Van Slyke finally returned to the best coast although that was short lived as he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class and posted to Music Division, Canadian Forces Logistics Training Centre at CFB Borden in 2019. During that posting he enjoyed getting a better understanding of the Music Branch and working on the training that will develop better competencies of Canada’s military musicians.

Lt(N) Van Slyke received his commission in July 2021, was promoted to his current rank, and posted back to the Naden band to complete his music officer training. He took command of the Naden Band in June of 2022 and is very thankful to be on the west coast working with such outstanding musicians.

In his off-time Lt(N) Van Slyke loves spending time with his wonderful daughters, Abigail and Alena.

Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Brayden Wise joined the CAF as a Musician shortly after graduating high school in Vernon BC. Starting with the Band of the 15th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, he developed his skills as a military musician, while also branching out to employment outside the occupation. He worked as a clerk for Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre Vancouver, and as the Chief Clerk of 6 Field Squadron, 39 Combat Engineer Regiment in North Vancouver. He was appointed to the rank of Master Bombardier in 2001.

On transfer to the Regular Force in 2006, he was posted to the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces in Ottawa, ON. Promoted to Sergeant in 2007, he culminated his departmental responsibilities as the Finance Team leader, while also working as a bassist, Drum Major, and bandleader for the pop/rock ensemble.

Returning to the Army in 2011, he was promoted Warrant Officer and posted to the Royal Canadian Artillery Band in Edmonton AB, where he served as Operations Manager and Quartermaster in addition to his musical duties. In 2014, CPO 2 Wise was selected as a trainee and successfully completed the four-month Brass/Reed conducting course at Canadian Forces Logistics Training Centre Borden.

Completing his environmental trifecta, CPO 2 Wise was promoted to his present rank and posted to the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy in 2015. Serving as the Unit Chief Petty Officer from 2015-2021, he saw the unit through the transformation and implementation of the Musician Occupation structure change.

In 2021, CPO 2 Wise was posted to Naval Fleet School (Pacific) where he took on the role of Leadership and Recruit Chief Petty Officer, in charge of Primary Leadership and Basic Recruit Training on the West Coast. CPO 2 Wise returned to the Naden Band in August 2022 and returned to the position of Unit Chief in August 2024.

Career highlights include taskings/deployments to Korea (2008), France (2017), Chile (2018), and Op SCYLLA (2024), as one of the first CAF musicians to sail aboard a HARRY DEWOLF-class ship in an operational environment.

CPO 2 Wise holds a Diploma in Jazz Studies, and a Bachelor of Music (Performance and Composition), both from Capilano University. In his spare time, CPO 2 Wise can be found running, bikepacking/bicycle touring, making contacts with ham radio operators around the world (VA7BKW), and making home-brewed beer. He resides in Victoria with his partner and their children.