On Saturday, March 28, the Canadian Staff Band (CSB) celebrated 57 years of serving, inspiring and communicating faith through music at Festival 57. Combining artistic excellence with a clear spiritual purpose, the CSB exists to share messages of hope, grace and redemption, with both church audiences and the wider public.

Festival 57 unfolded as a rich and moving tapestry of music, worship and artistry, drawing the audience into a thoughtful journey from joyful praise to quiet reflection. Held at Bayview Glen Church in Thornhill, Ont., the evening featured Isobel Daws, principal trombone of the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra, and included a trombone choir along with world and Canadian musical premiers.

The evening began with the band playing a new, exciting work by CSB member Philip Rayment entitled Invocation, which is built on the tune Ellacombe. Following that, the CSB offered the familiar and deeply loved Goodness of God, a declaration of God’s faithfulness. From the outset, there was a clear sense that this would be more than a concert—it was an experience of worship shared through music.

A warm welcome from Lt-Colonel Keith Pike, CSB executive officer, set the tone, followed by the congregation joining together in God Is Love, a moment that united performers and audience alike.

Introductions by Bandmaster Andrew Burditt guided listeners into a diverse and engaging first half.

Highlights included Fantasy for Trombone on Spirituals, beautifully performed by soloist Daws, whose expressive playing brought depth and character to the music. The trombone choir, led by Douglas Burden, retired bass trombonist of the National Arts Centre Orchestra and CSB alumnus, presented selections such as Scarborough Fair and Bruckner Etude, which showcased the ensemble’s versatility and technical strength. The CSB’s presentations of Dance of the Comedians and Variations on Maccabeus demonstrated the band’s ability to play with energy, clarity and musical depth.

Following the intermission, the program initially took on a lighter tone with the band playing So Sweet! and singing Goodbye, World, Goodbye. An additional feature was Daws playing Blue Bells of Scotland, a performance that balanced brilliance with musical charm.

As the evening progressed, the atmosphere gradually shifted toward contemplation around light, hope and peace. Works such as Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring and Children’s Prayer from Hansel and Gretel—presented by the trombone choir—offered moments of serenity and reverence. The Easter Journey, with narration written by Karen Allington, included Prelude on “Anastasis,” based on the Hillsong worship song O Praise the Name, and deepened this reflective mood, leading seamlessly into the stillness of the CSB’s Silent Vigil.

One of the most tender moments came with Love Eternal, based on worship songs King of Kings and Majesty, once again featuring Daws, whose sensitive performance captured the heart of the evening’s spiritual message. This was followed by the CSB’s presentation of a new work by Howard Evans, I Know Thee, inviting listeners to pause and consider the deeper themes woven throughout the program.

Closing courtesies were offered by Lt-Colonel Pike, followed by the benediction where the band surrounded the congregation and played, God Be With You, a fitting and heartfelt conclusion to the festival.

Festival 57 was more than a showcase of musical excellence; it was a journey—one that moved from celebration to contemplation, leaving a lasting impression on the many who attended and noted that the evening provided “an inspiring worship experience” and “spiritual renewal.”

Photos: Steve Nelson