Cathie Koehnen (2023-present)

After a life of music ministry in The Salvation Army and seven years in the Canadian Staff Songsters (CSS), Salvationist Cathie Koehnen has taken over CSS leadership following Major Len Ballantine's retirement. Music is her whole life outside and inside The Salvation Army. Cathie auditioned when the CSS began in 2016, and Major Len Ballantine asked her to be the deputy leader. It's important to her that the group maintain the level of excellence that Len established within the group. At the same time, they continue to minister where they can, be encouragers, and help mentor leaders and singers wherever they go.

Major Len Ballantine (2016-2023)

Major Len Ballantine is well known throughout the world for his choral and brass leadership and compositions. In 1992, Len was appointed conductor of the UK's International Staff Songsters, where he brought a decidedly contemporary note to mainstream vocal ensemble work within The Salvation Army.  Len is comfortable with a wide range of musical expressions, from classical to pop music, and welcomes modern material as a helpful necessity in the fashioning of worship.  He was delighted to be the leader of the newly formed Canadian Staff Songsters and was instrumental in helping shape a new direction of choral music in the Canada & Bermuda territory.