Cathie Koehnen (2023-present)

Cathie Koehnen is a charter member of the Canadian Staff Songsters and has been their conductor since 2023. She brings to this role a wealth of experience gained from 35 years as a high school music teacher, as the founder and conductor of the Ontario Central East Divisional Youth Chorus, a position she held for 10 years, and as the current songster leader at Toronto’s Yorkminster Citadel. For many years, Cathie has also served on faculty or as guest vocal conductor at various Salvation Army music camps across North America.

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.