From August 9 to 12, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Training Squadron visited Halifax for the first time in 13 years. The squadron, with approximately 530 personnel, is on a 161-day voyage visiting 11 ports in five countries. During their visit, I had the pleasure of playing a joint outdoor concert with the JMSDF Training […]
After returning from Japan, I started my full-time job with the band right away, so I spent almost every weekday with the band for about seven months. Starting in May, the summer band program began, and from the end of May to early August, we performed at around 50 concerts and ceremonies. This summer, I […]
I thought I was done with this Christmas concert, but here I am again with the 36 Canadian Brigade Group Band’s annual holiday performance. Since I extended my military service, it looks like I’ll be appearing a few more times. This year, I found myself taking on a new challenge: learning to play the Irish […]
I had the pleasure of performing Christmas carols at Windsor’s very first Christmas Market, where downtown streets were lined with festive vendors, live holiday music filled the air, and a magical parade of illuminated woodland animals. The Makers Community and Mermaid Theatre brought this unique celebration to life, and the atmosphere was so vibrant that […]
I performed Christmas carols at the Victorian Christmas event held at the Halifax Citadel.A “Victorian Christmas” recreates the way Christmas was celebrated in 19th-century Britain during the reign of Queen Victoria—families gathering together, decorating trees, and enjoying songs and games. It’s all about capturing that warm, nostalgic holiday spirit.
Today was Remembrance Day in Canada—a solemn occasion to honor the soldiers who gave their lives in war and to express our gratitude for peace. Our band had the privilege of participating through music. I had worried it might rain, but the chilly air was actually refreshing, adding to the solemn atmosphere. It was a […]
We were filming a Halloween video with my band, so I decided to do my zombie makeup at home before heading out. The instant Sam saw me, he recoiled in horror—it was priceless. Thankfully, our rehearsal wasn’t during the day. I drove through the dark streets, and I’m pretty sure no one caught a glimpse […]
On the afternoon of August 9, I performed at a ceremony held at the Aviation Museum located within the Canadian Air Force base where my regular gym is. The ceremony honored a pioneer of Canadian naval aviation who also made significant contributions to Canada’s aerospace industry.
On August 9, in Halifax, Canada, I performed at the naming ceremony of the new ship, HMCS Robert Hampton Gray.Lieutenant Gray is known for sinking a Japanese warship during the war, and there is a memorial dedicated to him in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. This memorial stands as a symbol of remembering the tragedies of war […]
