Well, the visit of the International Staff Songsters proved to be a great catalyst for a remarkable evening of choral music with the Western Territorial, Central Staff Songsters, Southern Territorial, and Eastern Staff Songsters along with the Canadian Staff Songsters. So many remarkable presentations and a wonderful way to conclude with the song Total Praise.

The beginning of the ISS under the leadership of Norman Bearcroft was highlighted and referenced to be the beginning of the Canadian Staff Songsters with Len Ballantine. But let me just set the record straight on one matter.

When I became the Secretary for Program in September of 2015 there was a substantial file in the desk drawer around the creation of a Staff Songster group for our territory. I read it through and it was clear that numerous discussions had stalled in the Chief Secretary’s office over time. Different years, different leaders but the same result – no progress.

In an early one-on-one with the then Colonel Mark Tillsley I brought up the idea again and asked him if he would be willing to give this further thought. I also gave him a brief synopsis of the history. He was interested and wondered aloud about whether Len might be interested as he was approaching retirement. Mark decided to approach Len, and when he agreed I began the work with the music secretary, Craig Lewis, to get agreements, funding, and an executive officer in place.

My first proposal of the executive officer to Mark was a no – they were about to be appointed out of Ontario and off THQ. My second proposal was for him to consider Wendy noting my clear conflict of interest. He went away and came back for another green light.

Much work around terms of reference, leadership, and the local officers went on for some time before the group began to announce it was doing auditions.

Many people made this happen – but first and foremost credit needs to go to now, Commissioner Mark Tillsley for his agreement and approach to Len. The organizational credit goes to Wendy – my Wendy! She organized the processes and auditions. Len’s gift is artistic, not administrative. As well, Craig Lewis, the Music Secretary of the day spent hours supporting, guiding, writing, and organizing this group. There were many shoulders to the wheel to make this happen. And of course, the Territorial Commander, Commissioner Susan McMillan who agreed and blessed the endeavour.

So we rejoice in the placement of the group in the territory now, but let’s make sure the right people get credit for bringing them into existence.