Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces

The Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces (French: Musique Centrale des Forces Armées Canadiennes) is one of six full-time Regular Force military bands in the Canadian Armed Forces. It is also the seniormost military band in the CAF. The band provides professional musical support for the representative institutions of the Canadian Forces, supporting the Department of National Defence and the Government of Canada in events throughout the National Capital Region. The CAF Central Band belongs to the Commandant of Canadian Forces Support Unit in Ottawa and is composed of RCAF personnel.

History
The band was originally created in 1940 as the Central Band of the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force). By 1964, the Central Band of the RCAF became the only Air Force bands in service prior to the Unification of the Canadian Armed Forces. In February 1968, the RCAF band merged with the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery Band to become the National Band of the Canadian Armed Forces, which had servicemen from the Army, Navy, and Air Force in its ranks. It was given its current name in 1970.

Activities
For over 70 years, the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces has provided professional musical support for military and Government of Canada events. The band regularly performs for Canadian Royalty, the Governor General of Canada and Prime Minister of Canada, as well as foreign Heads of State, and government. It has also performed at many public concerts throughout Canada and around the world. The band used to give annual performances during the changing of the guard ceremony on Parliament Hill each summer until 1979 when those duties were assumed by the Band of the Ceremonial Guard. The band has also toured Europe frequently and has made appearances at several NATO music festivals.

Main personnel

 * Commanding Officer and Director of Music: Captain John Fullerton
 * Drum Major: Warrant Officer Lisa Paquette

Composition
The following ensembles serve within the CAF Central Band:
 * Concert Band
 * Parade Band
 * Rotorhead
 * Big Band
 * Jazz ensemble
 * String Ensemble
 * Brass Quintet
 * Woodwind Quintet
 * Cormorant Chamber Trio