Bryce Walker is the current Music Director of the Top Hat Marching Orchestra. He is a
graduate of the University of Toronto, Faculty of Music with a Bachelors Degree in Music
Education.Bryce is a long time resident of Burlington Ontario. Bryce is an instrumental music teacher
having recently retired after 31 years with the Halton District School Board. Bryce got his start
in music taking piano and theory from Keith Hopkins, music director of Port Nelson United
Church. A career trumpet player Bryce got his start with the Burlington Teen Tour Band at the
age of 9 under the direction of Elgin Corlett. He received trumpet and music theory instruction
from his mentor, Eric Ford, also a former music director of the Teen Tour Band who penned
many of the great marching tunes still performed by the Red Coats such as "Strike Up The
Band" and "The Hustle" as well as many of the great marches performed by the THMO. The
highlight of Bryce's career was to study and perform with renowned Canadian jazzman Phil
Nimmons and his band Nimmons & Nine plus Six.
As the new music director of the Top Hats, Bryce is making his mark through his pops oriented
musical arrangements and his colourful conducting style.
Under his direction he was instrumental in the creation of the Top Hats three CD’s “A Top Hat
Christmas”, “The Top Hats Greatest Hits” and "A Top Hat Christmas". As well as directing and
writing for the group Bryce is an active participant in the Band’s busy parade schedule.
