Bio: Our Director

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.

A native of Burlington Ontario, Bryce teaches Intermediate Instrumental Music at Pineland Public School for the Halton District School Board. Bryce got his start in music taking piano and theory from the late Keith Hopkins, music director of Port Nelson United Church where he completed grade 10 piano with the Royal Conservatory of Music and Gr. 3 Rudiments. 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, the late great 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 such as "Bacharach", "The Monkee's" and "Shaken, Not Stirred" (a medley of the many memorable James Bond themes) and his colorful conducting style.

Under his direction he was instrumental in the creation of the Top Hats first two CD’s “A Top Hat Christmas” and “The Top Hats Greatest Hits”. As well as directing and writing for the group Bryce is an active participant in the Band’s busy parade schedule.

Questions or Comments? Email Us: tophats@cogeco.ca.