Burlington Teen Tour Band, Canada’s oldest and largest youth marching band, is set to delight audiences locally and overseas this spring. The Burlington Teen Tour Band will have their spring concert April 7 and have been invited to participate in the 80th D-Day Anniversary Tour in England and France May 31 - June 10. These performances not only mark a thrilling chapter for the band but are also bolstered by the announcement of new Burlington Teen Tour Band Director of Bands & Music Services Roberto (Rob) Cuesta. Roberto (Rob) will begin in his new role on Feb. 20, 2024, as the creative force behind Burlington’s globally renowned marching band.

About Burlington Teen Tour Band Director Roberto Cuesta

Roberto (Rob) brings over 28 years of experience in band and music services to the Burlington Teen Tour Band. He is a seasoned musician, marketer and business leader obtaining his Master of Business Administration with Distinction from Warwick Business School and a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from the UK Chartered Institute of Marketing. Roberto (Rob) has 18 years of youth work experience beginning with Scouts UK and then Air Cadets which lead him to progressive leadership roles in both areas and an appointment as Band Master at an early age. By age 23, he became Director of Music running a band with 75 per cent of members under age 21 and later became National Training Director for the Traditional Youth Marching Band Association (TYMBA). Most recently, Roberto (Rob) was Director of Music for the 48th Highlanders of Canada. He has ten years of experience as a Band Leader and an additional 14 years as a player in military-style wind bands such as: The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, The Governor General’s Horse Guards and The Band of the Hampshire Constabulary to name just a few.

Upcoming band events

Annual Spring Concert

Featuring: Burlington Teen Tour Band and Junior Redcoats

Date: April 7, 2024

Time: Two ticketed performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets: To purchase tickets, contact Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) box office Burlingtonpac.ca/Burlington-teen-tour-band.

Location: BPAC in Burlington

80^th D-Day Anniversary Tour

Featuring: Burlington Teen Tour Band

Dates: May 31 - June 10, 2024

Background: The Mayor of Courseulles-sur-Mer sent a personal invitation to the Burlington Teen Tour Band to attend the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. The band has taken part in past D-Day anniversary events including the 40th, 50th, 60th and 75th. The 80th anniversary may be the last large scale anniversary event to commemorate this historic event as the veterans who took part are becoming fewer and fewer. A tour like this is unique as it is by invitation only. The educational value is incredible with the opportunity to speak with the veterans directly and visit the Canadian war cemetery.  

Locations: England and France

About Burlington Teen Tour Band

The Burlington Teen Tour Band have been Canada’s Musical Ambassadors since 1947. They have developed a rich history over the last 75 years. Since its beginnings in 1947, the Burlington Teen Tour Band has grown into Canada's oldest and largest youth marching band.  The Burlington Teen Tour Band is known globally for its level of excellence in music and marching. They have had the honour and privilege to represent Burlington, Ontario, and Canada around the world in such countries as: England, Republic of Ireland, France, Japan, The Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. The Burlington Teen Tour Band regularly returns home to Burlington as champions or first prize winners from internationally scaled competitions. The Burlington Teen Tour Band travels the world representing Burlington, Ontario, and Canada. The band has performed for Heads of State and Royalty as well as been in television and movies. They have also performed at prestigious events such as the: Rose Bowl Parade, D-Day Anniversary, Orange Bowl Parade, 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbour, and many more. Burlington Teen Tour Band is open to youth aged 13 to 21 who want to represent Canada as musical ambassadors.

Burlington is a City where people, nature and business thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.

Quote

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward

“On behalf of our community, we welcome the new Burlington Teen Tour Band director and know our cherished band will continue to have many opportunities to share their musical talents here at home and with the world. Our award-winning band has been the pride of Burlington since 1947, and our global ambassadors. They are recognized around the world for their talent and inspiration and are continuously invited to participate in prestigious parades and events, including the upcoming 80^th D-Day Anniversary Tour. They’ve trained generations of young people in Burlington and instilled the value of perseverance, teamwork and commitment.  For many, the experiences and friendships forged in the band last a lifetime. The Burlington Teen Tour Band make me and all of us at the city and in the community proud! Burlington cherishes and supports our band members and the positive impacts they have on our Burlington community. We wish continued success to all.”

Links and Resources

burlington.ca/teentourband

teentourband.org

-30-