Embedded Files
Mary Blais
Mary Blais
For more than twenty years, Mary Blais has contributed to the community music scene in Ottawa as a performer, educator and conductor. A long time resident, she is a graduate of the University of Ottawa with degrees in Music and Education, focusing on piano and trumpet performance, as well as conducting. In recent years she has continued her studies by attending the Ontario Music Educators Association conference and the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL. Her conducting credits include collaborations with Ottawa River Youth Band, Gloucester Community Concert Band, Nepean Concert Band, as well as the Grande Orchestra di Fiati Città di Grottole and the Concerto Bandistico Città Di Montalbano Jonico in Matera, Italy.
In 2012, Mary co-founded the Concert Band of Kanata (CBoK), an adult community ensemble where she serves as Artistic Director and Principal Conductor. Now with a complement of over 60 members, CBoK strives to present high quality music while maintaining a fun yet focused environment. The ensemble plays an active role in Ottawa’s musical landscape with an average of 10 performances annually in the community, including appearances at seniors’ facilities and collaborations with various youth programs.
Mary has taught in the Ottawa Catholic School Board since 2003, is the Head of Music at Holy Trinity High School, and has run courses in Instrumental and Vocal Music as well as Guitar and a music class specifically designed for students with special needs. Her acclaimed ensembles have garnered awards from both regional and national competitions, including six Gold-standing awards from Musicfest Canada, the largest festival of its kind in Canada. She is also the recipient of the 2025 Director of Education Commendation Award.
Mary lives in Ashton with her husband Dan and their five music-loving cats Kiptin, Vela, Ernestina, Starbuck and Commander Saul Tigh.
Lieutenant-Colonel John Fullerton
Lieutenant-Colonel John Fullerton
Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) John Fullerton is the Supervisor of Music and Music Branch Advisor for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). As the Senior Music Officer, he is responsible for the provision of personnel and technical advice to the CAF in support of over 1500 Musicians, Pipes and Drums and Music Officers. Prior to holding this appointment, LCol Fullerton was the Commanding Officer and Director of Music for the Royal Canadian Air Force Band in Winnipeg from 2010-2016 and the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces in Ottawa from 2016-2020.
With over 30 years serving in the CAF, LCol Fullerton has been privileged to be a part of many international deployments. Highlights include commemorative ceremonies in France and the Netherlands, the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of Seoul and most recently, performances
throughout Latvia. In his past roles as a hornist and Director of Music, he has recorded, produced and performed on many albums published in support of the CAF.
LCol Fullerton is an advocate of the importance of music in the CAF. Music is a unique communications capability that allows for a direct connection between the Canadian Armed Forces, Canadians, and our international allies, strengthening bonds and friendships across the world.
Page updated
Report abuse