Stittsville Concert Band Conductors

Frank Martens

Since graduating, Frank Martens has enjoyed many diverse musical opportunities as conductor, clarinet soloist and teacher.  Since 1984, Frank has been blessed with steady employment with the Canadian Forces, first with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Band in Calgary (84-94), Air Command Band in Winnipeg (94-98), The Royal Canadian Artillery Band in Edmonton (98-08), and most recently The Central Band of the Canadian Forces in Ottawa (08 – Present).  Over the years, musical travel has been extensive, including Australia, England, France, Germany, South Korea, Bosnia, Sweden, which has created a strong connection to world music and culture.  Interest in conducting has been nurtured through many wonderful teachers, to name a few; Frank Battisti, Craig Kirchoff, Wendy Grasdahl, Major Brian Greenwood.

Frank's keen desire to communicate musical ideas has been has been fostered with many wonderful events at the Military and Community Band levels.  A strong connection with Festival City Winds and the Norwood Community Band in Edmonton created many performances at Fort Edmonton Park, Alberta Legislature, Concordia University College of Alberta and the University of Alberta.  Frank is looking forward to many great seasons conducting the Stittsville Community Band while enjoying the Ottawa Valley Area with his wife Mary and their two dogs, Rigel and Honey.

Karen Wiggins

Karen has been with the Stittsville Concert Band from our beginning.  At first, in partnership with Matt Dawber - they shared the volunteer Conductor duties.  As Frank Martens comes on board in a more full-time position, Karen is looking forward to going back to her primary instrument, the French Horn.  Many thanks go to Karen for continuing through the nasty winter of 08 and the bus strike.

Karen has a music degree and is currently a teacher at Goulbourn Middle School, outside of Stittsville.  Karen was also a founding member of the original Goulbourn Community Band, which dis-"banded" and has now been resurrected as our very own Stittsville Concert Band.