Director

Introducing Hal Jessome, Director of Music for the KCCB. Hal has spent the past 22 years as a professional musician with the Canadian Forces and most recently since 2000 as Director of the 14 Wing Brass and Reed Band. After a year long posting with the Central Band of the Canadian Forces Hal is back in the valley and eager to take the podium with the KCCB group.

Hal first studied music with Jack Armitage, who encouraged him to follow music as a career. Enrolling at Dalhousie, Hal took music and minored in theatre. Hal ended up switching majors to educational psychology and subsequently spent three years with the Halifax School Board working with special needs children. In his third year, with the school board auditions opened with the Canadian Forces and Hal successfully won a spot at the Canadian Forces School of Music. His postings have included the Stadacona Band in Halifax, the Naden Band in Victoria BC, the Central Band in Ottawa and as the Bandmaster at 14 Wing Greenwood. Hal has performed all over the world as a member of forces bands and highlights include the China Music Festival, The Royal Tournament in London England, The Breda Tattoo in Holland, the Bermuda Tattoo and Remembrance Ceremonies at Vimy Ridge. He has studied conducting with both Dr Mark Hopkins and Frank Battisti. He also presents clinics and lectures to schools and other groups interested in music and the music profession and has extensive experience with producing shows, tattoos, and tours. Active in his community and his children’s activities Hal is passionate about the performing arts and encourage all to pursue same.

Hal resides in Margaretsville in a century home with his spouse Heather, the music and drama teacher at West Kings High School, and five children ages 14 through 19 months, or should he say aspiring flute, saxophone, piano, guitar, trumpet, percussion and “pots and pans players” all who have a passion for music and the performing arts.

"Most people wouldn't know good music if it came up and bit them on the ass."...Frank Zappa