Gordon Ward
Music Director and Conductor

Gordon was born in Hull, Yorkshire, England and started learning the cornet at age 6 with his father. After attending the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester he was employed as a brass teacher and conductor of the Hull Youth Concert Band. He also attended the University of Hull and gained a post graduate certificate in education.

He was offered the position as Director of Music for the Salvation Army for New York in 1980 and emigrated to the USA on New Year’s Eve of that year. He became the conductor of the Greater New York Youth Band and oversaw the music programs in 30 centers as well as extensive summer camps and conservatories at the famous Star Lake Camp. Under his musical direction the GNY Youth Band undertook tours throughout the USA, Canada, Australia, Argentina, Italy, Spain, Holland and the UK.

Gordon was appointed as a member of the New York Staff Band and became principal cornet for over 25 years. During that time he gained a masters degree in trumpet performance and featured on numerous recordings and tours throughout the world. He was also privileged to have solos written for him by Brian Bowen, William Broughton, Stephen Bulla, David Catherwood, Terry Camsey and Peter Graham. He has had the opportunity to play with the New York Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic Brass and the Canadian Brass and has been a guest conductor at summer music schools/camps through the USA, the UK, Argentina, Chile, Italy and Spain.

In 2019 after leaving New York he moved to Michigan residing in Northville he was asked to become President of the Five Lakes Silver band and became a playing member of that band. He also joined the Royal Oak Salvation Army Band and Great Lakes Divisional band as principal cornet.

Gordon assumed the interim conductor position with the Motor City Brass Band in January 2022 and became the permanent Musical Director and conductor in June 2022. The band under his leadership has won the North American Brass Associations 2nd section and the challenge section of the US Open brass band championships.