Members of the Naden Band

Originally from Richmond, BC, Lieutenant (Navy) Benjamin Van Slyke, CD, joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as a reservist with the 15th Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery as a musician in 1995. During his time in the reserves, he had many wonderful experiences with the regimental band as well as several taskings with the Ceremonial Guard in Ottawa. Lt(N) Van Slyke also had the opportunity to perform on the trumpet all over North America in varied settings, building a wide array of experience as a musician.

In 2005 Lt(N) Van Slyke transferred to the regular force after successfully auditioning and being offered a position with the Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in Halifax, NS. After three years with the band, he was posted to the Canadian Forces Language School in Shearwater, NS for second language training on a year long course. In 2009 upon completion of second language training Lt(N) Van Slyke was posted to La Musique du Royal 22e Régiment at BFC Valcartier, QC. He was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer in 2012 and posted back to the Stadacona Band.

In 2016, Lt(N) Van Slyke was sent on the Unique Skill Qualification (USQ) for conducting brass and reed ensembles at CFB Borden. After completing the USQ he was posted to the Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) band in Edmonton, AB taking on the newly created role of Standards and Training manager for the unit. Posted to the Naden Band of the RCN in 2018 Lt(N) Van Slyke finally returned to the best coast although that was short lived as he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class and posted to Music Division, Canadian Forces Logistics Training Centre at CFB Borden in 2019. During that posting he enjoyed getting a better understanding of the Music Branch and working on the training that will develop better competencies of Canada’s military musicians.

Lt(N) Van Slyke received his commission in July 2021, was promoted to his current rank, and posted back to the Naden band to complete his music officer training. He took command of the Naden Band in June of 2022 and is very thankful to be on the west coast working with such outstanding musicians.

Lt(N) Van Slyke met his incredibly supportive wife Angela while working aboard a cruise ship in the Caribbean and were married in 1999. They have two wonderful daughters, Abigail and Alena who bring them great joy.