Jim Forde was born in Vancouver, BC and raised in the Lower Mainland. He began his musical career in the Surrey Schools Concert Band under the direction of Don Murray. In 1964, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy and during a 30 year career in the Canadian Forces Band Branch, Jim was a tuba player, drum major, public relations officer, instrumental instructor and training officer at the Canadian Forces School of Music. Between 1988 and 1993 he was Director of Music and Commanding Officer of the Stadacona Band in Halifax, NS.

 

From 1998 to 2006 Jim acted as Managing Director of the Canadian Band Association’s National Youth Band of Canada. He is a Past-President of both the Canadian and Nova Scotia Band Associations and a member of Scotia Brass, and is the longstanding Principal Conductor of the Sackville Community Band.

 

For many years Jim held the position of Production Coordinator for The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, later rising to become Producer of the show until his retirement following the incredibly successful Canada 150 Production in 2017.

 

​In 2000, Jim was awarded the Nova Scotia Music Educator’s Musica Viva Award, in 2005, a Life Membership in the Nova Scotia Band Association and in 2007, the Canadian Band Association’s National Band Award. He continues to enjoy a busy career as an international adjudicator and remains actively involved with the RNSIT in the new role of Music Consultant.