We are a civilian volunteer band of amateur and semi-professional musicians based in Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 2023 marks our 130th anniversary! Yes—formed in 1893, the Military Band of the 48th Highlanders has been part of Toronto’s music scene for 130 years.
Since 1965, the band has been a civilian volunteer band. However, today’s band still proudly maintains the traditions of its predecessors, adding a touch of pomp and circumstance to any event, from summer bandstand concerts to highland fairs and everything in between.
The band is currently recruiting in all sections.
Robert Cuesta, MBA, BSc, PGDipM
Director of Music, Military Band of the 48th Highlanders of Canada
Rob Cuesta was born in the UK. Music has been part of his life since an early age. He started to learn piano at the age of 9 but fell in love with brass instruments and military music at 13, starting as a bugler in his school cadet unit band before moving onto cornet and trumpet.
At university in Manchester (UK), he founded a wind band which he directed for 3 years. Returning home after graduation, he was invited to become Assistant Director of Music of a local civilian volunteer military band and, in 1992, Director of Music . Over the years, he has conducted multiple community bands across the UK.
As a performer, Rob has played at Windsor Castle, on the QE2, at the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Tournament in London, and many other prestigious venues across the UK and Europe. After moving to Canada, Rob joined the bands of the Governor General’s Horse Guards and the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada as a civilian volunteer player. In addition, he is a composer and arranger, and a member of the Society of Composers, Authors, and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN).
When not on the podium or behind a music stand, Rob runs a busy ghostwriting and book publishing company, and has written eight bestselling books on marketing for professionals.
In April, 2023, Rob was appointed Director of Music of the 48th Highlanders Band based in Toronto, Ontario.
"Music - that wonderful language - should be a source of communication among men."
PABLO CASALS
The Military Band of the 48th Highlanders Association is a civilian military-style wind band based in Downtown Toronto, Ontario.
