Commanding Officer / Director of Music

Captain Patrice Arsenault became the Commanding Officer/Director of Music of The Royal Canadian Artillery Band in Edmonton on 14 May 2012.

Captain Arsenault joined the Regular Force in 1998 as a clarinettist, and was posted to the Stadacona Band Royal Canadian Navy in Halifax as a Petty Officer 2nd Class. In 2002 he was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer and posted to The Central Band of the Canadian Forces in Ottawa, where he remained until 2007. At that time, he was posted to the Directorate of History and Heritage (DHH) in Ottawa. In 2008, while at DHH, he received his officers’ commission. It was also while serving at DHH that Captain Arsenault served as the Director of Music for La Garde en Rouge in Quebec City in 2009. In 2010, he became the Director of Music for The Band of the Ceremonial Guard. Prior to joining the Regular Force, Captain Arsenault served in the Reserve Force with 438 Tactical Helicopter Squadron Band in St-Hubert, QC.

Early musical studies included a Prix in clarinet performance and in chamber music from the Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Trois-Rivières, in 1988. In 1995, Captain Arsenault graduated from McGill University with a Master of Music degree in clarinet performance. Additional education included, as a part of his music officer training, a full year of conducting studies with Dr. Gillian MacKay at the University of Toronto.

Captain Arsenault enjoys spending his leisure time with his wife, Josée Di Genova, whom he would like to thank for her support throughout his career.

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