Derek Bond (BA ’87): A Life in Music and Service

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When Derek Bond arrived at Laurier in 1982, he was already immersed in the world of saxophone through his private studies with Douglas Pullen, Laurier’s saxophone instructor at the time. Under Pullen’s guidance, Bond refined his performance skills and discovered the joy of teaching. Private lessons soon expanded into saxophone quartets, summer camps and workshops, and he developed a passion for helping others grow.

“I recall vividly that’s when and where my interests shifted from only performance to including teaching music as a serious career choice,” he said.

At Laurier, Bond broadened his musical focus to include both classical and jazz while also performing with the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and saxophone quartets. One of his most memorable projects came in his final year when he designed a course in music notation. What started as a small initiative became A Practical Guide for Notating Music, a text later adopted in Laurier’s first-year theory curriculum. Bond credits then-dean Anne C. Hall for believing in him and helping to shape the project.

After completing a Bachelor of Arts in music, Bond earned a Bachelor of Education at Western University. That began a 26-year teaching career in Brantford with the Brant County Board of Education / Grand Erie District School Board, where he taught music alongside other subjects. He also taught jazz improvisation, harmony, arranging and ensembles at Mohawk College’s Brantford campus, and worked as an adjudicator for MusicFest Canada.

In 2010, Bond faced a major setback when a gardening accident caused permanent nerve damage that ended his performing career on the saxophone. Rather than stepping away from music, he found new ways to contribute. He founded Derek Bond Entertainment, a talent and artist management agency, and directed Speakeasy, a 12-piece jazz and classic rock dance band. His focus shifted from playing to organizing, mentoring and promoting other musicians.

Bond has also been deeply involved in community service. His volunteer work has ranged from local arts organizations to broader causes such as the City of Brantford’s Nelson Mandela Day Task Force. That work eventually connected him to Laurier’s Tshepo Institute for the Study of Contemporary Africa, directed by current Faculty of Music professor Karen Cyrus, where he now serves as a community fellow and advisor.

Reflecting on his path, Bond said Laurier shaped much of who he is today. His undergraduate years gave him the skills, confidence and values that continue to guide him. Though the Faculty of Music looks very different today than in the 1980s, he remains closely connected, promoting its programs and celebrating its growth.

“Without a doubt, Laurier was, is and always will be in my blood,” he said.

His advice to current Laurier students is simple but powerful: seek mentors, volunteer, embrace change and strive for excellence.

“Dream big, persevere, and settle for nothing less than excellence at all times.”