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Richmond concert band director celebrates 41 years

Have you ever wondered who plays the bugle at Richmond’s Remembrance Day ceremony every year? Robert Mullet, who goes by Bob, is a life-long musician and conductor of Richmond’s Community Concert Band and is the man behind the “Last Post” at the ceno

Have you ever wondered who plays the bugle at Richmond’s Remembrance Day ceremony every year?

Robert Mullet, who goes by Bob, is a life-long musician and conductor of Richmond’s Community Concert Band and is the man behind the “Last Post” at the cenotaph every Nov. 11 in the city.

This year, Mullett said he’s celebrating 41 years as the band’s director at their winter concert this Friday, Nov. 22.

However, Larry White, president of the Richmond concert band, told the Richmond News that it’s Mullett’s 40th year in charge.

Mullett said he became Richmond’s band director in 1978 when previous director Al Sweet asked if he would like to take over.

 “I had to say yes. It just happened that this band played on Monday nights and if it wasn’t, then I probably wouldn’t have been able to do it,” said Mullett, adding that he was already playing music five nights a week in downtown Vancouver at the time.

“To me, the band is like a group of friends where we can gather together and make music. I’m not trying to teach them, so much as I am (trying) to guide them and make them sound better.”

Mullett was born into a musical family, where they would gather on weekends and play music together.

“I had a bugle in my hand since I was six years old and I’ve been playing professionally since I was 16-years-old until now,” he added.

Mullett has played in different bands with different genres of music such as country, rock, jazz, orchestra and more, saying that, “When it comes to music, I like to play as many styles as I can because I enjoy it.”

White, meanwhile, recalls his first interaction with the Richmond director when Mullett “smiled and said thank you” to him for taking on the role as a percussionist for the band.

“Bob is superb. Not only is he a band conductor, he is a professional trumpet player and a professional drummer,” said White.

He added that Bob has “good conducting skills,” which are important to lead the band and correct any mistakes.

“He has a great disposition and has been (conducting) for forty years,” said White.

Mullett and the band, joined by Richmond High’s Vocal Jazz Choir, will be hosting their concert at Peace Mennonite Church at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 22 at 11571 Daniels Rd.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and students, which can be purchased at the door.