Brett began his role as the Music & Creative Arts Ministries leader and the Music Director for the Chicago Staff Band (CSB) in 2022. His influence extends beyond this role, as he also oversees all musical artistic aspects for The Salvation Army Central Territory, covering the Midwest states. Notably, he plays a vital role in overseeing Central Music Institute, a camp where over 150 young, emerging leaders gather for musical, spiritual and personal growth.

The musical legacy runs in Brett’s family, as his father, Ted Tolcher, played solo cornet in the CSB. Brett's musical journey began under the guidance of his uncle, William Himes, O.F., who was the former CSB Music Director. This early exposure laid the foundation for his passion and talent in music. Throughout high school, Brett continued to hone his skills through music training at The Salvation Army.

His pursuit of musical excellence led him to DePaul University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance. During his time at DePaul, Brett studied with renowned trombonists Charles Vernon of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Mark Fisher of the Lyric Opera of Chicago. This exposure to exceptional mentors shaped his musical proficiency.

Brett's diverse musical experiences reflect his versatility and dedication to his ministry. He has played and led various musical groups across genres, including brass bands, symphony orchestras, wind ensembles, rock bands, jazz, gospel, opera, musical theater, brass quintets, and trombone ensembles. His repertoire includes performances under the batons of notable conductors such as Ricardo Muti, Keith Lockhart, and Cliff Colnot. Brett has also been able to minister through music outside of the United States, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Canada, and Panama.

Not content to focus solely on music, Brett expanded his academic horizons by earning a Master's in Business Administration with distinction from DePaul University's Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. This dual expertise in music and business shows his commitment to a well-rounded education.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Brett is actively involved in his community and church. He attends The Salvation Army Norridge Citadel Corps, where he participates in various musical groups. Known for his passion for people, Brett enjoys meeting individuals of all ages, investing in their development, and nurturing future leaders.

Brett resides in the Chicago suburbs with his wife, Kelly, their son Benjamin, and their dog, Tony. His life is a blend of family, music, and a commitment to spiritual, professional, and personal growth.

Tom Hanton assumed the role of Assistant Territorial Music & Creative Arts Ministries Secretary for the US Central Territory in July of 2019. Previously, Tom served as the Divisional Music Director for The Salvation Army in Florida Division (5 years), Eastern Michigan Division (6 years), Western Michigan/Northern Indiana Division(5 ½Years), and a school teacher in Flushing, Mi (4 years). This included inaugural leadership of the Eastern Michigan Divisional Band, leadership of the Florida Divisional Band and Great Lakes Ministries team. Tom has traveled to the Netherlands, South America, Canada, the Caribbean, and throughout the US as a guest artist and conductor.  ​Growing up just outside of Detroit, Mi., Tom began his musical learning as a young Salvationist at the Dearborn Heights Salvation Army where he participated in the music groups until finishing high school.  After graduating, he moved to Chicago to attend University and became a member of the Chicago Staff Band under the baton of William Himes and gained experience as a player, an educator, and conductor.    ​Tom has been both a Trombone and Euphonium soloist with various bands throughout his career and he has been a guest instructor and soloist at a myriad of summer camps and conferences.   Tom and wife Heather have two children –Troy and Taryn

We are excited that Reggie joined our team in June 2023! Bio information coming soon.

Joe Caddy joined the Territorial Music & Creative Arts Ministries Department in 2010 after serving four years as the Assistant Divisional Music Director in the Metropolitan Division. Before he came to work for The Salvation Army, Joe served as a public school choral director in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, where he also directed extra-curricular musical productions.

A founding member of The Salvation Army’s Bill Booth Theater Company, Joe has also acted as the troupe’s artistic director since 2002. Through the ministry of the BBTC, he has had the opportunity to perform for many varied audiences throughout the Salvation Army world, including performances in London and South America. In addition to his weekly instructional responsibilities at the College for Officer Training, Joe is an active guest clinician in vocal music and the dramatic arts. His full-length musical, A LONG WAY OFF, which he co-wrote with songwriter Phil Laeger, received its premiere performance at the Milwaukee Theater in June 2018 and a regional premiere by the Merit Theatre Company in Cincinnati, Ohio, in August 2019. The original cast recording is available online at many streaming music services including Spotify.

Off the stage, Joe is an avid reader and die-hard St. Louis sports fan. Along with their two daughters, Joe and his wife, Kristin, are soldiers of The Salvation Army Oakbrook Terrace Corps in suburban Chicago.

Beth Malovance joined the Territorial Music & Creative Arts Ministries Department in 2017. Before she came to work for The Salvation Army, Beth served as an elementary general music teacher. In addition to helping develop and teach the elementary music curriculum, Beth led the choir and world drumming ensembles, taught guitar, ukulele, Orff and auxiliary percussion instruments and directed full musical performances on a yearly basis.

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Beth is a Smith-Watkins artist and currently serves as principal cornet for the Chicago Staff Band and the award-winning Chicago Brass Band. She also plays at her Corps in the Norridge Citadel Brass Band and also with the Athena Brass Band. Beth has served as a Guest Artist for the International Women's Brass Conference, been a special guest at music camps and is a featured soloist here in the United States and abroad. Recently she has played with the esteemed Brass Band of Battle Creek.

Marty Thomas joined the Territorial Music & Creative Arts Ministries Department in 1999 after serving eleven years as the Divisional Music Director in the Metropolitan and Western Pennsylvania Divisions. His responsibilities are mainly music typesetting for the Hallelujah Choruses series and the American Festival Series and the creation of drama resources for the Central Territory. He is a member of the Chicago Staff Band and the faculty of the Central Music Institute. He is passionate about music camps and youth music within The Salvation Army and has been involved in the teaching of Steel Drums (Pans).

He is currently the Songster Leader at Norridge Citadel, where he also served as Youth Band leader for over 10 years. He has been very active in the Drama ministries at his corps, writing scripts for various worship series and contributing to the yearly outreach, Come to Bethlehem.

Marty is married to Monica, and they have two adult sons: Zachary, a graphic designer in Denver, Colorado, and Jared, a Registered Behavior Technician in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Matthew Woods, a talented vocalist originally hailing from Portsmouth, UK, has traversed a journey through music, faith, and community.

Matt's musical journey commenced during his formative years growing up and attending The Salvation Army church in Portsmouth. It was within the vibrant notes of hymns and spiritual melodies that he first discovered his deep-seated love for music, and the spiritual significance that it gave to his life. This early connection to music ignited a spark that would go on to shape his life.

In the United Kingdom, Matt dedicated himself to honing his musical skills, pursuing his passion for both voice and trumpet. The years spent striving for excellence laid the foundation for his future endeavors.

A significant chapter in Matt's musical journey unfolded when he started working within The Salvation Army's music ministry. This took him across the Atlantic, to Los Angeles, then to Seattle, back to Los Angeles, and now to Chicago. Throughout this time, Matt has shared his musical talents, uplifting spirits, and touching hearts with through his musical ministry.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic presented an unexpected twist in Matt's story. To escape the isolation and uncertainty of those trying times, he turned to recording songs and sharing them on social media. To his surprise, his music resonated with a broad audience, and Matt quickly gained a devoted following.

With newfound momentum, Matt collaborated with his friend Jill, convincing her to join him in creating music videos. Their creative synergy was undeniable, resulting in nearly 50 videos that captivated viewers worldwide. In 2021, they achieved a significant milestone by releasing a Christmas album titled "Gift-wrapped Love." Their journey continued in 2023 with the release of another digital album, "Reasons," further cementing their status as a dynamic musical duo.

Today, Matt holds the position of Director of Vocal Music for the Salvation Army Central Territory and conducts the Central Territorial Staff Songsters, seeking to enrich the lives of those who experience the power of vocal music through his guidance and direction.

Throughout this incredible journey, Matt has had the love and support of his wife, Nicola, and their two children, Charlotte (15) and Toby (13).

As Matt continues to share his love for music and Jesus with those he meets.

Before joining the department as the Administrative Assistant in the spring of 2023, Alicia Andes spent over ten years with The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago as the Administrative/Auditions Coordinator and as the Personal Financial Coordinator for the famous conductor, Sir Andrew Davis. Having studied music at Wheaton College, Alicia is also active as a professional cellist and teacher. Originally from Kailua, Hawai’i, on the island of O’ahu, Alicia and her husband, Patrick, now live in the suburbs of Chicago with their twin daughters.