Bandmaster is a local officer rank in The Salvation Army. A Salvation Army bandmaster is responsible for the ministry of a Salvation Army band and tends to the musical and spiritual development of the bandsmen and women. The Bandmaster is assisted by a Deputy Bandmaster, a Band Secretary, Band Sergeant, Band Treasurer and Quartermaster. These roles are also local officer ranks. All of these roles will normally be undertaken by volunteer Salvationists who give their time and services free of charge. William Beacraft was the very first Salvation Army bandmaster at the Flint Citadel Corps.

Bandmaster Matthew Rowland serves as the Bandmaster for the Flint Citadel Corps.

Bandmaster Rowland grew up at Flint Citadel and has been a member of the Flint Citadel Band since 1996. A gifted euphonium player, Bandmaster Rowland is also an award-winning member within The Salvation Army community. In 2004 Matthew became a recipient of the coveted Ben Merritt Award - an award presented to the music student who not only demonstrates a high degree of musical proficiency, but also demonstrates all aspects of what a Christian should be. This award is handed out annually at The Salvation Army's Central Music Institute—a music camp where students from 11 Midwestern states come together for ten days of intense musical and spiritual learning.

Prior to becoming Bandmaster in the fall of 2011, Matthew has also been a featured euphonium soloist with the Band, performing in venues both big and small.

All in the Family
When it comes to family matters, Bandmaster Rowland is definitely not alone in the Flint Citadel Band. Matthew has followed in the footsteps of former bandmaster and well-known composer William Himes, his uncle. His wife, and even his parents are members of the Band, along with a cousin, sister and brother in-law (Deputy Bandmaster Andrew Bell), one aunt and two uncles - (former Flint Citadel Bandmaster Ted Tolcher), and the Band's "Webmaestro" Steven Himes. So as you can see, for Bandmaster Rowland, being Bandmaster of the Flint Citadel Band is truly a family affair!

Elsewhere...
Matthew is a graduate of the University of Michigan, and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. When he isn't a Bandmaster, Matthew is Director of Service Extension for The Salvation Army in the Army's Eastern Michigan Division.