John van Gulik started music at an early age, playing baritone, euphonium and trombone in Salvation Army bands. He was principal trombonist in the Ottawa Citadel Band during their 1992 tour of the Netherlands. John moved to percussion in 1996 and continued until 2018. He currently plays trombone in the Legacy Brass Band.
John began composing/arranging music in 2008 and has written many pieces for brass band, instrumental groups, instrumental soloists, choirs, and concert band. His music is widely received and performed.
In 2017 John traveled as a guest conductor to Romania to conduct one of his compositions. He occasionally conducts a brass band in Ottawa.