Welcome MWO Simon Paré

Originally from Saint-Georges, Quebec, MWO Simon Paré has been playing guitar since he was seven.  During high school, he participated in the music program, where he played electric guitar and electric bass.  He continued his musical training at Cégep de Sainte-Foy, studying classical double bass and electric bass, and then at Cégep de Saint-Laurent, where he focused on jazz arrangement.  He completed his studies at Université Laval in 2004, earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in jazz performance, with a specialization in electric bass.  In 2012, he also earned a certificate in arrangement and orchestration from Berklee College of Music. Throughout his studies, he gained experience as a freelance musician, arranger, private teacher, and musician on cruise ships.

In 2006, MWO Paré enlisted as a musician in the Regular Force and was later transferred to la Musique du Royal 22e Régiment.  Promoted to Sergeant in 2008, he played bass, double bass, guitar, and percussion in both small and large ensembles of the R22eR. Additionally, he served as Assistant Drum Major for numerous parades and ceremonies.

In 2012, MWO Paré was promoted to Warrant Officer.  He transferred to the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces in Ottawa in 2014.  There, he held several key positions: Library Manager, Operations and Production Manager, and Music Branch Resource Manager.  As Senior Drum Major, he participates in numerous major events across Canada and internationally, representing the CAF on tours to Chile, Kuwait, CFS Alert, and Latvia as part of Op Reassurance.

• 

• 

• 

• 

In 2012, he was honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal for his musical contributions with the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec.  In 2025, he was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his exemplary leadership as drum major during the King’s visit for the Speech from the Throne.

An accomplished arranger and composer, MWO Paré has written numerous arrangements for various ensembles.  In 2017, he received a CDS commendation for his composition The March of the Recipients. This piece is regularly performed at Order of Canada ceremonies at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Ontario.

In 2024, he was promoted to the rank of MWO and appointed as Senior Warrant Officer of the CBCAF.

Outside of his military duties, MWO Paré enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Karine, their seven children, and their two enormous dogs, Frisca and Flora.  He also enjoys DIY projects, cooking, cycling, playing video games, and building modular models (Lego!).