Wayne Bruce

CJNU Announcer

I come from a very musical family, with many of us playing some musical instrument - from piano, to guitar, to fiddle, banjo, French horn, saxophone and drums.

Since Junior High School days I wanted to work in radio. I used to hang around CJOB and that is where I met Garry Robertson. He allowed me to sit with him while he was on the air.

Also during this time I was a timpanist with my high school band, Elmwood High, plus the Greater Winnipeg School Orchestra, The Winnipeg Concert Band, and as a freelance drummer in many rock and roll and dance bands. I later drummed with the Ron Paley Band. As a drummer in The Blue Bomber Drum Corp, I played on the field at half-time events for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. But, my main instrument is the piano which I have been playing for 55 years.

I play keyboard at private dinner parties, company functions and weddings around town. For ten years I worked with Garry Robertson Music Services, playing socials, weddings and many other dance parties.

My first career was as a medical life underwriter, and at the encouragement of the insurance company's medical doctor, I studied nursing, becoming a Registered Nurse. As an RN, I worked in many areas - spinal cord injuries, trauma, GI surgery, urology/nephrology, plus CVT (cardiac/vascular/thoracic) surgery.

In furthering my education I became an ICU (Intensive Care Unit) Nurse, working mainly with cardiac patients, in coronary care and medical ICU.

Music and I have always been together in its many forms. I listen to and enjoy all forms of music - classical, jazz, big bands, rock and roll from yesterday, and many good songs from the Great American Songbook - just like we play at CJNU.

Down time is spent with my wife and my girls, and we all love to get out camping - being away on the road somewhere - or at home with family and friends.