The Jetty Ratz: Bringing FMF together with the help of music

The band performs at the FMFCB National Public Service Week Pizza Party in June.

Gabrielle Brunette
Communications Coordinator Student, FMFCS

Have you ever heard of the expression ‘music feeds the soul’? Well, these Jetty Ratz have, and they put it into practice with every gig they perform!

The Jetty Ratz is an open group of musically inclined people from Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton (FMFCB) who share the common goal of bringing people together with the power of music. Their philosophy is simple: making others happy with music makes them happy.

“Live music – whether it’s listening, playing, or dancing – is so good for our souls, something that COVID reminded us not to take for granted,” said David Norton, the band’s Public Relations Manager.

The band was first formed a few years ago by two FMFCB members who sought to boost morale and increase health and wellness across FMF with music. Norton says that, as a naval repair facility, FMF requires a lot of technical work, so the Jetty Ratz allows for a creative break from the everyday hustle and bustle.

The band also performs at the FMFCB National Public Service Week Pizza Party in June.

Taryn Musgrave, a co-founder of the group, recalls the name Jetty Ratz was decided upon after being put to the vote. She felt the name truly captured the location and electric nature of the band. David Norton also believes the name fitting for a dockyard-based group. 

“We like to think we are simply channelling positive vibrations via music,” David Norton said. “Music, especially live music, is therapeutic and heart-felt.”

The Jetty Ratz have fluid membership, with members joining whenever possible, allowing for better inclusivity. This is reflected in the band’s line-up, which is always open to new members. The Jetty Ratz proudly represents FMFCB across every department, rank, and trade. They always encourage and welcome everyone to join in on the artistic collaboration and fun, even if only for one or two songs.

The band performs at various MARPAC and FMFCB annual events, such as BBQs, holiday parties, and the Chili Cookoff Charitable Campaign. The band also performed at the FMFCB  National Public Service Week Pizza Party in June.

Thank you, Jetty Ratz, for bringing music and joy into our busy work lives!