 |
|||||
 |
|||||
| Home |
|||||
 |
|||||
| Teaching Staff Music Parents Past Trips History Past Band Presidents Alumni Links Contact |
|||||
 |
|||||
|
|||||
ALUMNI
Greetings to all Barrie Central Musicians!
With one of the oldest music programs in Ontario, and the first to offer music as a
curricular subject, there are literally thousands and thousands of us!
Click here to become a member of our alumni registry.
Name/ Years in the program/ Email address(optional)/ Comments(optional)
2000's
| *Leach, Erin Bass/Soprano Clarinets Tenor Sax |
2005-2009 | evleach.90ATgmail.com | I had an amazing 5 years at Central. I've had far too many memories involving music that I can't pick a favourite, but I can definitely say that lunchtime just isn't the same outside the music room. I think my best experience in the music program was being in the pit band for Central's production of Fiddler on the Roof in 2008. I made great friends, and had many, many wonderful experiences. I will always insist that BCC has the best music program. It's the people you meet and the experiences you make that make it worth while and make the best memories. |
|---|
| *Ouellette, Ben Tuba, Trombone |
2003-2007 | ouelbAThotmail.com | My pursuit of post-secondary music education has been much easier to accomplish due to my time at Barrie Central. I remember the crazy and stressful key signature tests and the awesome music history ranging from Gregorian Chant to 20th Century minimalism. I don't think I'd be satisfied with the music education I could get from any other high school. The days of traveling the world with an instrument as big as me having to run through airports and bus stops, or trying to prepare a speech as band president are memories I'll keep. As I continue to meet many musicians and attend many musical events, I still brag that the BCC band was the best. |
|---|
| *Flemington, Sara Tuba |
2003-2007 | oscillatewildlyAThotmail.com | Hey, remember the piece Kronos? It popped into my mind the other day! I had major bicepts back in the day...carrying an instrument as big as myself all around musicfest. Oh, how I miss band with all my heart. |
|---|
| *Briggs Alison Trumpet, Voice |
alisonbriggs3ATgmail.com |
|---|
| *Danard, Caitlyn French Horn |
2001-2005 | katiethedancingqueen AThotmail.com |
Remember those frosty December days, when we were in the Santa Claus parades and we all wished we played trombone, because they got to wear gloves. |
|---|
| *Collart, James Trumpet, Guitar |
1999-2002 | I had 4 great years and an amazing trip to Italy where I got to perform in some unbelievable concert halls. I met some great people and made some amazing friends out of the experience and hope that everyone had similar experiences. |
|---|
| *Parkin, Lee Clarinet |
1999-2003 | quasi_moltoAThotmail.com | Being a music student at Barrie Central made me realize just how easy it is to fall in love with music and the passionate people who share that music with you. It didn't take me long to decide that I wanted to pursue this field as a career and thank you to the staff and friends who contributed to my amazing 4 years here!! I will honestly never forget you all, nor the trips to Italy and New Orleans that we ventured on!! |
|---|
| *Bright, April Tuba |
1999-2003 | snow_tubaAThotmail.com | This band gave me many great memories! Senior band was a great challenge at first and helped mold me into the musician I am now. Italy and New Orleans were amazing trips and I reflect on them often. When I joined the band in grade nine I was told the band was like a family, and they were right. |
|---|
| *Gelinas, Ashley Trumpet |
1998-2004 | gelinasashleyAThotmail.com | Being involved in the Junior, Senior and Jazz bands at Central was a time in my life that I will never forget. It is true; it was very much a family. New Orleans was an amazing trip and I always think back and remember playing in the French Quarter. I still remember us "staying through" on band nights. I would like to say hi to everyone. I hope you are all doing well and hope to see you again one day. |
|---|
| *Walton, Ashley Trumpet |
1998-2003 | awalton100AThotmail.com | Band was one of the most fun things in which I've ever participated. I met some great people and had some great experiences. I want to say hello to all who were around when I was, and maybe one day I'll see you!! |
|---|
| *Adams, Emily Clarinet |
1998-2003 | Ten years and two universities later, I still play. I have to say, the whole "kingfisher, alligator, bobolink" system works as well with my student as it did for me when I was learning it for the first time at 14. |
|---|
| *Austin, Jason French Horn |
1998-2002 | jay.austinATrogers.com | Thanks for 5 great years, countless concerts, numerous chamber groups and two unbelievable trips to California and Italy. |
|---|
| *Gould, Josh Trumpet |
1998-2002 | joshgouldATlive.ca | I'll always remember the community that the band had and I'm truly grateful to have been part of it. Friendships made and lessons learned over the years...growing together as a group even through disputes and hardships helped shape who I am today and even though I'm not in band now (wish I still was) I'm still active in the music scene and I love every second of it! Thanks for an excellent 5 years! |
|---|
| *Gullen, Matt Alto Saxophone |
1997-2002 | matt.gullenATgmail.com | Had a great 5 years in the program including the trips to California and Italy. Met lots of wonderful people and played some of the best concerts in the best halls. |
|---|
1990's
| *Wilson, Nicole Trombone, Flute |
1997-2001 | uwmathgalATgmail.com | Barrie Central Band is an amazing thing to have been a part of. I still believe that being a part of such a great group has had a huge impact on my life. Amazing teachers, trips, music, and friends. Wish I could go back...sigh... |
|---|
| *Fladd, Nadine Euphonium |
1997-2001 | nfladdAThotmail.com | I'll never forget the abbey. |
|---|
| *Walton, Heather Clarinet |
1996-2001 | heatherbird13AT hotmail.com |
Being a part of the BCC music program was the best part of high school for me for so many reasons. Excelling in music and being part of the band gave me the confidence I needed at a tumultuous time in my life. Band is also where I met the wonderful people who continue to be my best friends to this day. Because of my involvement in the BCC band I have so many great memories from high school: travelling to California, seeing the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel with my best friend standing beside me, being part of a breathtaking, magical performance at a thousand-year old Abbey outside of Florence, being part of so many wonderful ensembles, performing as part of the pit band during Peter Pan the musical (to the ship, to the ship) and meeting some amazing people along the way. Molte grazie to LP, GH and NM for being such inspiring mentors, teachers and friends. |
|---|
| *Williams, Wendy Alto Clarinet/ Voice (Alto) |
1996-2001 | shineonstarAThotmail.com | The band was the one thing that got me through high school. This was the place where I learned who I really was, and what it meant to find the most amazing friends. I am still using music in my life and my career; music is the most wonderful calming and healing thing. Thanks to Ms. Perry for pushing me farther than I would ever have pushed myself. I will never forget that feeling in California, holding that trophy, it was worth selling all that cheese for that moment!!! |
|---|
| *Temple, Randi Bass/Contra Bass Clarinet |
1996-2001 | racingrules5ATrogers.com | Being in the band is what I remember most about highschool- the friends we made and the places we went. I will always remember the late night talks in Italy, well just Italy all together was great. Thanks for such a great experience. |
|---|
| *Gray, Laura Beth Oboe/Voice |
laura_bethgrayAThotmail.com |
|---|
| *Doucette, Travis Percussion |
1995-2000 | travisdoucetteAThotmail.com | Unashamed member of the Royal Canadian Kilted Crashmen. Looking forward to a reunion, although Michelle may need to do some adjustments on the waist sizes of our kilts! |
|---|
| *Muller, Regan Drums, Percussion |
1995-2000 | reganmullerAThotmail.com | The music program was the most influential part of my highschool career. Not only was it education, but it was also enjoyable. Fortunately, it has guided me to a career in the music industry. If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life. |
|---|
| *Cryer, Stephanie Trumpet |
1994-2001 | stephanie.cryer AThotmail.com |
After all these years, I am proud to say that I was a Barrie Central Band member. The music program at Central allowed students to be themselves, while coming together as a group to produce incredible music and lasting memories. I traveled through California and Italy with the BCC Band and fondly remember how every day brought new adventures, whether it was something as huge as playing in the abbey or as simple as eating ice cream for breakfast. The friends I have made through this program are always in my heart, as are the many experiences that we shared. Thank you Ms. Perry and Mr. Hilliam. You have taught us that in music and in life, we must all live with "no regrets!" |
|---|
*St. Pierre, Tim |
1993-1997 | timATeccentricartists.com | Music was the most useful course I took in high school. I can't exactly say that I get together with friends to talk about logarithms, or that the periodic table helps me relax after a long day. Not so with music. That is what life is made of. |
|---|
*Teskey, Laura |
1992-1997 | laurateskeyAThotmail.com | Hmm...dinners between practices; selling cheese, trips to Disney, Chicago and Europe; musicals, selling more cheese; hanging out in the hallway that took me 2 years to realize the lockers were painted like piano keys; coming up with the perfect pose for musicfest pictures (Ms. Perry's face when she saw our quintet picture!!); oh, and don't forget the cheese that we sold! High school music produced a lot of great times and wonderful memories. Thanks for that! |
|---|
*Emes, Brad |
1992-1997 | brademesAThotmail.com | The band was quite possibly the defining part of my high school experience...Chicago, Florida, Europe, cheese, controversial quintet photos, the thorns, the thugs, oh the memories.. Yes Laura, those are music keys! My years and experiences with the band and music at Barrie Central will remain an essential moment in my memory. Thanks to LP and GH and the whole class of '97 for making them happen! |
|---|
| *Beale, Laura (Crompton) Percussion |
1992-1997 | rlbealATsympatico.ca | Beats 4 Dinner rules! Being in the band was the best part of high school- and definately the part I remember most. I am so thankful to Ms. Perry and Mr. Hilliam for making the high school years so special and memorable. Trips to Chicago, Florida and Europe, selling cheese and chocolates, hanging out in the band room during lunch with friends and just beating those drums! And of course without the band I would have never met and married my high school sweetheart, Ryan Beale- aka Gilligan!! |
|---|
| *Wray, Cajjmere (Clinton D.) Flute |
1991-1992 | cajjmerewrayATgmail.com | The year at BCC was a very impressionable one for me because it allowed me the chance to reach out to new people, and I made so many amazing friends- some of which I wish I could reconnect with that lost touch over the years. I sadly missed out on the trips the bands took because I wasn't 100% sure of myself in those days that I could deliver the goods, regardless of how Lisa Perry told me I was able. I remember what she wrote in my yearbook, which was "do not wait for rosy invitations in life." (ie. go for it!) I took her advice and now 15 years later I head up my own talkshow on radio 5 nights a week, as well I'm travelling the world as a club DJ and studio producer for the global dance music scene. I recently bumped into Doug Hall at a music shop here in Toronto and it was a BLAST seeing him again. He hasn't changed a bit, still full of energy in life. Thanks so much to LP and DH for an incredible time while I was at BCC; it was an unforgettable year that made a strong impact. I still play flute today. My "idol" back in those days was a senior flutist- Dawn Ellis. The way she could play Flight of the Bumblebee always AMAZED me. The fact I can still read and write music in my current career path shows evidence of the expert tootalage that I studied under. BCC ROCKS! Anyone who remembers me from either my year in music (91-92) or my return years later (95-96) in photography classes all crazy and nutty as I was/am- drop me a note. I'd love to hear from you! Cheers! |
|---|
| *Phillipps, Karen Flute |
1991-1996 | The music program at Central played an important part in my life during highschool. Although I didn't select music as a career, I look back on it as being some of the best training I've received in my lifetime. I still meet band alumni out here in Calgary from different years, and most importantly, I still play. Given the talk about the possible closure of Central and thus the end of the fantastic music and drama programs, it is more important than ever for us alumni to express our support for the program. |
|---|
| *Hook, Andrea Tenor Sax, Flute, Voice (Alto) |
1988-1996 | a_m_hookATyahoo.ca | I played with the Central band starting in Grade 5 when Mr. Hall sent senior students to POW to teach us music. All through high school, my circle of friends centred around Band. From Musicfest and Kiwanis festivals, to concerts, to Chicago and Florida trips, to helping score and choreograph the 150th reunion show, the band was the reason that I loved high school. I have since played in community concert bands from Kingston to Vancouver to Ottawa, but no musical moment has equalled the shivers down my spine as when the Wind Ensemble nailed "Elsa's" at Musicfest. Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Hall, Ms. Perry and Mr. Hilliam for nurturing this love of music which will remain with me for a lifetime. |
|---|
1980's
| *Almeida, Tammy (Jeffels) Flute |
1985-1990 | atalmeidaATsympatico.ca |
|---|
| *Mentiplay, Penny (Shean) Flute |
1986 | penny_mentiplay AToptusnet.com.au |
Greetings from sunny Australia! (G'day) My year as an exchange student in Barrie was great. Playing in the Barrie Central Collegiate Band was among the most fun and memorable experiences of my trip. Lots of laughs, music-making and rolling of the eyes at the noises emanating from the brass section! Thanks for the friendships (never forgotten) and the memories. If you remember me, drop me a line. |
|---|
| *Gebhardt, Elizabeth (Jarman) flute |
1983-1987 | ejarmanATtelus.net | Being a member of the band was one of the best things about high school. |
|---|
| *Eliot, Alicia (Welsman) flute |
1983-1987 | aeliotATinterhop.net | Being in the band was a very important part of my highschool career. I made lifelong friends there and have wonderful memories of all sorts of activities, including wearing those bright "red" junior band vests, and our trip to Europe (remember the bicycle/car accident in Holland, Elizabeth?), not to mention all the fund raising we did for that trip (ugh!) Great times! |
|---|
| *McLaurin, Joanne (Kraft) Tenor and Baritone Saxophone |
1982-1987 | cmjoanneATsympatico.ca |
|---|
| *Reason, Dana trombone, piano |
1982-1983 | danareasonATgmail.com | I remember that band was a lot of fun. I probably should have practiced a lot more but my parents like hearing piano music over hearing the trombone. It turns out I ended up studying with one of the most interesting trombonists/scholars in the world...George E. Lewis who is at Columbia University. Funny how things work! |
|---|
| *Bell, Greg Trumpet |
1983-1988 | gbbellATshaw.ca |
|---|
| *Noble, Janice Alto Saxophone |
1983-1987 | lyricnobleATyahoo.ca | Being a part of the band program with Morley Calvert was a wonderful way to spend my high school years. I took this fun experience and made a career out of teaching music. |
|---|
| *Rahmani, Jitka (Lom) Flute |
1980-1985 | lomjATguamdoc.com | I still have great memories of band practices, concerts, and our very special trip to Europe. Band was the highlight of high school. |
|---|
| *Ryan, Susan Euphonium |
1980-1985 |
|---|
| *Perry, Lisa Clarinet |
1980-1984 | lperryATmail.scdsb.on.ca | Searching for members of Les Cinq Vents... you know who you are... |
|---|
1970's
| *Jobson, Dennis Cornet, Euphonium |
1977-1982 | My years in the Music Program at Central helped me to nurture my life-long love of music. Whenever I listen to CBC Radio and hear one of the pieces that Morley Calvert wrote, or one of the pieces that we performed, I think to myself: Wow! We played that! Taking part in the Music Program is one of the best and most enjoyable creative opportunities available to youth attending Central. And it is one that I hope will always be there for them. |
|---|
| *Fraser, Karen String Bass |
1976-1980 | fraser.karenATgmail.com | I know it was highschool and a while ago now, but I and others still speak of Morley Calvert and reminisce the years we spent with him and each other in the Barrie Central Band family. We had such a feeling of accomplishment under his direction and the feeling of belonging to something really special. The music room was a great hangout- all grades of students came in and out wheenver there was a chance in the day, practising, playing, all friends with a common goal! It is rare to get that as a teenager and we would work so hard to be the best for him. He truly was special and I wish I had realized it at the time, but I have great memories of everyone and the whole experience! |
|---|
| *Hickling, Jan French Horn |
1976-1979 | forwardperspectiveAT live.ca |
Great to see the names of my past band mates...those were the best days. Glad to see the tradition continues. |
|---|
| *Melanson, Susan (Conroy) Clarinet |
1974-1978 | susan_melansonAT hotmail.com |
I was in the band from 1974-1978 and made many good friends. We had many talented musicians (Hamish Wilson, David Booth and others) I remember Joan Booth, Wendy McEvoy, Melinda Simpson, Susan Norman, Karen, Tianna Parkernance, Lori Robinson...too many to list. Music is such a wonderful outlet and we were so fortunate to record an album with Morley Calvert who was wonderful as a conductor. Our two European trips are memories in my heart forever. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me; it would be interesting to see where our lives have taken us. |
|---|
| *Boyd, David String Bass |
1974-1977 | d.boydATcogeco.ca |
|---|
| *Addy, Jan French Horn |
1973-1978 | theboysATbell.net |
|---|
| *Dieter TBF, John Trombone |
1973-1978 | John.DieterATgmail.com | 5 great years of music programme under Morley, culminating in a Gold Medal Trip to Kerkrade, Holland. Being able to stay behind with 3 other band members to tour Europe was a seminal experience. Frequent engagements with the Dance Band (thanks Glenn Woodger) demonstrated that music was fun too. All those awards at the annual Kiwanis festival at Lawrence Park Collegiate, and the competitions at the CNE Band Shell have definitely made the band experience one to remember! |
|---|
| *Copas TBF, Jason Trumpet |
1973-1978 | jcopasATtelus.net | Music is pretty essential to us all- the teen years in particular. Along with finding one's expression in and through music, if you throw in band trips to Europe (one to my place of birth in Wales) and another Holland/the continent (followed by a very budget European vacation with John Dieter TBF, Dave Hamilton and John Buckland), dance band gigs (we were actually pretty damn good I think), and assorted high school crushes (let's just say I am still partial to long-haired Dutch sisters) and what can I say? The memories are good and the Band was always at the very core of my high school experience. |
|---|
| *Miller, Krista (Palmateer) Flute/Piccolo |
1972-1976 | Krista.MillerATdsbn.edu. on.ca | So many wonderful memories of BCC...but mostly an ever-increasing appreciation for the opportunities made available to us through our involvement in Central's exceptional music program. Regrettably, I believe we may have taken (just a little bit?) for granted- an experience that I later realized is so incredibly rare. What made it so successful? The passionate commitment of Morley Calvert, the unfailing dedication of our Band Parent organization and the genuine fellowship we all felt being part of a synergistic whole...wonderful memories indeed. |
|---|
| *Boyd, David J. Trombone |
1970-1975 | dboydATscdsb.on.ca |
|---|
*Booth, George |
1968-1972 | gjbooth4ATsympatico.ca | Wow, every so often my mind jolts back to what really were good old days. Like recently when my 20 year old son read through the scrapbook I have on the Euro '70 and Kingston '72 trip, as well as miscellaneous musings from "WAF". Playing in old Massey Hall...cruising down the Rhine, boating in Venice, and of course- Kerkrade. Wow. It got me thinking again how fortunate we were for the whole band experience and family that we became, and bus trips- wishing that your seat mate was a certain someone else (but never came to be). I love you guys! Yeah, I'm still playing and although I don't live in Barrie anymore, it's amazing who I still bump into! Oh, and every time I play Russian Christmas Music (wish I had it on CD) it still brings tears. |
|---|
*Parker, Jim |
1969-1974 | singlemalt4ATshaw.ca | Best memories and friends from my pre-university years...I was a crummy musician, but gained a wonderful appreciation and love of a broad spectrum of music. Thanks WAF! |
|---|
1960's
*Ribalkin, John |
1966-1971 | johnATWeMortgage Canada.ca |
Great memories and lifetime friends! We were lucky to be in the band and especially have WAF as our conductor!! Ever out in Vancouver look me up. |
|---|
*Chaban, |
1967-1971 | dchabanATatb.com | I remember the trip to Quebec and Maritimes and took part in the LP that has "Kerkrade" music and Russian Christmas Music. Remember singing the Huron Christmas Carol? Some of us should have stuck to instrumental music! I've been living in Alberta for most of the time since I left Barrie, but often think about some of the great memories of high school. WAF for music and (sigh) history, too. It was awesome (and sometimes weird) thinking he not only taught siblings, but parents too! |
|---|
*Bryant, |
1966-1970 | kenbryATgmail.com | The thrill of the lifetime then and still now is Kerkrade, Holland and the 1st place win. The lessons learned with that group will forever be with me. I have a winter home in Arizona as well as a main residence in Connecticut. Susan Hall and Jaimie Temple- if you are out there send me an email. |
|---|
*Keast, Linda |
1966-1971 | linda.baldwick ATsympatico.ca |
Highlights- '67 Expo, and Chicago; '70 Europe, Charlottetown PEI; Russian Christmas Music (1st place with distinction in Kerkrade; Scenes from the Louvre, and Newfoundland Rhapsody; World Music Festival Kerkrade; Remembrance Day service in Bergen Op Zoom, Holland which was taped by CBC... (to name a few) The friendships I have made through music have continued to influence my life. WAF taught me lessons about so many things- personal discipline, enjoyment of music and life in all its facets. I am so thankful I studied instrumental music. To this day I still play in the Barrie Concert Band and the Base Borden Brass and Reeds. Many of the people I spend a lot of time with were in the Barrie Collegiate Band- in different years. Our ages may be different, but we all have one thing in common- music, and memories of being in "the Band Class". |
|---|
*Hunter, Donna |
1966-1971 | m.r.hunterATsympatico.ca |
|---|
*Benner, Colin |
1965-1969 | cjbennerATgmail.com | I have often thought back on what an amazing experience being in the band was for me. WAF was one amazing man. I still remember some of his quotes- and glares. |
|---|
*Crease, Doug |
1965-1969 | elmiradougATgmail.com | I still have the vinyl record of the band trip to Chicago and Expo. My favourite memory is listening to Philip Cook's "advance" copy of Sgt. Pepper. Watching "the Daryl Show" with John Borsiuk and Rex Hollett. I still play (concert bands, dance bands, jazz group) and I thank God and WAF (they are two different beings, aren't they?) for my training and experiences. |
|---|
*Waterer, Gayle |
1965-1970 | g.watererATsympatico.ca | No matter what I have or have not accomplished in my life, the years with the band were the best. It gave a love of travelling. The concerts- even though I just about fainted if I had a solo, and thought I would melt into a quaking puddle in front of the RCM adjudicator during my gr.8 flute exam- I survived. I agree with Gaye and Beastie (whoops, Linda!) about Europe. I still play for myself and started harp lessons...the harp sounds lovely but only when I'm not playing it! |
|---|
| *Skelding, Robert Trumpet |
1965-1968 | rskelding0417ATrogers.com |
|---|
| *Hunter, Marc Trumpet |
1964-1970 | m.r.hunterATsympatico.ca |
|---|
| *Tribble, Bill Trumpet |
1961-1966 |
|---|
| *French, Bill Percussion |
1960-1965 | bill.frenchAThotmail.com | Under the leadership of WA Fisher, many of us more introverted individuals were allowed to develop our talents and become confident in ourselves and more focused and driven individuals. Participating at the Seattle World's Fair in 1962 and our three week trip across Canada's West was the first major trip of my life and the memories still stick with me today. Many of the skills I adopted in my career were directly rooted in WA's insistence on commitment and dedication combined with a concern and compassion for the individual. I smile and think back every time I pass the Fisher auditorium on Dunlop Street. |
|---|
| *Wegman, Jerry Euphonium |
1959-1963 | JW45BarrieATaol.com |
|---|
*Parker, Pat |
1954-1962 | patioATcandlelight.ca |
|
|---|
1950's
*Wylie Bill |
1956-1960 | wylieATinterlog.com | Music program was the best. Thanks WAF. |
|---|
*Bayliss, Nora |
1957-1959 | Enjoyed the music and the friendships. The band provided such a wonderful opportunity to see the world. Hard to believe it was 50 years ago!!! |
|---|
*Lillow, Betty |
1955-1959 | lillowbdATsympatico.ca | I loved my years in the band!! So many good friends, so many wonderful memories, so much leadership and devotion shown by WA and Eva Fisher. Great times in Atlantic City, Chicago and, of course, Europe. I think those chaperones on the Empress of France deserved sainthood after keeping track of the band members for 7 days!! |
|---|
*Kelsey, Ron |
1954-1958 | Fond Memories: |
|---|
*Dyment, Andy |
1953- 1958 | dyments5ATgmail.com | So many amazing memories from the band. Thanks WAF! He inspired everyone to be so much better. Marching on the boardwalk in Atlantic City and staying at the Drake Hotel...The trip to Chicago and the train derailment and subsequent impromptu concert in the train station in Peoria...The two first place wins in Kerkrade Holland (marching and concert class)...The Island of Texel, the Atomium at the World's Fair in Brussels, Russell Square in London...Empress of France..etc. Lifetime memories. |
|---|
*McClymont, Ian |
1952-1955 | ian_mcclymontAThotmail.com | I have great memories of the band; the trip to Chicago, playing at the Kiwanis Music Festival in Toronto and making friends in the band. As a recent immigrant to Canada from the UK, I felt welcome at those wonderful parties so many of the Band girls hosted. Thanks. Most of all I remember WA and his passion for both music and history. Later in life, I was fortunate to be able to help him with some of his research at the National Archives in Ottawa. The "Great Gate of Kiev" always reminds me of WA and the band. |
|---|
1940's
*Mayor, Byng |
1941 | byngmayorATsympatico.ca | Hi: I go a long way back- WA had me in the "BCI" Band when I was in grade 7- actually have an old bronze medal- presumably it was a 3rd place- from a festival at Waterloo, ON 1941. At that time I was just a little guy taking trumpet lessons at WA's home a couple of times a week; he would bring me out and have me sit in with the band and asked me to join the band for a trip to Waterloo. I think we took a member of the band with us that day- think it was Ted Heath. From that competition I attended regular band practice. I remember doing the trip to Gravenhurst to play for the guards and officer prisoners at the POW camp there in the 40's; a wartime experience. Did trumpet trio work with Bob Hunter, Bill Hinton. We were pioneers of Instrumental school concert bands in Ontario and probably Canada for that matter: all due to the leadership and vision of WA. He never got the recognition he deserved for his genius with kids till very late in life, thankfully receiving his Order of Canada before he passed away. |
|---|
*Spanis, Curt |
1944 | After 50 years my happiest memories go back to BCI and the last of my cherished friends who stemmed from not just the band but from the school. In fact I think the members of the band pretty much covered the football team (we only had 13 guys on the whole team) On some of the dance band gigs we would get the whole band into one car, Bob's old Willys and we got the drum set and my bass fiddle as well. A couple of us would be squelched under the bass and around the drums and covered with saxophone cases, music stands and the sound equipment. I can't remember how we did it. Amazing. We were a poor community and all the kids had to buy their own instruments. In spite of all this we had a magnificent life through our high school days. |
|---|
top