Some Old City Band Photos

Bob Bell got a slide scanner for Christmas and sends us three more pictures from the OSCB's illustrious past:

"specifically the season of 1976-77. I was Deputy Bandmaster at the time and these are three gigs I led. The first picture is the Legion Church Parade, Sunday before Nov. 11th, formed up in front of First Baptist Church on 4th Ave. E.. There were still quite a few vets in the band that year.
"The second picture is quite possibly the worst Santa Claus Parade in living memory. We're marching west on 10th St. The building beside us is the Seldon House (Jason's) when it was still painted white. We are about to left wheel onto 2nd Ave. E. We marched shoulder to shoulder to try to keep warm. My trumpet plugged up with ice. The saxes kept losing notes until their reeds split. By the time we reached the reviewing stand at City Hall, we had only percussion left working.
"The third picture is the grand opening of the brand new Shallow Lake Arena. Indoors, thank goodness, though they put us on the ice."

Some Old Photos

Our former bandleader and long-time member Bob Bell sends us some City Band memories for our web archives:

I thought I'd send these around. The little black and white was taken at the Santa Claus Parade in 1964. One is the grand opening of the Harrison Park Inn in 1987, replacing the one that burned down. Third is the OSCVI Reunion Parade. You'll recognize Gary [Bergstra] on the trombone, but maybe not the kid on bass clarinet a few rows back.

The concert picture was taken in 1976 or 1977. We did a kiddies' concert spread out on the grass, so the children could get in closer. Bob Rourke was conducting.

The last shot was from 1987, just after a concert. My oldest son, Sandy, a six-year-old at the time, grabbed my hat and baton while I was chatting in the background. Interestingly, the guy in the red sneakers with his back to the camera is Tim Harrison, former bandsman and founder of the Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival.

and to go with those memories, a little Stephen Sondheim, recorded live last night off that very same bandshell in that very same Harrison Park!

 

Send In The Clowns by Owen Sound City Band

City Band at the Grey Roots Heritage Fair

City Band percusion/horn player Nolan Murphy (13) has assembled a fabulous display of photos, memoirs, recordings, videos and artifacts on the history of the Owen Sound City Band for his entry into the 4th Annual Grey Roots Regional Heritage Fair opening today at the Grey Roots Museum and Archive.  Thanks to some terrific support from band members past and present, the presentation covers the history from the early marching bands of Wm Iles on through the Youth Band years and up to the present day.

Nolan's display will compete with entries from grade 4-8 students from several local schools; the Fair itself is April 28, but projects will remain up for public viewing in the museum lobby until the end of Saturday April 30th.

Heritage Fairs are a grand celebration of Canada's past, in the form of student history projects.  Students research Canadian heroes, legends, milestones, and achievements - and proudly present their stories at a public exhibition.

The Grey Roots Regional Heritage Fair allows students to celebrate our heritage and share their work with the community. Participating schools send the best student projects from each class, grades 4-8, to represent their school. This fair could only be possible because of the special talents and dedication of our teachers and principals.

via Grey Roots Museum and Archives

Owen Sound City Band circa 1937

courtesy of Nancy Mashinter (OSCB) and Karin Noble (Grey Roots Archives), a photo of our City Band in full regalia in the Summer of '37, around the same time we won the Canadian Open Class A Brass and Reed Championship.

Back row L to R: L. Stuck, Wm Gow Jr, S. Pearce, Wm Iles (founder), F. Mitchell, Wm Miller, L. Bonner (Pres), H. Bonner, T.Potter, Dr. Griffin, C. Blackstone, A. Quinn, G. Taylor, L. Allen

Centre: H. Iles, Cliff Iles, C. Holmes, Wm Gow Sr, A. Clow, R. Buck, A. Hayward, J. Taylor, Clar. Iles, B. Hunter.

Front: L. Waghorn, A.Rutherford, A. Stuck, A. McNiven, J.Cowie (Director), S. Cruickshank, Wilf Iles, L. Strange, C. Thompson.

Absent: Art Harris.

A Noble Life - William G Iles

William George Iles
photo above taken during World War I
from the collection of Janet Iles

Born in Naunton, Gloucestershire, England on 1 February 1885, he was the eldest son of George Iles and Emily Pugh. He emigrated in 1905 from Birmingham England, with his wife and young daughter, May, his mother and siblings. It is believed that his father had come to Canada the previous year.

In World War I, William served his country with the 58th Canadian Infantry Battalion in France as a bandsman and a stretcher bearer. He left his young family to go overseas.

William began playing cornet as a boy of 14 in England and he soon joined a Salvation Army Band. When he came to Canada, he reorganized the Salvation Army Band in Owen Sound. He was its leader. He also took over leadership of the Legion Band that eventually became the Owen Sound City band. It is through his work with the brass bands in the city, he became best known. He taught many young people how to play a brass instrument.

via Janet the researcher: Smile for the Camera - A Noble Life - William G Iles

Scott Farmer sits in - circa 1979

via myspace.com

People often ask us, "Who is the youngest member ever in the band?" and y'know, that's not always an easy question to answer. Chances are, though, Scott Farmer sitting in with the band here in a 1979 gig is at least a close runner up. Thanks for posting this Scott, and hey, is that a 70's era Bon Tempi four-valve cornet you're sporting there?

City Band 2000

[wpvideo xV6JUS4g]

 

a video blast from the past via Nancy Mashinter:

Was just browsing the computer, and found this.  It was put on PC year 2000. a lot of old members. (different band all together!)

Homecoming Reunion 2007

City Band Homecoming Reunion and Concert

Harrison Park, July 28, 2007