History of the CLB Regimental Band

The roots of today's Regimental Band can be found in the "Tin Whistle Band" that was formed shortly after the CLB in Newfoundland was founded in 1892. Tin whistles were chosen as they were inexpensive and there was no shortage of lads able to play this instrument.  Lt. J. Shea, the first bandmaster, taught the lads to play popular marching tunes such as "A Life on the Ocean Wave", "We Won't Get Home Until Morning", and "The British Grenadiers" among others.  Shortly thereafter, the band was converted to a "Fife and Drum Band" and under the guidance of Professor David Bennett, the band attained a relatively high level of musicianship.

In 1898, four or five instruments were obtained to form the nucleus of a brass band. The band experienced steady growth so that by 1912, membership had grown to 22. The band was in high demand for concerts and official receptions, along with the regular church parades of the Brigade. The growth of the band continued, under the baton of a number of bandmasters.  By 1942, the number of members had reached 43 and instrumentation had expanded to include woodwind instruments; more closely resembling the Regimental Band as it exists today.

During World War II, the Royal Rifle Regiment of the Canadian Army was posted to St. John's and approached the CLB looking for volunteers to augment the ranks of its band. Three members of the band volunteered, enlisted and later accompanied the Rifles in the defence of Hong Kong.  When Hong Kong fell in 1941, these members were taken prisoner, spending close to four years in prison camps.  Several other members of the band also volunteered for other branches of His Majesty's forces and served with gallantry.

Another story of gallantry involves George Lawson, a member of the band's percussion section, who gave his life rescuing people from the tragic fire at the Knights of Columbus Hostel in 1942. Sadly, he was among 99 people who lost their lives that night.  He had escaped the building but returned to try to rescue some of those trapped inside, only to lose his own life.

The CLB Regimental Band has enjoyed steady growth since the war years when the band was reduced to a low of nine members.  The band flourished under the baton of several Bandmasters, but most notably under Major Walter Learning who held the position from 1972 to 1999 when he was appointed Director of Music.  Among the highlights of the band's recent history are the trips to Montreal (1985) and Vancouver (1986) to participate in the Canadian Football League's Grey Cup Festivities and Parade.  During the 1985 parade, the band was awarded second prize among bands participating in the parade.  In 1986, however, the band was awarded first prize in the winds and percussion bands category!

This is a very brief synopsis of a long and successful history of the CLB Regimental Band.  Its achievements are numerous, but of greatest value is the good comradeship, fine music, and community spirit that it has fostered among its members.

Notable Events in the Band's History

• 1907 - Attended Earl Grey's Inter-colonial Music Competition in Ottawa, awarded second place
• 1924 - Unveiling of the National War Memorial by Field Marshall Earl Haig
• 1939 - Visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth
• 1952 - Visit of Princess Elizabeth
• 1966 - Visit of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother for Come Home Year celebrations
• 1977 - Opening and closing of the Canada Summer Games
• 1983 - Visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales
• 1984 - Visit of Pope John Paul II
• 1985 - Grey Cup Parade in Montreal, awarded second place
• 1986 - Grey Cup Parade in Vancouver, awarded first place
• 2000 - Major W.F. Learning and Drum Major W.G. Tilley, along with the CLB are awarded the Freedom of the City of St. John's
• Performs annually at the Lieutenant Governor's Garden Party
• Leads the annual Armistice Day parade, with the Royal Canadian Legion
• Performs annually at the Royal St. John's Regatta
• Performs annually at the Janeway Children's Hospital for a Christmas Party.

Copyright © 2012 The CLB Regimental Band  All Rights Reserved.