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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 defense 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
- Attended Earl Grey's Intercolonial Music Competition in Ottawa in
1907, awarded second place.
- Unveiling of the National War Memorial by Field Marshall Earl Haig,
1924
- Visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, 1939
- Visit of Princess Elizabeth in 1952
- Visit of Queen Mother Elizabeth for Come Home Year celebrations
in 1966
- Opening and closing of the Canada Summer Games in 1977
- Visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1983
- Visit of Pope John Paul II in 1984
- Grey Cup Parade in Montreal in 1985, awarded second place; played
for guests at Le Grand Hotel
- Grey Cup Parade in Vancouver in 1986, awarded first place; played
dinner music for the Grey Cup Committee Dinner
- 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 in May, 2000
- Performs annually at the Lieutenant Governor's Garden Party at the
Government House Grounds
- Armistice Day, annually 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.
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