British Columbia Beefeater Band Pt 1 by METRO Guides/Magazines

THE OFFICIAL SHOWBAND OF THE B.C. LION’S FC FROM (1958-1986)

The first rehearsal of the Vancouver Junior Band took place in 1944. In 1948 the first two majorettes joined the band. In 1949 the band played the Peach Festival and the Kelowna Regatta in 1951. That same year they toured through seven U.S. States and Mexico. In 1952 they were awarded for the third time, the Lions Junior Band trophy and toured through Washington and Oregon. In 1953 they sported new uniforms consisting of royal blue trousers, white shirts, red-lined capes and wedge caps. They won top honors that year in the North West Washington State Band contest and in Vancouver won the Pacific National Exhibition Band contest. 1954 saw honors at the P.N.E. Band contest, honors at the N.W. Washington State Band Festival and a concert tour through five Canadian provinces and eleven U.S. States. By 1955, first place wins were common: first place Lion’s Club trophy Junior Band competition, first place Challenge trophy, Senior Band contest, Chilliwack. Highest honors, Northwest Washington band competition. 1956 Produced the following; high school band championship Minneapolis Aquatennial, first place Calgary Golden Jubilee Band competition, highest honors N.W. Washington Band competition, Chilliwack, first place P.N.E. Band concert. Tour included Boston, Cleveland and New York. In 1957 again highest honors awarded in the N.W. Washington band competition, followed by honors at the P.N.E. In 1959 the Vancouver Junior Band was appointed the official marching band for the B.C. Lions fc. 1960 saw a first prize at the Calgary stampede and a very near win in Minneapolis. 1961 saw a first at the P.N.E. And a first at the Penticton Peach Festival. In 1962 the band performed at the Seattle World’s Fair. In 1966 they played in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, followed by: Montreal 1967, the Edinburgh Tattoo in 1969, Hawaii in 1973, Edinburgh again in 1975, the Royal Tournament and the Cardiff Searchlight Tattoo in 1977, the Melbourne Tattoo in 1979 and the Durbin Tattoo in 1980. In 1983 they toured the UK and in 1986 they again performed in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade.

Overview - 3

CONTENTS This publication is divided into decades and years. It covers the history of the Vancouver Junior Band from its beginning in the forties through its name change to the British Columbia Beefeater Band in 1962, until its end in the nineties. In between it covers the many trips and tours it made across North America and later all over the world. It includes chapters on its directors and also on its alumni who went on to musical careers of their own. We have added historical connections and memorabilia associated with the band as well.

JOSEPH OLSON........................ 10

THE EARLY YEARS

1930s VAN JUNIOR BAND 1940s VANCOUVER COLLEGE 1950s 1956 MINNEAPOLIS TOUR............ .17 1957 EMPIRE STADIUM...................20 1958 B.C.CENTENNIAL TOUR........22 1959 THE SEATTLE SEAFAIR PARADE.....................................24

THE SIXTIES

1960 MINNEAPOLIS TOUR..............28 1961 RAFAEL MENDEZ....................32 1962 WESTERN US TOUR................34 1963 SEATTLE TORCHLIGHT PARADE.....................................44 1964 CANADA & EASTERN US TOUR..........................................48 1965 20TH ANNIVERSARY...............62 4 - Table of Contents

GORDON OLSON.....................12

LOUISA OLSON........................13

1966 PASADENA TOURNAMENT OF ROSES...................................72 1967 MID-WESTERN CANADA & US TOUR (EXPO 67)..............82 1968 SEATTLE SEAFAIR....................88 1969 EDINBURGH TATTOO...............90

THE EIGHTIES

THE SEVENTIES

106

1970 SAN FRANCISCO.......................106 1971 MID WESTERN CANADA & US TOUR..................................112 1972 CALGARY STAMPEDE..............116 1973 HAWAII 1974 EDMONTON & SPOKANE......122 1975 EDINBURGH TATTOO...............124 1977 ROYAL TOURNAMENT CARDIFF TATTOO......................134 1978 CAPTAIN COOK BI-CENTENNIAL........................148 1979 MELBOURNE MILITARY TATTOO........................................152

1980 THE DURBAN MILITARY TATTOO..................................158 1982 CALGARY STAMPEDE..........172 1983 ROYAL TOURNAMENT.........178 1985 GOVERNOR GENERAL’S VISIT........................................184 1986 PASADENA ROSE PARADE...................................186

THE NINETIES

204

1993 REUNION................................204

THE MILLENIUM 2002 REUNION

FACTS: The band had three different uniforms over its illustrious history. The first was a cape style uniform with wedge hat. The second was a West Point style military uniform and the third was a Yeoman of the Guard uniform called a Beefeater uniform. Hence the term Beefeater Band.

ALUMNI KEITH WOODWARD RODGER OWENS JAMIE CROIL JEFF MACLAUGHLIN KEN OLSON LARRY OLSON

HISTORICAL CONNECTIONS DAL RICHARDS B.C. LION’S FC (see Dal Richards) SOUL UNLIMITED THE NIGHT TRAIN REVUE HOWIE VICKERS

APPENDIX INDEX

The Beefe ater Band had only one leader and that wa s its founder Gordon Olson. Mr. O lson was assisted by his wife L o u isa who also ran the Majorette Corps, besides helpin g when ne eded with tours and chaperonin g. Table of Contents - 5

The Golden Age of Vancouver Youth Bands (1930s - 1970s) The British Columbia Beefeater Band This band was the official band of the Lions’ Football Club. Known as the Showband of the West it toured the world and performed in tattoos in Edinburgh, Durbin and Melbourne. The founder and director was Gordon Olson.

Kitsilano Boys’ Band Arthur Delamont was the founder and director of this band from 1928 to 1978. The band won over 200 championship awards and made 14 tours of England and the continent. Members of this band went on to be the who’s who of the Canadian music establishment from coast to coast. Photo at the right is of Art Smith and Arthur Delamont.

1950s

During this time there were five community bands in the Greater Vancouver area that travelled internationally to festivals, tattoos and for concert bookings.

6 - Golden Age of Bands

The North Vancouver Youth Band This band was led by Art Smith and later by Dave Henderson and others. It made several tours to Europe over the years and many fine musicians came out of this band. It was originally called the North Vancouver Schools Band.

The New Westminster Boys & Girls Band. This band was led by Fred Turner and later his son Kerry. Today, it is called the New Westminster & District Concert Band and is no longer a youth band.

Kerrisdale Kiwanis Band This band was led by Bud Kellett in the 1960s and Bobby Hale who directed a junior band. Many fine players came out of this band and went on to either professional careers in music or in music education. Rock Producer Bruce Fairbourn came out of this organization.

Besides these five community bands there were smaller bands as well in many of the districts and starting in the 1960s bands became the norm in most public schools.

1970s

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Growing Up Olson! Join me and Ken and Larry Olson, the sons of Gordon and Louise Olson as we relive those days when the Beefeater Band was a huge part of their lives. Find out about the Lions connection, Vancouver College, what they did after the Beefeaters and why they didn’t carry on their father’s legacy in, Growing Up Olson!

Interviewer: Okay. Ken, I guess you’re the oldest. What’s your earliest recollections of growing up, Olson? Ken: Earliest recollections? Well, some of the things that I remember just as a child were the music studio. I would spend time down there. Larry would be there too. Interviewer: What’s the age difference between you two? Ken: Uh, four years. Four years? Larry:I was born 59. Ken was born in 56. Ken: So really three years. Okay. Larry:Three and a half. Ken: Yeah. Larry: Yeah. Because you know, when we were little, they just brought us down to the studio; we hung out while they were giving music lessons. We had nowhere else to go. So, we were always around. We went on every tour since we were born. I might have missed one when they sent me up to Hay River. We were just always around but just not seeing what was going on. Interviewer: You remember your feelings at the time. You remember what you were thinking, oh I want to play one of those instruments or something. Ken: Of course, absolutely. Interviewer:You wanted to play them all. Ken: You’re, surrounded by music every day. Interviewer:Everyone had to start somewhere. Larry: Yeah. Well, I certainly remember being drawn to the percussion section. I knew that was where I wanted to be. You know, my mom started me out on clarinet, but that didn’t last for very long. So, I remember getting my first lesson, I was nine years old, and, Mark McElvoy, who was a drummer at the time, was old enough to be in the band on the Edinburgh Tattoo Tour in 1969. I was nine years old. I got my hands on a pair of drumsticks, and he taught me how to do a claire-de-lune? And it just went on from there. I was old enough to perform with the band. Finally, at the age of 11, they put me in a uniform. They were on the five-week tour that went all over the United States, and we were in a place called Helena, Montana. I played the symbols, and Dale Onions taught me how. So,

8- Growing Up Olson!

he was kind of a mentor and coach and lifelong friend, you know, going all the way back. That’s kind of a fun early memory. How about you Ken? When did, when did you first perform with the band, you remember how old you were?

Ken: I was about 10 years old when I first started playing in the trumpet section. Larry: You performed in Edinburgh, right? In 69? Ken: I did. Yeah. I did. So that was, I was 13. Larry: I was nine. So, you would have to have had just turned 13. Ken: So we were the youngest members in the band of children, just by the fact that our mom and dad were running the whole show. So that was, as Larry said, you learned from a lot of sources. You, you learned from your parents as teachers. You learned from some of the instructors that were there. You learn from each other by each other, I mean, other band members. Larry: Yeah, for sure. There was a strong system of mentorship within the band, you know. Back in the stadium though, there wasn’t just the main performing senior band. Dad had an A-band, a B-band, and a C-band. So, he’d start out in the C-band. I started out in the C-band. Ken: This was prior to the Lions? Larry: No, that was all during that time, I’m just talking Beefeaters. That was all during that time. You know, in the sixties and seventies, there was an A band, B band, C band, a lot of members. The B band would be intermediate. But at those concerts, at the Playhouse Theater, for example, it wouldn’t just be the Beefeaters that performed. The B band would also perform too. So, kind of like what the Vancouver Symphony has going on. If you go to one of their concerts, you see six ensembles. You don’t see just one, you see the whole progression of the instruction process. And another thing dad did was he made use of a lot of private instructors to help. You know, Ken studied with Ken Hopkins, who was a symphony player. And I learned from Don Adams, who was the symphony player for years. So, dad knew to bring in the best quality and structure, and the quality and mu-

sicianship was outstanding. If you ever get a chance to listen to the recording that we made in 1969, the BBC paid to produce a vinyl recording of the British Columbia Beefeater Band, which was, you know, during the time we were there performing in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Ken: What was it called? It’s a recording I reckon that you’re talking about. Larry: Yeah, it’s a vinyl recording. Uh, you must have one. Ken: No, because I’m using a CD. Larry: But if you listen to the quality of playing from this group, like, I listen to it again maybe 15 years after I began teaching band at Vancouver College. So, I’m familiar with the standard of musicianship for kids age level 12 through 17or 18. I listened again to this Beefeater Band recording; it is way over the top quality-wise. Like, I couldn’t touch it, even with my best groups. It was so fine. And I think part of the reason was that if you were a member of the B theater band, you were extremely motivated to play well, really practice, and really want to get better at your craft. You know, you get the respect of the others in the group and get the respect of your section leader, and especially to get the respect of my father, who was the kind of guy you just wanted to play for. Interviewer: You wanted to live up to the people who came before you. Larry: Absolutely. Like, there was a standard, you know, like standard of performance. You always strived for excellence. It was amazing. I mean, I could go on and on. My father was by far the most profound influence in my life and on my musical career. I owe everything to him. You know, like the performing experience I got in the Beefeater band, you can’t get that anywhere. You know, like playing in front of the Queen at the Royal Tournament, having her do a standing ovation right in front of you, the places we saw. It’s phenomenal. I went on to study music at UBC. Interviewer: Not the same. Larry: Nothing compared to that. I mean, the quality of performance was better because it was all college music students, but the thrill of performing that you got as a B band member, in no way could touch. Interviewer: I felt the same way about the Kits Band. Larry: Nothing could touch it. Yeah, exactly. Interviewer: I enjoyed my Kits band days far more than I enjoyed UBC. At UBC you had to go through to get your ticket, you know, to come out as a director. But the music I didn’t find very exciting. I found, it was all kind of head

music, you could figure it out, and it was all very technical. But the thrill wasn’t there. The performance skills weren’t taught. They didn’t teach you to get out and play for a crowd of enthusiastic people. Larry: That’s true. It almost seemed like the audiences were parenthetical at UBC music performances. Like, you know, there’d be a handful of people that showed up, but like it wasn’t a big deal. It’s more of a big deal now, though. I mean, the stuff Rob Taylor does with those kids. Interviewer: Robert is going to be at the book launch too. Larry: Oh, that’s fantastic. So, it should be. Interviewer: I sold him the table before, Anyway, he’s a great guy. Uh, but it does depend on who the person is. I mean Delamont, your dad, the Kerrisdale Kiwanis, Art Smith in North Vancouver. These guys inspired us, you know, and I don’t think Marty was what I would really call him inspiring. Larry: I was going to say, I loved playing for Marty. I loved the man. Because he was kind of like one of the boys, but he didn’t really do anything to inspire me. Ken: That’s a key point. Ken: But the inspiration part is what you really kind of picked up on, people were in the band. It wasn’t just something they did on a Tuesday. Now, so many kids these days are incidentally part of music. But in the early days, this was your identity. Interviewer: And there was loyalty. Ken: Exactly. Larry: Hundred percent. Ken: And that loyalty, payed off in terms of a real drive to play and be as musical as you could, because if you weren’t, you were letting the whole thing down. Interviewer: I always wanted Bruce Fairburn to come and play in the Kit’s band. But he never showed up, and I never knew why. I know now that he came from Kerrisdale. He was loyal to Bud. Kellett, of course, he became a legendary rock producer of Little Mountain Sound. Interviewer: Yep absolutely. But he started off on trumpet with a whole bunch of the Kit Boys. Malcolm Brodie played in the band Spectre in the sixties, but he never got into Sunshine Bruce’s local band in the sixties. You never could get them. As a kid, you’re naive as a kid, and you know, why not? But yeah, the inspiration must be there. And that’s the one thing that I find is lacking right now in public school and music education, the inspiration is just not there. I’ve met quite a few of the teachers that

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JOSEPH OLSON I’m trying to work with and their programs. You know, there’s a reason their hampered by the system. I get that. But they’re still not, I mean, Delamont never would’ve worked. Maybe your dad would have but your dad was a college teacher. But Delamont would never have thrived in public schools. Larry: Well, yeah, there’s a certain truth to that, I suppose. I mean, Dad was so, Interviewer: He knew where he needed to do. Larry: Yeah. I mean, back in those days, you

10- Joseph Olson

could say a few things that you can’t say now, but you know, it’d never hurt any of us. If anything, it motivated us. He didn’t, he didn’t suffer fools gladly. But he let it be known if he weren’t cutting it. Interviewer: Yeah. But he, because it was his thing, you know, it was his baby. Larry: But back in those days, everybody was used to getting their ass kicked if they didn’t perform right. It was part of the deal. I mean, not physically, but you know.

Interviewer: Yeah. Basically, and in those days, we were also conscience too, that we didn’t want to be the odd man out in the group. We wanted to be a part of the group. I mean, we didn’t mind being the odd man out if we were excelling on our instrument. But, um, you know, you certainly didn’t want to be chastised, but most of us, in my recollection we all tried to rise to the top. And you played with good people who motivated you, and you got to their level, they left. Next bunch, got up to your level. And

that’s how the band grew. Larry: True. Or at least sustained itself. Interviewer: Yes, but at a high level. Larry: Yeah. Interviewer: It never dropped back down. So, tell me a bit about your mom? Well, I don’t remember where she came from. I know she was doing the majorette. Larry: Mom and Dad ran the business together. My mom was one of my dad students. My dad was teaching my mom to play the clarinet. Ken: This was before any of the bands; he was just like teaching privately. Interviewer: Prior to 1944. Larry: He was still in the armed services at the time. So, he met my mom during the war. And he gave private music lessons in North Vancouver. Another thing that might be interesting is how dad learned his craft. It was basically in the army, I mean, he learned from his own father, but he took lessons from all

the armed services guys. That’s how he crafted his teaching chops as it were and learned how to play all the instruments. He got lessons from the service guys in the armed forces. While he was during the war, but yeah, that’s how he met mom. They ran the business together. She was a lot more than just the majorette core leader. She was the de facto business manager. They totally ran the business together. They had to, there was a lot going on. Interviewer: That’s different than Delamont. Delamont ran the whole show himself. But he always had a great parent’s group. So, you had a great parent’s group too?

PHOTO LEFT; josph Olson and hia Sexsmith Elementary School Band. PHOTO ABOVE: Joseph Olson and his VJ Band. PHOTO RIGHT: Joseph Olson and his Elgar Band.

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GORDON OLSON Larry: Yep. You know, it was very well organized. They had a secretary, treasurer, and somebody would take the minutes of meetings and all of that. Interviewer: Did he charge in the early days? Did he charge the boys to be in the band? Larry: Yes. Well, the fees were very reasonable. I don’t remember exactly what they were, but to be a member of the band, you’d

12 - Gordon & Louisa Olson

paid a fee for sure. And that included a weekly group lesson, a weekly full band rehearsal, whether it be A band, B band, or C band. It was essentially his livelihood. Interviewer: I don’t want to get into anything personal or his business pursuits. But did he, was he solely focused on the band, or did he also do other things in the business world to make money? Or did everything come from his band? Because Delamont bought and sold mortgages. He got quite rich by buying apartment blocks. That’s a little history. He was quite a shrewd businessman. Larry: Yeah. No, dad and mom. It was just the band. And then, you know, I mean, he was on and off from Vancouver College from 1947. But the band didn’t become full-time at Van College until 1979. So, all those years between 47 and 79, it was on and off and it was part-time. Interviewer: He was a teacher there, right? Larry: Yes. Interviewer: So he did have another income. Was it from teaching? Larry: Well, no.

Larry: He did classes down there. Interviewer: That’s where he got his whole idea for the marching band and patterned it after the American style, more so than the British. That’s how he differed from Delamont. And I read something somewhere that, that was on purpose because he

LOUISA OLSON Interviewer: He wasn’t getting paid? Larry: Yes. What I’m saying is that between 47 and 79, the Vancouver quality grant program was low key. Like, it would never sustain a full-time position. Not until 1979 did they make band a full-time position. And then he was super busy, like you know, probably took a few years off his life doing fulltime band at Van College and still running the Beefeaters. That was nuts. Interviewer: It was pretty busy. Larry: So for those 10 years, between 79 and 89, he would be between the ages of 59 and 69, as I recall. Interviewer: He retired at 70 from VCC Larry: 1989. Yeah. And he was 69 years old. Interviewer: Okay. Larry: I understood he was 69. Am I wrong? Interviewer: No, I think you’re right. Larry: He was born in 1919, So his age matched, probably. Interviewer: So he had a big connection with the University of Western Washington.

didn’t really want to be Delamont, he wanted to get away from Delamont, he didn’t want tobe compared to Delamont. He wanted to do is own thing. And then he took off and started doing trips across the US which Delamont never did. Mr. D was more interested in going to England, by train across Canada and catching the boat to England. Continued on page 41 www.beefeaterband.ca - 13

The Early Years

1947

was the band’s first tour by bus to California

14 - The Olson Legacy

1951

7 U.S. States and Mexico Tour

1951

The Vancouver Junior Band won the Lion’s Club trophy in the

The Olson Legacy CONTENTS 1930s THE SOUTH VANCOUVER JUVENILE BAND

1940s THE VANCOUVER COLLEGE BAND 1950s THE VANCOUVER JUNIOR BAND

THE VANCOUVER JUNIOR BAND The Vancouver Junior Band held it’s first practice in 1944 at St. Margaret’s Hall under the direction of Gordon C. Olson. The original band started with 25 members. Besides his Vancouver Junior Band in 1948 Mr. Olson began teaching band at Vancouver College a private school in Vancouver, B.C. The year before there had been a big fire and all the instruments belonging to the band were destroyed. When Mr. Olson arrived he discovered he had a band all with bright shiny new instruments.

Junior Band Championship in Chilliwack.

1952

Washington and Oregon Tour

1954

Concert tour through 5 US States and 7 provinces

North West Washington State Band Contest

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1956

THE SHOW BAND of the WEST

They brought home the bacon that year.

The fine looking young trumpeter is Charles Milroy

1956 16 - Showband of the West

Wayne King and Marilyn Armstrong took over the duties of drum majors in the spring of 1956 from the original two majorettes Joy McColl and Suzanne Fingland who had joined the band in 1948.

of theof West TheShowband Showband the West

AWARDS: 1956 produced the following: • First Place High School Band Championship Minneapolis Aquatennial • First Place Calgary Golden Jubilee Band Competition • Highest Honours N.W. Washington Band Competition You will recognize Wayne King who devoted many fine years to the band

• First Place Senior Band Competition, Chilliwack • First Place P.N.E. Band Contest

If you look hard you will find Don Jewall in this one.

Like “Topsy” our Majorette Corps just growed.

The tour for this big year included such interesting places as Winnipeg, Minneapolis where the band took first place over thirty-two other bands at the Aquatennial, Chicago, Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and New York.

1956

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1956

The birth of a fine organization.

Dal Richards and the B.C.Lions Football Club “From the mountains to the sea…” A guy walks into a complex and completely different business, such as football, and operates under a film of sheer confusion for a while. Before the B.C. Lions, Dal Richards only had to worry about accompanying dancing feet. His largest claim to athletic fame was the red ribbon he won for Magee high school in 1937, in an inter-high track meet. He was second in the 220 yard dash. He is a native Vancouverite, born January 5, 1919, and raised at 1438 West 73rd Avenue, Richards began playing the clarinet and saxophone for a living 25 years ago. He became a band leader in 1940, initially at the old Alma Academy. On January 8, 1951, he married his singer, Lorraine McAllister. The marriage produced a daughter in 1952, Dallas: but Lorraine still had to sing for her keep. The point is none of these vital statistics pointed toward Richards becoming football’s answer to Ed Sullivan. “I’d say we really got started in 1956,” Richard’s said. “Dick Diespecker was working with me on production then. I got the idea to add a line of cheerleaders to the show. I had just been to New York to see some stage shows. The chorus line seemed to be adaptable to football.” Grace McDonald had produced stage shows in Vancouver. She owned her own dance school. More important, she was intrigued with Richards’ approach, and his idea that dancing girls, and football, could go steady. “You are the pride of all B.C…..”

1956

The birth of the Lions’ half time entertainment show.

18 - Dal Richards and the Lions FC

Grace MacDonald came on board.

Who’s in the bands and marching corp ! Flutes Andrienne Ramsay Georgia Taranov Oboe Derek Smillie Clarinets Bryabn Bird Carol Rothnie Marilyn Armstrong Brian Lukas Don Waroway Don Reynolds Lloyd Claridge Bonnye Knight Betty-Ann Tekatch Alto Saxophones Jack Andrews Ron Siggs Leslie Qually Tenor Saxophones Wayne King Bruce Maxwell Trumpets Jack Creasy Tom Rintoul Tom Boychuk Charles Milroy Ron Tekatch Carol Fisher Allan Morton Donna-Mae Bryan Norman Claridge Danny McGee Brian Horne Herbert Taylor French Horns Bill Carruth

Tom Porter Gerald Carvelli Ken Evans Ed Gomm

The Showband of the West

Trombones Douglas Lesire John Campbell Marvin Svingen Baritones Ken Walters David Carruth Basses Derek Johns Howard Vickberg Bill Evans John Walker Percussion Keith McMillan Bill Heffernan Allan Mitchell Joanne Thomas Gordon King Drum Majors Wayne King Marilyn Armstrong Baton Twirlers Betty-Ann Tekatch Bonnye Knight Majorettes Betty-Ann Tekatch Bonnye Knight June Sedman Cathy Olar Larayne Elsdon Karen Seeley Barbara Williamson

Members of the Vancouver Junior Band A, B and C groups. Selections played at the concert included Golden Eagle by Walters, Southern Cross Overture by Yoder, Grandfather’s Drum by Ostling, A Night at the Ballet by Walters, Clarinet Polka, Deep River Suite by Erickson, Bright Eyes by Finlayson and Loch Lomond by Richardson. The massed band played Folk Song Suite, Arr. Weber, Children’s Prayer by Humperdinck, Apple Valley Overture by Olivadoti and Byron March by Mesang.

Twelfth annual feature concert on May 23 at the Lord Byng Auditorium.

1956 www.beefeaterband.ca - 19

1957

ABOVE: Al Lynch in his backyard

ABOVE: Al Lynch with his brother

1957 20 - 1957

My cousin Charles Milroy was a trumpet player in the Vancouver Junior Band. I really admired him. I spent a lot of time at his house. When I was 6 he gave me a mouthpiece. I had it for about two years before my mother bought me a trumpet. The VJB had a A band, a B band and a C band. I joined in 1957. I really enjoyed it. I went to Britannia High School. We didn’t have a band at our high school in those days. I couldn’t play any sports because the band took up most of my time. It was a fabulous experience. My cousin Chuck was about 4 or 5 years older than me. He was a big influence on me in my youth. Other trumpet players in the band that I looked up to were Tom Rintoul, Sandy Barstow and Gary Thomas.

ABOVE: Williamson Family (Ken, Stan, Barbara and Shirley)

ABOVE: Al Lynch

Gordon Olson brought his Vancouver Junior Band to Empire Stadium. Richards had become band-leader, producer and co-ordinator.

Who’s in the bands and marching corp ! Flutes Georgia Taranov Oboe Derek Smillie Clarinets Marilyn Armstrong Brian Lukacs Don Reynolds Lloyd Claridge Bonnye Knight Ian Sinkewicz Lyn Pahal Gordon Grams Derek Kulai John Maxwell

French Horns Tom Porter Gerald Carvelli Ken Evans Ed Gomm Ken Conrad Peter Smith Trombones Douglas Lesire John Campbell Elspeth McIntosh Doug Cooper David Johanson Baritones Don Jewall

Marilyn Heshedahl Patsy Principe

Brian Carlson Ken Williamson

Alto Saxophones Jack Andrews Ron Siggs Leslie Qually Martin Openshaw

Basses Howard Vickberg Bill Evans John Walker Ron Jones

Tenor Saxophones Wayne King

Percussion Joanne Thomas Allan Mitchell Jeanette Phipps Keith McMillan Stanley Carter

Trumpets Tom Boychuk Tom Rintoul Allan Morton Donna-Mae Bryan Norman Claridge Brian Horne Danny McGee Allan Lynch Norman Shatilla Gary Thomas Barry McNeill

The VJB Comes to Empire Stadium

Drum Majors Wayne King Marilyn Armstrong Baton Twirlers Bonnye Knight Karen Seeley Barbara Williamson

The 13th annual Festival of Music was held on May 16 at the Lord Byng Auditorium. Master of Ceremonies was Hal Francis. Selections included Beaded Belts by Erickson, Sun Valley Moutains by Ogden, Drumsticks, Prelude in C Minor by Rachmaninoff, Carnival Variations, Arr. Jacoby and McRae, Semper Fidelis by Sousa, Frolic of the Keys, arr. Briegel, Basses Beserk by Bennett, Dark Eyes, arr. Walters, Light Calvary Overture by Von Suppe. Massed Band selections included Cathedral Echoes by Morissey, Bolero Non by Kurtz, Cachuca by Morissey and Flashing Brass by Nyquist.

The band would soon be appointed official marching band for the B.C. Lions and the number of majorettes increased to twelve.

1957

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1958

ABOVE: Vancouver College Band

ABOVE: Vancouver College Band Grey Cup 1958, B.C. Lions FC In 1958, the second Grey Cup year, Dal still didn’t think his musicians and dancers were ready. But he produced the panorama himself, using Bellingham bands and talent as the centrepiece. “Buckle down and play the game…” Halftime entertainment was getting so important by 1958 that the Lions were spending $11,000 a season on it. They even appointed a director, Jack Bain, to work with Richards.

1958

On February 17 Rafael Mendez came to Vancouver and performed with the Vancouver Junior Band at the Georgia Auditorium. The Master of Ceremonies was Al Pollard. Selections included Golden Eagle by Walters, Mountain Majesty by Yoder, Grandfather’s Drum by Ostling, March Lorraine by Ganne, Southern Cross by Yoder, Tropico by Cofield and A Mozart Festival arr. Johnson. Mr. Olson was very dictatorial.I remember him standing up in front of the band conducting. I went to the band centre down on Broadway at Main. Ken Hopkins from the VSO was my trumpet teacher. Once a week I got a lesson. The band rehearsed in the Arcadian Hall on Main Street on the hill just north of Broadway. It eventually burnt down. I grew up at 4th & Commercial. I remember (continued on next page)

The annual Festival of Music was held on Friday May 9 at Lord Byng Auditorium Hal Francis was again the Master of Ceremonies. Selections included Standard of St. George by Alford, Three Scenes by Walters, The King & I by Rogers & Hammerstein, Malaguena, Mountain Majesty by Yoder, Trombrero by Cofield, Prairie Reflections arr. Warrington, Tropico, Trumpets Wild by Walters, Mozart Festival arr. by Johnson. Massed band selections included Little English Suite by Jackson, Who’s Who In The Band by Gordon, Magnolia Overture by Olivadoti and Empire State Salute by Peterson.

The band toured B.C. and took part in Centennial Celebrations. They won first place in Calgary (Calgary Golden Jubilee Junior Band Trophy), Honours and once again in Washington. First Place at the Seattle Sea Fair Parade Competition, a first again at the PNE and a First Place at the Penticton Peach Festival.

22 - B.C. Centennial Tour

B.C. Centennial Tour Piccolo Phylis Surges Flutes Georgia Taranov Gerry Vickberg Donna Keyes Bill Inglis Clarinets Marilyn Armstrong Brian Lukacs Lloyd Claridge Don Reynolds Derek Kulai John Maxwell John Kalley Roy Mitton

riding my bike over to rehearsals on Main Street. I remember carrying my trumpet. I must have had it strapped on somehow. I guess I must have practiced a lot. None of us liked fundraising. We had to walk door to door in our uniforms through the Shaughnessy neighbourhood selling chocolates. Here I was, a kid from the east end. We did a lot of marching. Al Lynch

Who’s in the bands and marching corp !

BELOW: Football oompah - Preparing for Saturday when they’ll play during halftime at the Grey Cup Game at Empire Stadium are three members of the Vancouver Junior Band. LtoR they are Sandy Barstow, drum major Wayne King and Don Jewall.

Algis Baronas Dennis Bevintgon Saxophones Jack Andrews Ron Siggs Leslie Qually Martin Openshaw Ken Lukacs Wayne King Trumpets Tom Rintoul Charles Milroy Donna-Mae Bryan Norman Claridge Danny McGee Gary Thomas Norman Shatilla Allan Lynch Barry McNeill Sandy Barstow NeriGadd French Horns Gerald Carvelli

Their first Grey Cup game. This was their first one in Vancouver and was a great honour for the band.

Ken Evans Peter Smith David Woodhurst Keith Surges Alsiter Gordon Trombones John Campbell Elspeth McIntosh Dave Morrison Robin Rance Ken Carlson Baritones Don Jewall Brian Carlson Ken Williamson Basses Howard Vickberg John Walker Elio Dodorico Percussion Joanne Thomas Bill Hefferman Allan Mitchell Stanley Carter Bob Swanson Stanley Williamson Drum Majors Marilyn Armstrong Wayne King Majorettes Dawn Cooke Bruni Fege Bonnye Knight Gail Larmour Christine Morrison Donna Ross Gail Surman Barbara Williamson

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1959

The Vancouver Junior Band was appointed official marching band for the BC Lion’s and much enjoyment and prestige will be acquired through this association.

24 - The Seattle Seafair Parade

The Seattle Seafair Parade CONTENTS FESTIVALS

TRIPS PARADES MEMBERS

THE VANCOUVER JUNIOR BAND In 1959 the band won a First Place at the Seattle Sea Fair Parade Competition, a first again at the PNE and a First Place at the Penticton Peach Festival. They were appointed the official marching band of the B.C. Lions Football Club that year. They now had 140 members. They held their fifteenth annual Festival of Music at John Oliver Secondary School auditorium that year. The concert included members from their A,B and C groups as well as from the Majorette Corp. Barry Clark was MC.

By 1959 the Vancouver Junior Band had 140 members.

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1959

ABOVE: Vancouver College band in 1959

The fifteenth annual Festival of Music held in the John Oliver Auditorium. All 140 members were assembled from their A, B and C groups including the Majorette Corp. master of Ceremonies was Barry Clark. Selections included Colonel Bogey by Alford, Armada Overture by Bennett, My Fair Lady by Lerner & Lowe, Beautiful Colorado by De Luca, Cowboy in Cuba by Grundman, Allegro, Adagio, Alleluia by Akers, Fontainbleau by Bennett, Bubbling Brass by Eisch, Valse Vanite by Wiedoeft, Swing Bolero by Yoder, Major Domo by Anderson. Massed band selections included Bendemeers Stream by Jackson, Ciribiribin by Pestalozza, Londonderry Air, arr. Walters, Northwoods by Mesang and Pomp and Circumstance by Elgar.

1959

ABOVE: Donna May Bryan and Pete Smith

The majorettes outfits switched to the very smart velveteen outfits and now boasted a fine tropped of twenty-four girls, twelve of which were majorettes and the other twelve joined in to make a very efficient marching corp.

26 - 15th Annual Festival of Music

Who’s in the bands and marching corp ! Piccolo Phylis Surges

David Evans John Campbell

Flutes Bill Inglis Donna Keyes Terry Mooney

Horns Peter Smith Keith Surges David Woodhurst Alister Gordon

Alto Saxophones Ron Siggs Ken Lukacs Patrick Powell Tenor Saxophones Wayne King Robert Pettipas Clarinets Don Reynolds Derek Kulai Marilyn Armstrong Danny Lutz Gavin Beveridge Richard Huber Bonnye Knight Derek Greenaway Allas Budd Blake Murray Ron Billington Oboe Jack Andrews Trumpets Tom Rintoul Charles Milroy Donna-Mae Bryan Gary Thomas Danny McGee Neri Gadd Allan Lynch Steve Kershaw Doug Pinkerton

Trombones Elspeth McIntosh Dave Morrison Robin Rance Ken Carlson Michael Hardon Baritones Don Jewell Brian Carlson Basses Ken Williamson Bill Keyes Bill Barnard Tom Mackie

Dawn Cooke Louise De Julius Sharon Halford Donna Keyes Gail Larmour Janie Marlatt Lorraine Mitchell Cathy Olar Beverly Rideout Barbara Williamson

Wayne King retired as drum major in 1960 having led the band since 1958 and doing a spectacular job. Bill Evans took his place in 1961 and led the band to many victories in 1961. Soon Michael Harding would take over from Bill in 1962.

ABOVE: BELOW: Donna Keyes

Bell Lyra-Chimes Jenny Thomson Percussion Stanley Carter Stanley Williamson Patrick Reemer Don Aven Lee Harrison Tympani Bob Swanson Drum Major Wayne King Majorettes Grace Bennett

*Their first Grey Cup game. This was their first one in Vancouver and it was a great honour for the band.

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1960

ABOVE: Dal Richards and his Lions’ band marching in the P.N.E. Parade in 1960.

LEFT: 1960, October 29 UBC The Vancouver Junior Band playing the Homecoming game between UBC and Saskatchewan. The fans apparently became quite rowdy and stormed on the field after the game damaging the drum major Wayne King’s hat a first year student. The VJB was reimbursed $75 for damages.

1960

The band won a first prize at the Calgary Stampede and a very near win at Minneapolis where the top spot was lost by only two-tenths of a point. However the band made up for the loss by coming home and winning First Place at the P.N.E (24th First Place Championship).

28 - The Minneapolis Tour

The Minneapolis Tour! Grey Cup 1960, The B.C. Lions FC 1960 was going to be the year of the “really big show.” Entertainment for this performance of the Grey Cup was to be locally produced, directed and enacted. The theme was “Canada, 1960.” Richards created figures, music and costumes to highlight all of the nation’s links – the Maritimes, Ontario, Prairies and Coast. “Variety” quit laughing. The show was a distinct hit. But one success spawns twice as much worry, or did you ever try to follow South Pacific? Richards set his own standard, and thereby created his own headache. “I watch television shows by the zillion, and try to catch as many American stage musicals as I can.” he explained. “Always I’m looking for new ideas.”

Photos courtesy of Dan Mattinson

“And lead us on to football fame…” The job of preparing halftime entertainment for Lions’ fans begins three months before the schedule opens. Bain and Richards, along with Grace McDonald and Gordon Olson, meet with general manager Herb Capozzi, another mean hand with ideas. The plan begins. “Herb always has 10,000 ideas – the bigger the better,” Richards grinned. “One time he wanted to hire a helicopter and drop an elephant from it onto the playing field. We managed to talk him out of it.” It should be a full time job by itself, but it isn’t. Richards also leads two bands at the Hotel Vancouver’s Panorama Roof six nights a week! One is a three-piece combo, the other a five-piece unit. Recently, the hotel asked Richards to handle one more job. Now he’s also chief booker, charged with the additional duty of supplying any and all entertainment for the Georgia Street Inn.

He had his own 40 piece house band, 30 dancers and Olson’s 50 juniors. The maestro started to develop themes. The year saw many successful appearances at the Lion’s football games including playing the half time show for He suchCup places as held Hawaii, spending money on props such as grass skirts, fake palm trees and tomthesaluted 1960 Grey Game in Vancouver in November toms.

1957 1960

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1960

I was 12. We always had chaperones around so we didn’t get into any trouble. We practiced our marching routines at the Model School at 12th Cambie Street. Today there is a shopping centre where it used to be. Al Lynch

1960

The band, which for 15 years under Director Gordon Olson has toured, tootled and taken awards, was home after winning the marching band title at the Calgary Stampede, losing a similar international first at Minneapolis and winning friends all over the place. “A fine trip, good arrangements everywhere, kindest of receptions.” said Mr. Olson as the greeting band played on, the drums a little offbeat because the youngsters couldn’t see the conductor for excited, wet-eyed parents milling about.

On Friday May 6 the Vancouver Junior Band presented its annual Festival of Music in the John Oliver Auditoium. The program consisted of Pacific Grandeur, Heart of My Heart, Deep River Rhapsody and the Great Gate of Kiev by Moussorgsky.

30 - The Minneapolis Tour

The Minneapolis Tour! In Minneapolis, the band came in a close second at the Aquatennial. Back home it was a tumultuous homecoming. We thank Mr. and Mrs. King our chaperones for bringing us all back alive. The bring em back alive Kings, they were called.

Fifty triumphant young bandsmen stepped off a bus Monday night, and were met by a band, of course. The traditional welcome for hometown heroes was in order because the homecoming members of the Vancouver Junior Band had just finished five weeks and 2,500 miles of playing band music for a million people. Along the way they gained fame for their organization and their city.

It was a first tour for about 30 percent of the band. The band included nine girls and ranged from clarinet player Paddy Brown and sax player Pat Powell, both 11, to Wayne King, who is in third year UBC and was making his last tour. The welcoming band was made up of members who had stayed at home and was under the direction of Ed Matschita, usually bandmaster at Bellingham’s Whatcom High School. The night of the arrival home they had to go to Empire Stadium and join up with the welcoming band and produce ‘A Salute to the Olympics’ at the Ottawa-Lions football game.

ABOVE: Al Jewall

He had his own 40 piece house band, 30 dancers and Olson’s 50 juniors. The maestro started to develop themes. This year the band won its twenty-fourth first place championship, winning the Calgary Stampede and the PaHe saluted such places as Hawaii, spending money on props such as grass skirts, fake palm trees and tomcific National Exhibition Junior Band Trophies. toms.

1957 1960

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1961 Trumpeter Rafael Mendez and the Vancouver Junior Band provided a thrilling fiesta of music on the evening of Friday, May 5, 1961 in the Georgia Auditorium. The playing of the virtuoso not only delighted a large audience but inspired the performance of the 60 boys and girls who comprise the active membership of the band. In a program consisting of his own arrangements from the repertoire of opera and violin music, Mr. Mendez displayed his artistic talents with telling effect. With Sidney Kelland at the organ, Mr. Mendez revealed great interpretive ability in the “Musette” aria from “La Boheme,” “Hejre Kati” by Hubay and the “Londonderry Air.” To the accompaniment of the band, conducted Gordon C. Olson, the trumpeter further enthused his listeners with performances of Montei’s “Czardas,” “Habanera” from “Carmen,” “Chia panecca” and “Carnival of Venice.” The Junior Band’s part of the program consisted of eight well-varied selections: Beaded Belts by Erickson, American by Buchtel, Second American Rhapsody by Grundman, Loch Lomond by Richardson, Pomp and Circumstance by Elgar and Die Meistersinger by Wagner. These were notable for excellent blending of tone, fine precision and unanimity in expressive values. “The general public does not realize the fine work that conductors of junior bands are carrying out,” said Mendez. “Playing in a band not only fosters the appreciation and knowledge of good music but it also teaches a sense of loyalty and responsibility. The musiclal discipline necessary for good performance helps in the moulding of character,” he added.

1961

In 1961 the band took the Grand Musical Award at the Seattle Sea Fair competition, again a first at the P.N.E. Band competition and First Place at the Pentiction Peach Festival and first prize for the drum majorette corps.

32 - Raphael Mendez

Who’s in the bands and marching corp ! Alto Clarinet Dan Lutz Alto Saxophone Gillis McKinnon Patrick Powell Richard Medley David Purves Becky Perry Tenor Saxophone Dan Mattinson Baritone Sax Wayne King Trumpets Charles Milroy Gary Thomas Sandy Barstow Allan Lynch Phyllis Winters David Evans Tom Wood John Campbell Ken Clarkson Ken Olson Fraser Steenson Bob Smith French Horns Peter Smith Keith Surges Bruce Norris Norman Bjarnason Trombones Elspeth McIntosh Robin Rance Michael Hardon Richard Habkirk Lorne Wilson Edith Winters

Baritones Don Jewell Ken Williamson Basses Bill Barnard John Laing Bill Keyes Tom Mackie Richard Kiselbach Percussion Stan Williamson Lee Harrison Patrick Reemer Betty Beveridge Tympani Herb Newfeld Bell Lyra Linda Wild Majorettes Donna Keyes Grace Bennett Cathy Olar Andria Mattinson Barbara Williamson Faye Thompson Lorraine Hepting Laurie Ann Hofer Janice Marshall Gail Girrard Patsy Greenlay Kren Johnson Doreen Simpson

“I am always amazed at the speed with which young people get a mastery of whatever instrument they start out to play. At first they are attracted to the trumpet because this is the instrument that plays the melody. After a time, however many of them realize the importance of other instruments which supply the harmonic balance.”

The Rafael Mendez Concert World’s Greatest Trumpeter

Drum Major Wayne King

On February 17 the Vancouver Junior Band presented their sixteenth annual feature concert called Festival of Music. One hundred and thirty young people massed together.

1961

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1962

Joe Mogush, a former Bayshore Hotel Manager decided the band’s quality was way ahead of its name. “Call em Beefeaters,” he suggested. “Dress em up like Beefeaters. You’ll get famous.”

34 - The Beefeaters are born

The Beefeaters Are Born! CONTENTS FESTIVALS

CONCERTS

WHO’S IN THE BAND?

WESTERN U.S. TOUR

THE BEEFEATERS ARE BORN

SEATTLE WORLD’S 45 FAIR

THE VANCOUVER JUNIOR BAND 1962 was a big year. The band was putting emphasis in two major fields, in musical accomplishment and in precision marching instead of concentrating on one. While on a concert tour of the western US where they performed at the Seattle World’s Fair, in Los Angeles and in Salt Lake City they took 1st Place in the California State Marching Band Competition (Alameda County Fair in San Francisco) and 1st Place in the Southern Oregon Band Competition (Ashland, Oregon parade). Back home once again they took 1st Place in the PNE Band Competition.

Beefeater uniforms Junior a big hit! Mogush the odd band member may at have name Fair. a few The Vancouver Band is to bewas oneright, of thealthough official representatives for Canada the cursed Seattlehis Worlds’ miles into a long parade on a hot day, decked out in the pure wool orange and black rig of tights, knickers, blouse, tunic top and skirt panels, topped with distinctive, rosetted hat and bottomed out by clunky black shoes.

1962

The Bayshore Inn

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1962 There was always activity surrounding the Vancouver Junior Band and 1962 was a big year. The band was putting emphasis in two major fields, in musical accomplishment and in precision marching instead of concentrating on one. While on a concert tour of the western US where they performed at the Seattle World’s Fair, in Los Angeles and in Salt Lake City they took 1st Place in the California State Marching Band Competition (Alameda County Fair in San Francisco) and 1st Place in the Southern Oregon Band Competition (Ashland, Oregon parade). Back home once again they took 1st Place in the PNE Band Competition.

1962

One of the outstanding features of the first halftime show of the B.C. Lions at the game against Toronto July 28th was the new and colorful Beefeater uniforms worn by the B.C. Lions’ Junior Marching Band under the supervision of conductor Gordon Olson. The 100- piece marching band, which has won top awards in the United States and Canada, wore the Beefeater uniform on their recent successful tour of the West Coast, including representing Canada officially at the World’s Fair in Seattle. The band and the uniforms were a smashing success. How did it all start? What’s the history behind the Beefeater Uniform? Mr. Joe Mogush, manager of the Bayshore Inn, came up with the idea of using the Beefeater Uniform. The Beefeater uniform worn by the B.C. Lions’ Junior Marching Band is authentic in almost every detail with the Beefeater Uniform that originated in the reign of Henry VII and which is today worn by the famous Beefeaters who guard the Tower of London. Mr. George Powell, President of Gordon Campbell Ltd., Vancouver, who made these exquisite uniforms had these interesting items to report. It is believed this is the first time the Beefeater uniform has been used as a band uniform. The outfit consists of a hat, lace collar, breast piece, shirt, skirt (4 panels), pants, socks and shoes. Mr. Powell’s company manufactures all but the hat, socks and shoes. An extensive research was made and the official approval of the uniform was accorded by the British Trade Association before actual work began. Making the uniforms was an extremely difficult job. It took nearly three complete working days to produce one complete uniform. Approximately 3,000 years of braid, specially made by Rice & Co., Pittsfield, Mass., and 400 yards pf light and heavyweight barathea cloth was used, and this had to be specially dyed to obtain the correct colors.

On the evenings of Friday May 25 and Saturday 26 at the Queen Elizabeth Playhouse the Vancouver Junior Band put on a Pageant of Music.

36 - B.C. Lions F.C.

The B.C. Lions FC “We love the L – the I – the O – N – S…”

ABOVE: Don Jewall

When Chrysler of Canada became stricken with the promotional value of the Lions’ halftime entertainment in 1962, the budget climbed to $22,000 a season. For a Grey Cup game, Richards got $5,000 to play around with. Even in those days of Dinah Shores, Frank Sinatras and Bing Crosbys, that was musical extravagance at its best. And to think it all started with a song, a girl from Edmonton with a talent for writing lyrics, and a band-leader who originally didn’t know Indian Jack from Hiawatha. The song was Sunshine of Your Smile. The new lyrics, which have since become a Lions’ trademark, were written by Peggy Nichol, a script writer for an Edmonton radio station and a friend of the B.C. Lions’ first treasurer, Ned Wigington. The band leader of course, was Dal Richards.

On the evenings of Friday May 25 and Saturday 26 at the Queen Elizabeth Playhouse the Vancouver Junior Band put on a Pageant of Music. The Master of Ceremonies was Ted Reynolds. Selections included Chilcothian Sentinel by Hall, Danse Pavanne by Cacavas, Hymn to Diana by Gluck, Armada by Bennett, Two familiar Hymns by Cruger, March and Chorus by Handel, Americana by Buchtel, Annie laurie A La Moderne by Leonard, Fiesta Finale by Kepner, Drummin’ Thro’ The Rye by Ostling, Prayer and Dream Pantomine by Humperdinck and Finlandia by Sibelius.

He had his own 40 piece house band, 30 dancers and Olson’s 50 juniors. The maestro started to develop themes. While on a concert tour of the western US where in Salt Lake City they took 1st Place in the California State He saluted such places as Hawaii, spending money on props such as grass skirts, fake palm trees and tomMarching Band Competition (Alameda County Fair. toms.

1957 1962

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1962

ABOVE: San Francisco, California. Gil McKinnon, Richard Huber, Andrea Mattinson, Lorraine Hepting, Cathy Olar. Night out at Fisherman’s Wharf.

ABOVE: Gavin Beveridge, Bill Hallett, Bill Keyes, Gil McKinnon, Stan Williamson

Photos courtesy of Dan Mattinson

ABOVE: Time on the tour bus. Dave Purves, Bill Keyes, Tom Mackie (girls unknown)

ABOVE: Brownsville, Oregon. Gil McKinnon, Andrea Mattinson, Stan Williamson, Bill Hallett

ABOVE: Monterey, California. Dan Mattinson, Andrea Mattinson. Touring antique car collection.

1962

When Chrysler of Canada became stricken with the promotional value of the Lions’ halftime entertainment in 1962, the budget climbed to $22,000 a season.

38 - The Western U.S.A. Tour

The Western U.S.A. Tour

The tour included Idaho, Nevada, California, Oregan and Washington and lasted for four weeks. Travelling will be 21 girls and 37 boys. Concerts in Disneyland and elsewhere.

Black and white photos courtesy of Al Lynch

He had his own 40 piece house band, 30 dancers and Olson’s 50 juniors. The maestro started to develop themes. For a Grey Cup game, Richards got $5,000 to play around with. Even in those days of Dinah Shores, Frank He saluted such places as Hawaii, spending money on props such as grass skirts, fake palm trees and tomSinatras and Bing Crosbys, that was musical extravagance at its best. toms.

1957 1962

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1962

ABOVE: Don Jewall at left with the baritone.

Color photos courtesy of Don Jewall

1962 40 - 1962

After touring six U.S. states the band stopped off at the Seattle World’s Fair.

Who’s in the bands and marching corp ! INTERMEDIATE BAND 1962 Flute Jean Mitchell Oboes Richard Covell Cathy Bremner Clarinets Don Bergland Frank Castanza Bill Edwards John Hutton Lynne Harrison Lorraine Hepting Sandra King Kenneth Law John Morris Lloyd Panar Sally Jean Surges Kenneth Wain Jerry Evoy John McConnell Wayne McQuaig Jeffrey Ridley Barry Wray Douglas Smith Alto Saxophones Murray Steenson Pat O’Connor Valerie Sakaluk Ray Whitley Shelley Gould Peter Stewart Tenor Saxophones Faye Thompson Lawson Wood Valerie Fraser Stuart Martin

Trumpets Danny Blake Richard Bielby Kenneth Elmer Roy Fraser Allan Heide Allen Harrison Dennis Hutton Lorna Loxterkamp Howard McKerricher Jim Podgursky Jim McClellan Darryl McIwain John Pye Fred Semple Maurice Hartley Allen Jewell Kenneth Jones Horns Andrew Horvat Fred Buckwold Douglas Seeley Jim McGraw Robert Smith Byron Thorson Trombones Bonnie Bremner Brian Lorne Kenneth Cohen Ron Jamieson Baritones David Rogers Willy Cackette Bass Lawrence Smith Percussion Susan Le Noble Fred Buckwold

Douglas Seeley Jim McGraw Robert Smith Byron Thorson Trombones Bonnie Bremner Brian Lorne Kenneth Cohen Ron Jamieson Baritones David Rogers Willy Cackette Bass Lawrence Smith

‘A’ BAND

Trombones Michael Hardon Lorne Wilson Richard Habkirk Edith Winters Kenneth Klakowich Baritones Don Jewall Kenneth Williamson Basses John Laing Tom Mackie

Percussion Susan Le Noble Jim Paris Larry Beale Edward Glaser David Hall Terry Smith

Percussion Stanley Williamson Lee Harrison Betty Beveridge

Marching Corps Sheila Crooke Teri-Lynne Fortunato Mary Graham Karen Gales Linda Haggerty Marjorie Huber Sandra Lavalle Maureen Roy Vicki Scott Linda Todd Shirley Williamson

Bell Lyra Lynda Wild

Tympani Herb Neufeld

Majorette Corps Grace Bennett Cathy Olar Donna Keyes Andrea Mattinson Barbara Williamson Laurie Ann Hofer Faye Thompson Lorraine Hepting Janice Marshall Karen Johnson Patsy Greenlay Claudette Roy Betty Beveridge

Whereas your dad would go to the border and go up and down the west coast. Larry: Yeah. He wanted to go toe to toe with the US marching bands for sure. Interviewer: Which Delamont had no interest in, it was big. Cool. So, what about, he wasn’t really into jazz, was he? He did go to one Musicfest. Larry: With VC. Yeah. Van College. Interviewer: He went into one here at Expo 86, it was held at the event because I’ve got a page that I need to fill. It doesn’t matter. Larry: Yeah. I’m not sure on that. I was living in Saskatoon at the time. Interviewer: Oh. Cuz there’s no information on it at all. Larry: He definitely took VC bands to Music Fest. Vancouver College Jazz Ensemble, that is. Interviewer: Oh, okay. Larry: Oh, yeah. Yeah. He knew Jim Howard over many years. So, the year before I took over, he took them to Toronto, and he also took them in 86. And during the Expo year, there was a VC band at Music Fest that year for sure. And in Toronto in 89. Continued on page 50

The B.C. Lions and the Bayshore Inn equipped the marching band with a new and unique uniform, designed by the Yeoman of the Guard or Beefeaters. The majorettes will have jester costumes and five herald trumpets.

1962

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1962

City Band at World’s Fair Vancouver’s Junior Band outfitted in their new Beefeater uniforms, entertained crowds at Seattle World’s Fair on Wednesday. The band, 57 - strong, stopped off at the fair after a tour of six U.S. states. Bandsmen fron left to right, are: Herb Newfield, Lee Harrison and Stan Williamson.

1962

After touring six U.S. states the band stopped off at the Seattle World’s Fair.

42 - The Western U.S.A. Tour

The Western U.S.A . Tour Vancouver’s Junior Band Presents Brilliant Concert Horns aplenty rang out through the Queen Elizabeth Playhouse on Saturday night. The occasion was a concert by the Vancouver Junior Band, under the direction of Gordon Olson. Recently returned from a tour of the western United States in which they competed successfully in international band conpetitions, the 50-odd member ensemble had no difficulty in holding the interest of their large audience of admirers. Dressed in Beefeater costumes reminiscent of the Yeoman of the Guard and wielding their instruments with the confidence of veterans, they presented a picture which could only have been improved upon by the addition of sound. That sound had the precision and chesion one would expect of the champion band they are. A brilliant flourish from heraldic trumpets opened a program which ran the gamut from Handel to Lecuona and featured some promising young instrumental soloists. Phyllis Winters, Allen Lynch and Bill Hallet trumpeted through Annie Laurie with an assurnace that would make Raphael Mendez smile,, while Don Jewall gave a baritone solo which made one wonder at the mellowness and warmth of this neglected instrument. Since the concert was titled Parade of Champions, it was only fitting that the band’s majorette corps, the Jesters, should give us a display of their awardwinning technique.

Earlier in the program, the intermediate band covered the musical landscape from the Great Gate of Kiev to a Holiday in Spain in a manner that made one forget that their musical training did not exceed two-and-one-half-years. In short, the Vancouver Junior Band has again proven itself a worthy training ground for young instrumentalists. Its members ranging in age from 10 to 20, play their instruments with a dedication that reflects much credit on themselves and their director.

Beef-eater uniforms for junior band The B.C.Lions Junior Marching Band has adopted new Beef-eater uniforms instead of its old uniforms modeled by Rick Habkirk right. Other band memebers are, from left, Gil mcKinnon, Bill Hallett and Andrea Mattinson. The band will include Seattle World’s Fair in a west coast tour.

What-no piano, too? There’s a reason for the admiring glance trumpeter John Robertson, 15, is bestowing on Donna Keyes, and the reason is strictly musical. Miss Keyes, 18, girding for a Saturday night concert by the Vancouver Junior Band at John Oliver Auditorium, is demonstrating her three specialties: as majorette, baton twirler and flautist. The band hopes to raise funds for a California tour.

He had his own 40 piece house band, 30 dancers and Olson’s 50 juniors. The maestro started to develop themes. And to think it all started with a song, a girl from Edmonton with a talent for writing lyrics, and a band-leader He saluted such places as Hawaii, spending money on props such as grass skirts, fake palm trees and tomwho originally didn’t know Indian Jack from Hiawatha. toms.

1957 1962

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1963

WEST POINT UNIFORM Photos courtesy of Linda Baker

ABOVE: At the P.N.E. Parade in August

1963

BEEFEATER UNIFORM Photo courtesy of Linda Baker

ABOVE: Jean Wison, Ken Elmer and Linda Baker

Judged the best band for marching and music at the Seattle Seafair parade was the Vancouver Junior Band under the direction of Gordon Olson.

44 - The Seattle Torchlight Parade

The Seattle Torchlight Parade Our band won the Grand Award at this years Seattle Seafair Parade. Our thoughts now turn to this years P.N.E. Parade which we have won three years in a row. Our majorettes have been winning trophies as well. Last month in B.C. competiton Cathy Olar, Lorraine Hepting and Barbara Williamson won a total of six trophies, and in Seafair competiton in Seattle the Senior team- Cathy, Laurie Hofer, Terri-Lyn Fortunato and Barbara placed second, and Cathy and Barbara and Shirley took five individual trophies in 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. We have decided that this year’s booth at the P.N.E. will be dropped. It would take too much time to come up with a suitable display at this time to make it worth while. RIGHT: Mascot Barbara Williamson, 13, admires impressive Grand Award trophy.

Vancouver band wins silverware Judged the best band for marching and music at the Seattle Seafair parade was the Vancouver Junior Band under the direction of Gordon Olson. Mascot Barbara Williamson, 13, admires impressive Grand Award trophy.

He had his own 40 piece house band, 30 dancers and Olson’s 50 juniors. The maestro started to develop themes. The Vancouver Junior Band performed a concert on November 24th in the Queen Elizabeth Playhouse Theatre. He saluted such places as Hawaii, spending money on props such as grass skirts, fake palm trees and tomThe concert included the intermediate band, the concert band and their Aida Trumpets. toms.

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1963

HALFTIME CHART showing the bands marching formations. Watching intently as bandleader Dordon Olson describes marching formation are trumpeter Phyllis Winters and drum-major Mike Hardon of the Vancouver Junior Band. Band is made up of 142 youngsters and supplies entertainment at B.C. Lions football games.

DAL RICHARDS WITH GORDON OLSON There is only one reward for bandmaster Gordon Olson and 142 youngsters under his direction- the whole-hearted acclaim of more than 250,000 football fans. Olson and his Vancouver Junior Band supply most of the halftime entertainment for the home games of the B.C. Lions in the Western division of the Canadian Football Conference. And that entertainment is rated among the best anywhere.

1963

Today’s halftime show – CANADIAN HOLIDAY – will feature 250 performers.

46 - Halftime Shows

Putting on a Show!

Smart as paint in their Beefeater unifors - permission had to be granted from the British Trade Association - the band creates living pictures on the stadium turf, accompanied by outstanding band music. They spell out the namd L-I-O-N-S, make maple leaves, a spinning carousel, a sternwheeler river boat to move down the field, tall timber that topples and falls, moving covered wagons, almost anything that will fit a theme. All this means hard work. It all started when Olson decided his band was continually being compared with the Kitsilano Boys Band, primarily a concert band, and he wanted to establish a real identity for his music makers. So he decided to make it a marching band or show band. This meant the members had to be trained in marching technique. They used the “step-over” pace at eight-to-five. Translated, this means the bandssmen lift their knees high when marching as though they were stepping over automobile tires and march eight paces to five yards. continued on page

B.C.Lions FC – Putting on a Show! Between the “House Band,” the Lionettes and the Beefeaters, the three conjure up 10 entertainment units. Costs include payment of union musicians and special guests, various props and the services of two dressmakers – all costumes are custom made. Themes are decided on by April preceding each season – which begins at the end of July. Richards charts out the over-all movements of the marching bands and Lionettes, calculates the number of individuals required to form each letter or symbol on the field, and co-ordinates their individual displays. There are six practices of about two hours for the Beefeater Band and the Lionettes, for each game, and one dress rehearsal with everyone participating. Grey Cup shows require more rehearsals. Marching in formation and forming messages and symbols on the field is done in reference to the yard-line markings and the hash lines, which run the length of the field, 20 yards in from the sidelines. Timing is imperative. The Lionettes, Beefeater Band and Stadium Band enter from different corners of the field at the same time – when the scoreboard clocks run out for half time. Once arranged in their alloted areas, starting from either block (rectangular) or company front (facefront, single file) formation, they move from formation to formation, aware of guidelines …. Today’s halftime show – CANADIAN HOLIDAY – will feature 250 performers. They are: B.C. Lion’s Stadium Band, directed by Dal Richards, The B.C. Lions’ Cheerleaders with Leo mascots Susan Drake and Jeffrey Hyslop and choreography by Grace Macdonald. Our holiday includes a visit to Easteern Canada for winter-time sports, to the Maritimes for summertime water skiing, to the Pacific Coast for golf and tennis, and a visit to the Calgary Stampede on the prairies. The show is climaxed by the formation of the Maple Leaf, nine football players representing the member clubs of the Canadian Football League, and a huge replica of the Grey Cup.

He had his own 40 piece house band, 30 dancers and Olson’s 50 juniors. The maestro started to develop themes. They are: B.C. Lion’s Stadium Band, directed by Dal Richards, The B.C. Lions’ Cheerleaders with Leo mascots He saluted such places as Hawaii, spending money on props such as grass skirts, fake palm trees and tomSusan Drake and Jeffrey Hyslop and choreography by Grace Macdonald. toms.

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1964 TOUR

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Canada & Eastern U.S.A . Tour CONTENTS FESTIVALS PAGEANT OF MUSIC

P.N.E. PARADE

CANADA & EASTERN U.S. TOUR 51

PAGEANT OF MUSIC at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on April 10th. This was the last concert before the band left for their extended 6 week tour of Eastern Canada and the Eastern USA. 56 members of the Vancouver Junior Band left on a six week tour of Canada and the northeastern U.S.A on June 18. They left as ambassadors of Vancouver to fulfill an official invitation at the Lions International Convention in Toronto and two days at the World’s Fair in New York City. They will participate in an international Band Competition in Toronto, summer festivals in Brockville, Ontario and Waterbury, New York.

They played on Block House Island and gave a marching display on July 4th. Marched in a parade on the 5th and gave a concert in the afternoon in a shopping centre. Next stop, Toronto July 6,7 and 8.

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THE CHEERLEADERS Interviewer: A lot on Expo. Excuse me. Yeah. There we go. That’s all I got. Larry: Yeah, I can name some of the kids in that photo, Interviewer: But that’s all I got. I don’t know if there’s anything you can say about it and, well, you’ve already said quite a bit in terms of it already. Is that speechy? Larry: That’s Vancouver College. Continued on page75

ABOVE: The P.N.E. Parade

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Today’s halftime show – CANADIAN HOLIDAY – will feature 250 performers.

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GARY SWITLO drum-major

LINDA BAKER

Canada & Eastern U.S.A . Tour

CONCERT AT THE Q.E. THEATRE TONIGHT With his Herald’s trumpet spanning a map of Canada, Vancouver Junior Band member Allen Lynch helps to raise money for the band’s across-Canada tour.

THE PAGEANT OF MUSIC - April 10 This was the last concert before the band left for their extended 6 week tour of Eastern Canada and the Eastern USA as ambassadors of good will to the New York Worlds’ Fair. Selections included Allegro, Adagio and Alleluia by Howard Akers, Drumsticks by Edwards, Trumpet Tango with soloists Rick Francis, Jeff McLellan, Jim Chow and Jim Albertson, The Traveler Overture by Coffield, Trumpet Voluntary by Henry Purcell, Blues and Badinage by Bennett, soloist Dan Lutz, Percussion Espagnole by Robert Price, Symphonic Prelude by John Cacavas, Seascape by Alfred Reed and Dixieland Festival.

A Message from Premier Bennett While achievements of our youth always interest me, I must say the accomplishments of the vancouver Junior Band members have impressed me very much. They are notable ambassadors, well deserving of the merit they have won. W.A./C. Bennett Premier

JESTERS NIGHT: February 15th Jesters’ Night turned put to be quite a success. A good turn out of of more than 400 people saw the majorettes present a nice variety of numbers with the assistance of several band members who added a great deal of enjoyment with special selected numbers. There was a spirit of gaiety in the show and all lot of hard work went into putting all together. It was the first presentation of this kind and we hope there will be many more. Thanks to all who donated candy and baked goods. The sale from these alone netted enough to pay for the hall.

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1964 There is always something grand about a band. In 1964, 56 members of the Vancouver Junior Band left on a six week tour of Canada and the northeastern U.S.A on June 18. They left as ambassadors of Vancouver to fulfill an official invitation at the Lions International Convention in Toronto and two days at the World’s Fair in New York City. With smart original costumes, shining instruments, trim discipline, well-regearsed routines, this band always set out to make it as grand as possible. They will participate in an international Band Competition in Toronto, summer festivals in Brockville, Ontario and Waterbury, New York, a half-time show with the B.C. Lions Football Club in Winnipeg, August 4 and concerts throughout Quebec, Maritime provinces and the New England states.

FOUR MEMBERS OF MUSICAL FAMILY discuss plans for cross-country tour by Vancouver Junior Band. Barbara 14, left and Shirley, 9, are majorettes. Ken, 19, left, plays baritone, and Stan, 16, is a drummer. Their parents, Mr. and Mrs. William E. Williamson are helping raise funds for band’s expenses.

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Today’s halftime show – CANADIAN HOLIDAY – will feature 250 performers.

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Canada & Eastern U.S.A .Tour

CARNIVAL Two photos of the Carnival Event held June 13th at Vancouver College to raise money for the pending trip! Ken Klakowich, Mrs. Williamson, Mrs. Lynch and Allen Lynch. Jean Wilson showing Mrs. Purves (Mothers Auxilary President) how to play the clarinet.

DONNA KEYES AND STAN WILLIAMSON in their west point uniforms rehearse for an auxilary carnival and bazaar at Vancouver College.

They are: B.C. Lion’s Stadium Band, directed by Dal Richards, The B.C. Lions’ Cheerleaders with Leo mascots Susan Drake and Jeffrey Hyslop and choreography by Grace Macdonald.

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DEPARTING VANCOUVER Fifty-five young musicians in scarlet uniforms marched out of Vancouver on June 28 for a six-week tour of Canada and the easterm U.S.A.

Ellen Greenaway and Don Drinkle

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DON DRINKLE AND AL BOLGER Four members of the Jesters Majorette Corp - directed by Louisa Olson as well as Tom Mackie the band’s president and his wife Edna will also be on the trip.

They departed Vancouver on June 28th and their first concert was in Medicine Hat on June 29 sponsored by the Optimist Club. Next stop, Brockville, Ontario for their Summer Carnival Week. Concerts were played on July 3, 4 and 5. They played on Block House Island and gave a marching display on July 4th. Marched in a parade on the 5th and gave a concert in the afternoon in a shopping centre. Next stop, Toronto July 6,7 and 8. They marched in the Lions International Convention Parade followed by the BC Lions FC. They had to stay in a school gymnasium because all the hotels were filled. Drummondville July 9 and 10. they were given a tour of the city and refreshments at the Drummondville Golf & Curling Club. Lunch was at the Molson’s office. That evening they marched in a parade and gave a concert at the Civic Centre.

LITTLE LARRY OLSON with Mac Kerricher

In Providence, Rhode Island all the band members received Kennedy half-dollars.

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Canada & Eastern U.S.A. Tour

LAKE LOUISE There were so many bands in Toronto for the Lions’ Parade that the band could not get hotel rooms so they were put up in a school gymnasium on cots.

WINNIPEG “the girls” The highlight of the return trip home will be in Winnipeg when the band plays a familiar halftime show Lions vs Bombers. BELOW: Al, Ron, Gary, Jim, Keith, Barb, Fred, Jean, Frank, Brian, Lynne

TORONTO

In the Lion’s Convention Parade in Toronto they competed against 90 bands and came in seventh. That put the band in the class of the best marching bands in Canada.

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DRUMMONDVILLE July 9 and 10. they were given a tour of the city and refreshments at the Drummondville Golf & Curling Club. Lunch was at the Molson’s office. That evening they marched in a parade and gave a concert at the Civic Centre.

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The band members were greeted royally in Drummondville and marched through the town to put on a concert in their local park.

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Canada & Eastern U.S.A . Tour At a reception in Augusta, Maine the band members were treated royally and were individually presented to Governor Reed of Maine. The Olsons and the Mackies were presented with a case of Atlantic canned seafood.

AUGUSTA, MAINE

ABOVE: VANCOUVER JUNIOR BAND ARRIVES - Two busloads of boys, all members of the Vancouver Junior Band, arrived at Capitol Park Sunday night where they were met by Augusta Jaycees and their wives. The group will entertain tonight at Capitol Park at 6 following which as outdoor seafood supper will be served by the Jaycees. July 20 This will be the bands first concert in the U.S of this tour which will conclude at the New York World’s Fair The band gave three concerts in all that day. BELOW: Marching to Capitol Park.

In Augusta, Maine they were made honorary citizens of the State of Maine.

In Augusta, Maine they were made honorary citizens of the State of Maine. They gave several concerts around town in Capitol Park and on street corners and marched up to the State House. They marched to the athletic field and performed a concert.

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1964 On July 11 they stayed in Quebec City. July 12 and 13 they were in Edmunston, New Brunswick and Fredericton on July 14. Truro, Nova Scotia was July 15th and Charlottetown, P.E.I. on July 16 and 17. St. John was on July 18th. In Augusta, Maine they were made honorary citizens of the State of Maine. They gave several concerts around town in Capitol Park and on street corners and marched up to the State House. They marched to the athletic field and performed a concert. On July 21st they were in Providence, Rhode Island. Finally they reached New York City where they stayed at the famous Hotel Knickerbocker from July 22 through 25. After a wonderful time in New York playing at the World’s Fair they departed New York for Waterbury, Connecticut on July 26. July 27 and 28 they spent in Oneida, New York. Here they saw Niagara Falls. Then it was back on the train and long ride back to Winnipeg for three days of concerts on August 2,3 and 4. They arrived back in Vancouver on August 7th at 8:am in the morning.

NEW YORK

A letter was written to a Quebec newspaper, shortly after the band played in Montreal that summer. It was written by Maurice D. DeCelles, head of Music and Professor of Wind Instruments at Laval University and Music Co-ordinator of C.B.C. “I was impressed with the serious manner in which this leader discharged his responibilties as an educator. We have seen a group without pretensions, but with such a discipline; a discipline accepted, not imposed. Everything about these young people shows professional honesty, distinction and accuracy. This group plays with a precision which is not common in junior groups, and the orchestral ensemble had a balance which is remarkable. The brass section always keeps a proper reserve, and the woodwinds have a particularly interesting quality. As for the horns and tubas, the players impressed me by their comprehensive yet properly subdued playing in the thankless role assigned to them.

We spent 5 days in New York City and performed two concerts at the New York World’s Fair in the Tripoli Band shell. After each concert everyone rushed around the fair trying to see as much as possible.

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Finally they reached New York City where they stayed at the famous Hotel Knickerbocker from July 22 through 25.

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Canada & Eastern U.S.A .Tour Briefly – an exemplary group sustained by a leader whom I can criticize only for too great a modesty and effort. Knowing the limitations of their means, these young people and their director had not attempted to dazzle us by a spectacular production, but on the contrary have given us a sincere message seconded by a great honesty in the service of music. Bravo – young people of Vancouver; you have given us a recital which was culture. This Canadian culture we must develop and enrich by mutual contacts if we are going to be distinguished, on this continent, from the American “melting pot.” I know that there exists in this country other similar groups, for I have often directed them in the English parts of Ontario and in Western Canada. Unfortunately, in our “Belle Province,” I know of no groups of this calibre. Only in those rare exceptions which one could count on the fingers of the hand could one make a certain com

parison with the work and the results obtained elsewhere. Why cannot all our local groups give a helping hand to start such an instrumental group as this Vancouver Junior Band. The upkeep and susequent progress of such a group could be sponsored by individual clubs, each in turn. We have here in our city everything necessary to establish as excellent youth group. Our young people are remarkably endowed musically, and competent teachers are not lacking. We have only to find material and financial support.”

The band received a Certificate of Recognition for participation in the New York Worlds’ Fair. BELOW: Lon Turnbill, Jean Wilson, Fred Semple, Brian Lorne

WATERBURY, CONNECTICUT

Their concert in Onieda saw over 3,000 people come to hear and see the Vancouver Junior Band

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1964 In Winnipeg on the way home after marching a very strenuous parade, Mr. Olson said the hotel wanted us to play in front and then march through the dining room. Everyone groaned but once we got going the old football spirit ignited within us and we just kept marching. We went through another hotel and restaurant, and then the Eaton’s Department Store. Roar, Lions, Roar was played at full volume wherever we went. Traffic was held up as the band crossed the street single file, to the cadence of drums. I don’t think the citizens of Winnipeg will ever forget the day the Beefeater Band came to town! The band members attended two parties in Winnipeg. The first was in a hall at the St. Regis Hotel. The other was in the baggage car of our train the night before we arrived. Our dance band played. The party in the baggage car was crazy. It all started when Ken Jones decided to put on a night gown.

HOME AGAIN!

ABOVE: The four Jesters who accompanied the band on its Eastern trip this year. JUNIOR BAND HOME AGAIN LEFT: Souvenir Diary of their travels through Eastern Canada and into the United States, with a stop at the World’s Fair is sorted by four members of the Vancouver Junior Band. The young people who’ve seen much of the country this summer and taken the name of Vancouver afar included Barbara Williamson, Don Drinkle, Linda Baker and Albert Bolger.

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The Aida Trumpets played the opening fanfare at the Tiporillo Band Pavillion at the World’s Fair heralding one of their finest performances.

60 - Trumpeters at the Q.E. Theatre

Want to be in picture? Three hours a week and six dollars a month. If you are an able-bodied boy or girl from 12 to 17 that’s all you need to become a full-fledged member of the Vancouver Junior Band. The band is the official marching band for the B.C. Lions football games and is looking for 25 or 30 new members – and you don’t need to be experienced. Band director Gordon Olson says the organization looks after all the instruction, for $6 monthly dues, and even supplies instruments for you. The group started in 1944 with 23 members, all beginners. Today it has about 125, an impressive number, especially when you see them marching in full formation, in the bright red uniforms which are the traditional garb of the British beefeater. On these occasions they are flanked by a corps of 30 batontwirling majorettes, the Jesters, also in costume. They too are looking for new members, girls between 13 and 18. The band plays and marches in half-time shows at all B.C.Lions games, as well as putting on concerts both locally and nationally.

BELOW: TRUMPETERS OUTSIDE THE Q.E. THEATRE courtesy of Al Lynch (2nd from left).

The band is the official marching band for the B.C. Lions football games and is looking for 25 or 30 new members

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The band group now consists of 175 musicians and 40 majorettes. During the football season it performs as the B.C. Lion’s marching band and has been featured in halftime shows at three Grey Cup games.

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The Twentieth Anniversay Concert CONTENTS FESTIVALS

CONCERTS PARADES

20TH ANNIVERSARY 63

20TH ANNIVERSARY On the evening of February 8th more than 640 people gathered into the banquet room of the Bayshore Inn to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Vancouver Junior Band. After the banquet an evening of entertainment was planned. The show featured a 120 piece massed band made up of former students over the past 20 years. The former students had been rehearsing and were up to the challenge. The present band of 65 presented the musical highlight’s of the evening. In all there were 200 young musicians and 40 majorettes at the celebration. “It will really be wonderful getting together with so many of my former students and finding out what they’re doing now,” Mr.Olson commented before the event.

It has toured almost every major city in North America and won 40 first place awards in competition with bands in Canada and the USA. It has played at two World Fairs (Seattle and New York).

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1965 The band group now consisted of 175 musicians and 40 majorettes. During the football season it performed as the B.C. Lion’s marching band and has been featured in halftime shows at three Grey Cup games. It had toured almost every major city in North America and won 40 first place awards in competition with bands in Canada and the USA. It had played at two World Fairs (Seattle and New York).

THE PASSING OF SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL Photo: Sunday January 14th, 1965. Heads Bowed in silent prayer, they stood, nearly 4,000strong, in the PNE Agrodome Sunday and paused to remember…when one gruff voice rang out alone through a dark world to challenge the Nazi menace…. when one voice stirred the British people to fight on in the name of freedom. Vancouver churches had scheduled the inter-denominational Christian unity service before the British statesman’s death. The VJB offered musical selections.

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When one gruff voice rang out alone through a dark world to challenge the Nazi menace….

64 - Twentieth Anniversary

20th Anniversary of the VJB RIGHT: August 3rd, 1965 Harken All to sound of victory by Lindsay Cheesman, 14, to mark Vancouver’s Junior Band’s third win in Seattle Seafair band competition on July 31st. She’s flanked by Jean Wilson, 16, Doug Smith, 14

Seafair Parade Dazzles, Delights Crowd

Seafair’s Grand Parade shimmered through town today. A procession of visula and musical splendor, the biggest of all Seafair’s 1965 parades, passed before a sun-warmed crowd of many thousands.

ABOVE: Harken all to sound of victory by Lindsay Cheesman 14, to mark Vancouver’s Junior Band’s third win in Seattle Seafair band competition. She’s flanked by Jean Wilson, 16, Doug Smith, 14. He had his own 40 piece house band, 30 dancers and Olson’s 50 juniors. The maestro started to develop themes. onesuch voice stirred Britishspending people tomoney fight on the name HeWhen saluted places as the Hawaii, oninprops such of asfreedom. grass skirts, fake palm trees and tomtoms.

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1965 THE MAJORETTES If a pretty girl is like a melody, then here are seven melodies in counterpoint. Getting ready for the Vancouver Jesters Majorette Concert ‘65 at Sunset Community Centre - Saturday at 8 p.m. - ate (from left): Suzanne Roy, 14: Barb Williamson, 15; Cathy Olar, 18; Claudette Roy, 16; Bunny mcCaughan, 15; Lorraine Hepting, 18; and Andrea Mattinson, 19. Jesters are associated with the Vancouver Junior Band. Majorette Barbara Williamson (right) is pictured in the Jesters’ costume. Girls wishiong to join the corps may contact the director, Mrs. Louisa Olson.

BARB WILLIAMSON

LEFT: Fourth Avenue and Senaca Street was a popular spot for viewing the Seafair Grand parade. Big crowd cheered the snappy British Columbia Lions Junior Band. From the moment a float glided into the line of marchers from from an assembly south of Madison Street, until it joined others in the Seattle High School Memorial Stadium after its triumphant tour of Fourth Avenue, each entry bubbled in the golden air. It took two hours for the procession to pass any single point. It will take weeks and months before memory of the sight yields to other joys. Robert A. Richardson, chairman and grand marshall, kept a complex lineup working with oil-like smoothness-his chore advanced by aides.

1965

In August it won 1st Place at the PNE Band Competition as well.

66 - Twentieth Anniversary

20th Anniversary of the VJB LEFT: April 24: Linda Baker, 16, charms an Easter lily as a prelude to the Vancouver Junior Band’s “Pageant of Music” at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Tuesday at 8 p.m. The Mount Baker High School Band from Mount Baker, Wash., will also take part.

A Pageant of Music On Tuesday April 27 the band performed in concert at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Special guests were the Mount Baker High School Band directed by Gordon Ford. Selections included Little March For Band by John Morrissey, Hey Pedro, Sit Down by Arthur Jasper, Go Down Moses Arr. by Maurice Whitney, Allegro, Adagio, Allelulia by Howard Akers, A Symphonic Prelude by Alfred Reed, Trombone Troubadours by David Bennett, Variations on a Folk Song by Schuman and Erickson, Pink Panther by Mancini, Original Dixieland Concerto by Warrington, Procession of the Knights of the Holy Grail by Wagner, Tournament of Trumpets by David Bennett, Totem Pole by Eric Osterling and Die Meistersinger by

Victoria B.C. sent along a float simulating the city’s Centennial Square, a green, white and gold entry sparking applause. Another Canadian visitor, the Pacific national Exhibition’s “City of Lights and Flowers,” entered a float with a revolving carousel, a float of white, pink and gold. “PORTS OF CALL” was the theme for this years parade.

LEFT: Invitation to perform in Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, Calif., New Year’s Day, has been received by Gordon Olson’s Vancouver Junior band. Penny Knull, 15, will be one of 100 band members to make trip.

PENNY KNULL

He had his own 40 piece house band, 30 dancers and Olson’s 50 juniors. The maestro started to develop themes. He saluted such places as Hawaii, Special spending guests were money the Mount on props Baker such High as grass Schoolskirts, Band fake directed palmbytrees Gordon and Ford. tomtoms.

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1965 2oth Anniversary of the Vancouver Junior Band On the evening of February 8th more than 640 people gathered in the banquet room of the Bayshore Inn to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Vancouver Junior Band. After the banquet an evening of entertainment was planned. The show featured a 120 piece massed band made up of former students over the past 20 years. The former students had been rehearsing and were up to the challenge. The present band of 65 presented the musical highlight’s of the evening. In all there were 200 young musicians and 40 majorettes at the celebration. “It will really be wonderful getting together with so many of my former students and finding out what they’re doing now,: Mr.Olson commented before the event.

BEEFEATER BAND PLAYS ON For six months, 113 Vancouver youngsters under the direction of Gordon Olson have been rehearsing for a world wide television appearance, Jan. 1. They are the members of the Vancouver Junior Band which will be part of B.C.s big display at the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade in New Year’s Day.

1965 1965

B.C. is sending a float accompanied by a mounted RCMP detachment and the band in its spectacular Beefeater uniforms for the parade which will be seen around the world via telestar. Appearances at major events is no novelty to the Vancouver Junior Band now in its 21st year. For 10 seasons it has been a major attraction at the B.C. Lions’ professional football games in Empire Stadium.

The anniversary show featured a 120 piece massed band made up of former students over the past 20 years.

68 - Twentieth Anniversary

20th Anniversary of the V.J.B.

1st Place at the PNE Band Competition The band has appeared on three telecasts of the Grey Cup national football final. It has toured extensively in the U.S. and Canada, including as appearance last year at the New York World’s Fair. Dozens of youngsters have received valuable additions to their education through the tours. Ans the personnel is always changing. The group that will make the trip to Pasadena includes 100 musicians and 13 girls from the Jesters majorette corps, ages 15-19. He had his own 40 piece house band, 30 dancers and Olson’s 50 juniors. The maestro started to develop themes. The presentsuch band of 65as presented musicalmoney highlight’s of thesuch evening. In all therefake werepalm 200 young musicians He saluted places Hawaii,the spending on props as grass skirts, trees and tomand 40 majorettes at the celebration. toms.

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1965

In addition to the Rose Bowl Parade, there will be concerts at Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, the meccas of all tourists to Southern California, before returning home Jan. 3.

1965 1965

ABOVE: Helping to celebrate Junior Band’s twentieth anniversary reunion and Vancouver dinner at the Bayshore tonight will be Al Bolger, 17, an eight-year veteran and Joy Raymond, 26, an original member as a majorette.

The Vancouver Junior band which will be part of B.C.s big display at the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day, 1966..

70 - Twentieth Anniversary

20th Anniversary of the V.J.B. From past experience, Olson expects his band, in its brilliant scarlet and gold uniforms designed after the ancient uniforms worn by the Yeoman of the Guard, at the Tower of London, to create lots of excitement in the U.S. crowds. “When we appeared at Ashland Ore., where they hold the Shakespearean Festival,” Olson said, “the band could have stayed all summer the people were so delighted with the period costumes and the music.”

continued from page Then they had to learn close-order drill with left, right and flank turns and all the other precise manoeuvres that look so smart. Gordon attended summer classes on marching bands at Western Washington College and works out all the routines himself. For the football games, he sits down with B.C. Lions halftime committee and they decide the themes for the eight or more games at which the band will play. Olson works out the formations on a big blackboard in the band hall. And every band member has a number so that when they are assigned a position they know without ever having been on the field exactly where each musician is at any given moment. Then the Jesters, the 12- member majotette corps and 40-member B.C. Lions cheer leaders chorus line, have to be worked in for a co-ordinated whole. “The kids love the quick-marching style,” says Olson. “I have tried to impress on them that they are a show band. Now they consider military square.” They have been acclaimed in Minneapolis, Clagary, California and Oregon.

He had his own 40 piece house band, 30 dancers and Olson’s 50 juniors. The maestro started to develop themes. Forsaluted six months, Vancouver youngsters under the direction Gordon Olsonskirts, have been He such113 places as Hawaii, spending money on propsofsuch as grass fake rehearsing palm treesfor anda world tomwide television appearance, Jan 1. toms.

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1966

A three-part entry from British Columbia will be one of the highlights of the 77th annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. They are: The RCMP Musical Ride, The Vancouver Junior Band and a themed float seen above called “It’s a Small World.”

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Pasadena Tournament of Roses CONTENTS FESTIVALS CONCERTS

PARADES

PASADENA ROSE PARADE

PASADENA TORNAMENT OF ROSES At 5:00 a.m. on December 29, 1965, the band assembled at Vancouver International Airport for the 6:00 a.m. flight to California for the 1966 Rose Bowl Parade. They were to officially represent the Province of British Columbia at the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. There were so many large instruments and cargo that each band member was only allowed to take one bag (30 pounds) and a carry-on bag. While in California the band stayed at the California State College.

The colorful parade of 60 floats, 20 bands and numerous beauty queens along Colorado Boulevard will be MC’d by Arthur Godfrey and Bess Myerson.

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1966 For six months, 113 Vancouver youngsters under the direction of Gordon Olson have been rehearsing for a world wide television appearance, Jan 1. They are members of the Vancouver Junior band which will be part of B.C.s big display at the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day. B.C. is sending a float accompanied by a mounted RCMP detachment and the band in its spectacular Beefeater uniforms for the parade which will be seen around the world via telestar. Appearances at major events is no novelty to the Vancouver Junior Band, now in its 21st year. For 10 seasons it has been a major attraction at the B.C. Lion’s professional football games in Empire Stadium. It has appeared on three telecasts of the Grey Cup national football final. It has toured extensively in the U.S. and Canada,

ABOVE: Premier W.A.C. Bennett

1965 1966

The Vancouver Junior band which will be part of B.C.s big display at the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day, 1966..

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including an appearance last year at the New York World’s Fair. Dozens of youngsters have received valuable additions to their education through the tours. And the personnel is always changing. The group that will make the trip to Pasadena includes 100 musicians and 13 girls from the Jesters majorette corps, aged 15-19. Concerts are also scheduled at Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm.

Pasadena Rose Parade

ABOVE: Chaperones BELOW: Gordon & Louisa RIGHT: Disneyland FAR RIGHT: Getting ready to depart Photos courtesy of Linda Baker Williamson

Interviewer: Okay. That’s Vancouver College. Larry: See, there was an intermingling too. There were VC kids in Beefeaters. Interviewer: There was a Beefeater band President. All the bands in Vancouver that time were very incestual. They all played in everybody else’s band. Larry: That’s a good word for it, really. Continued on page 80 He had his own 40 piece house band, 30 dancers and Olson’s 50 juniors. The maestro started to develop themes. Forsaluted six months, Vancouver youngsters under the direction Gordon Olson havefake beenpalm rehearsing world He such 113 places as Hawaii, spending money on props of such as grass skirts, trees for andatomwide television appearance, Jan 1. toms.

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ROSEBOWL

At 5:00 a.m. on December 29, 1965, the band assembled at Vancouver International Airport for the 6:00 a.m. flight to California for the 1966 Rose Bowl Parade. They were to officially represent the Province of British Columbia at the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. There were so many large instruments and cargo that each band member was only allowed to take one bag (30 pounds) and a carry-on bag. While in California the band stayed at the California State College. After their arrival and settling in, the next day (December 30) the band appeared in Santa Anita and played at the race course with the RCMP contingent that also came down for the Rose Bowl Parade. December 31 was a free day for a sightseeing trip to Los Angeles, Hollywood and Knott’s Berry Farm. On January 1st they marched in the Rose Bowl Parade.

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They were to officially represent the Province of British Columbia at the Pasadena Tournament of Roses.

DISNEYLAND

Entertainment at the Rose Bowl was by the Robin Hood Band. The next day on January 2nd they performed at Disneyland, followed by a tour. On January 3rd the band left Los Angeles around 5:00 p.m. on a CP Air charter flight. The flight was diverted to Calgary due to a snow storm that hit the Lower Mainland causing Vancouver International Airport to divert all in-bound flights to other airports. When their flight landed it was bitterly cold (way below 0 degrees F) and they spent the night at a Calgary hotel. They were all dressed in light clothing as it was very warm when they left Los Angeles and the walk from the plane to the terminal was like a trip to the North Pole.

On January 3rd the band left Los Angeles around 5:00 p.m. on a CP Air charter flight.

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1966 Gordon Olson, who started thye band after the war and has guided it all the way to its present eminence, is proud of his musical charges. He never fails to be amazed at the speed with which youngsters totally without musically training learn to play an instrument well enough to fit into the band. Mind you, several members of the Vancouver Symphony contribute their time and talent for a nominal fee to teach the yougsters, but Olson is the guiding spirit.

ABOVE: TOM MACKIE, who has been with the Vancouver Junior Band for seven years, shows fellow band member Sheryl Davie a few of the souvenirs he has picked up on his travels. The Beefeaters, who took B.C.s standard to the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, Calif., Jan 1, will present concert Thursday, 8 p.m., Queen Elizabeth Theatre to finance next tour.

1965 1966

SEATTLE SEAFAIR PARADE New Fame, New Awards came back from Seattle’s Seafair celebrations with Vancouver’s famous Beefeater Band Monday. Barbara Williamson, 16, holds up two first place trophies won by the 100-member group – Seattle Seafare Grande Musical Award and the High School Marching Band Award.

The Vancouver Junior band which will be part of B.C.s big display at the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day, 1966..

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Pasadena Rose Parade and the Socred band played on On Monday night August 29th old-style political campaigning with bands, dancing girls and baby-kissing candidates came back to Vancouver and collided head-on with modern-day red tape. Before a “gay-nineties” show, in support of Vancouver Centre Social Credit candidates Herb Capozzi and Evan Wolfe, got on the rails at Alexandra Park over looking English Bay, there was Musicians’ Union trouble and illegal parking trouble. The featured band was the Vancouver Junior Band. Because of this, the Musician’s Union demanded a 25-member standby band at the union’s $5-an hour-per-man scale. The promoters had planned that at least one band would play in the park grandstand. The standby band couldn’t play there because the union didn’t have an agreement that year with the park board. So the standby band played unobtrusively in a corner of the park until the junior band arrived from the PNE a half-hour late. But the junior band couldn’t play in the bandstand either because bandmaster Gordon Olson was a member of the Musician’s Union. Two chartered flatdeck trucks were corralled in a hurry for a temporary bandstand at curbside on Burnaby Street bordering the park. But the police said no, this is a “no parking any time zone.” It was an impasse until a special parking dispensation was obtained from City Traffic Engineer Kenneth Vaughan-Birch. Only then did the fun start. Dwellers from towering apartment blocks frowning down on the park came out of their cubicles and tourists stopped to wonder at the ways of the west and Social Credit. Capozzi, the resigned general manager of the Lion’s football club, and Wolfe, his motor dealer running mate, circulated in the grand style shaking hands, pinning on campaign buttons, and kissing a baby or two. The campaign speeches were short. The music was swingy and sweet. The elderly ladies cooed, and the young lasses and laddies were invited to a Capozzi-Wolfe “go-go” a week Wednesday. Said first-time campaigner Wolfe: “By a coincidence, I just happened

to be here.” Said second-time campaigner Capozzi: “This is more fun than some of the speeches I’ve heard in the past two weeks.” Said the junior band: “We’re doing it for our old friend Capozzi.” The standby musicians grinned. The crowd of 500 clapped loudly and danced jigs. And the band played on.

The Big Parade - “Join the band and see the world” - or at least part of it. This could be the call to youngsters in Vancouver, and they answer the call by taking up their trumpets and drums and marching down the travel street. Some of the marchers have recently returned from California where they took part in the big Rose Bowl parade, and played at Disneyland. Two members of the B.C. Centennial Beefeaters Band, also known as the B.C. Lions’ Marching Band, are John McConnell, 18 and Ellen Greenaway, 16.

He had his own 40 piece house band, 30 dancers and Olson’s 50 juniors. The maestro started to develop themes. Forsaluted six months, Vancouver youngsters under the direction Gordon Olson have fake been palm rehearsing world He such 113 places as Hawaii, spending money on props of such as grass skirts, trees for anda tomwide television appearance, Jan 1. toms.

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1966 Interviewer: Pat Powell, do you remember him? He played in your dad’s band in the early sixties. And he also played in the Kits band. He went on my first 66 trip. Larry: Take advantage of what’s out there. Interviewer: And Delamont knew who everybody was, and I’m sure your dad knew who everybody was. If he’s looking for a bass clarinet player. Maybe he’ll go borrow it from this band for this concert. Larry: Yeah. Like I mentioned previously, the VC band program was not incredibly strong until 1979 and after when dad took the lead, started full time there. But he would regularly recruit Beefeater band players to perform at VC band concerts to, you know, fill out the ranks and get some more solid players going in there. And then of course, Continued on page 84 ABOVE: Beefeaters see themselves in action. Holding Momento of Vancouver Junior Band’s trip to Pasadena Tournament of Roses in California Jan.1 are Sandra (left) and Jeff McClellan, two members of the Beefeaters. The band was presented with picture of itself in Rose Bowl parade in a ceremony at Vancouver City Hall Wednesday.

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The Vancouver Junior Band was invited by the Province of British Columbia to represent the Province at the Convention of A.S.T.A. (American Society of Travel Agents). The convention was being held that year in the Seattle Opera House on October 2nd and 3rd.

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Pasadena Rose Parade

PAGEANT OF MUSIC On Thursday April 21, 1966 the Vancouver Beefeater Band, under the direction of Gordon C. Olson put on a Pageant of Music at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. The Master of Ceremonies was Ted Reynolds. By this date the band had won over 150 awards for musical excellence in top competitions in Canada and the U.S.A. Citations for artistic achievemnet and public service has been received from the Provincial governments of many provinces and from governors of eastern and western States. The band had appeared on many radio and T.V. networks including C.B.U.T.. C.T.V., A.B.C. and N.B.C. Besides the concert and marching groups, the famous Vancouver Beefeaters Band features specialty groups from its ranks, such as the trim and lovely Jesters Majorette Corps, Dixieland band, specialty artists and dancers. Selections played at their Pageant of Music included Carnival by Rimsky Korsakov, Variations on a Folk Song by Shumann and Erikson, Buglers Holiday, Leroy Anderson, Chicago by Fred Fisher, Tournaments of Horns by David Bennett, Clarinet Carousel by David Bennett, Procession of Nobles by Rimsky Korsakov, Dixieland Jamboree, Arr. Warrington, Symphony No.5 by Anton Dvorak.

HeOther had his own 40 piece houseaggregations band, 30 dancers and Olson’s started to develop themes. outstanding musical had been selected50 tojuniors. performThe as maestro well (a 350 piece select high school Heband saluted such places as Hawaii, spending money on props such as grass skirts, fake palm trees and tomfrom Washington State., the U.S. State Department Choir recently returned from a European Tour, John toms. Scott Trotter and his 50 piece orchestra).

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The band flew to Winnipeg for Pan American Games rehearsals. Then they were off to the mid western U.S. where the band appeared in Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis.

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Mid-Western Canada & U.S.A. Tour CONTENTS FESTIVALS CONCERTS

PARADES

EXPO 67

CHICAGO

MID-WESTERN CANADA & US TOUR In Winnipeg the band was featured in a 15 minute tabloid in the opening ceremonies of the Pan American Games which was televised nationally. Highlights were the 10 heraldic trumpeters of the band playing a fanfare to announce the arrival of the Duke of Edinburgh who opened the games. They played the Royal Fanfare as well as the fanfares marking the principal events surrounding the ceremonies. The band also appeared in London, Oshawa, Cornwall, Ottawa, Sault Ste. Marie and Port Arthur before returning home and another season of half-time shows for the B.C. Lions’ football games.

The Chicago appearance was at the Lion’s International convention where 137 countries were represented.

Expo 67 on July 13, 14 and 15.

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1967 The Vancouver Junior Band is off again Wednesday as musical ambassadors to the rest of North America. Under director Gordon Olson, the 80 members of the Beefeater band and the Jesters majorette corps will fly to Winnipeg for Pan American Games rehearsals. Then it’s off to the mid-western U.S. where the band will appear in Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis. The Chicago appearance is at the Lion’s International convention where 137 countries will be represented. The band is in the bandshell at Expo 67 on July 13, 14 and 15. At the opening of the Pan Am Games in Winnipeg, the band will be featured in a 15 minute marching band pageant as well as many other spots in the two-hour program.

JESTERS Another Jesters Night was held on February 28 at Annie B. Jamieson School. MC for the evening was Ron Morrier. Jesters included: Sandra Brodie, Judy Binding, Lindsay Cheeseman, Linda Cowieson, Diane Fulcher, Carol Grassi, Joy Hofer, Adiane Middleton, Wendy McKay, Cloria O’Sullivan, Suzanne Roy. The Intermediates: Kathy Brownlee, Carol Monroe, Janice Manuck, Melany Walsh

JESTERS LEFT: (back to front) Suzanne Roy, Barbara Williamson, Carol Grassi, Lindsay Cheesman, Joy Hofer,

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Another Jesters Night was held on February 28 at Annie B. Jamieson School.

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there are a lot of the band college kids who wanted to join Beefeaters. They knew it was still very, very strong, with performing opportunities and tours, you know. Interviewer: Yeah, no, it was just the way of the land at the time. The bands were so popular that everybody knew everyone, and nobody ever was upset, there was a competition, but it was never a killer competition where you were going to beat someone up, it was just more or less friendly competition. Larry: Oh yeah. And still is to this day, that’s the spirit of it. Like you want to be the best group in the festival, but you also want to learn from the group that is the best in the festival, you know? Interviewer: You say your dad was at so many of these, musicfests, so he must have been a supporter of the competitive festivals. Continued on page 86

Western Canada & U.S.A. Tour The highlight will be the 10 heraldic trumpeters of the band playing a fanfare to announce the arrival of the Duke of Edinburgh who will open the games. Appearances are also scheduled at London, Oshawa, Cornwall, Ottawa, Sault Ste. Marie and Port Arthur, Ontario. Then, it’s back home and another season of half-time shows for the B.C. Lions’ football games.

PAGEANT OF MUSIC RIGHT: March 31, 1967 Massive puff by bug-eyed musician, 13 year-old Robbie Habkirk, of 8350 Fremlin, blasts a high note from trombone during Pageant of Music by Vancouver Junior Band Thursday night. brightly clad “Beefeaters” thrilled audience of more than 2,000 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre with works ranging from symphonic to modern pop tunes.

CARNIVAL RIGHT: Friday Hune 16, 1967 Vancouver Junior (Beefeater) band member Jim Albertson demonstrates heraldic trumpet to Mrs. Denny Veitch, left, and Mrs. Gordon Olson of the band’s auxiliary, which plans a carnival and bazaar Saturday. The band and majorette Corps will entertain at the event, to be held in Vancouver College gymnasium, Thirty-eighth and Cartier, from 2 to 10 p.m.

He had his own 40 piece house band, 30 dancers and Olson’s 50 juniors. The maestro started to develop themes. Junior (Beefeater) bandspending member money Jim Albertson demonstrates heraldic to Mrs. HeVancouver saluted such places as Hawaii, on props such as grass skirts,trumpet fake palm treesDenny and tomVeitch, left, and Mrs. Gordon Olson of the band’s auxiliary, toms.

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1967 Beefeaters March Again In 1967, the 80 member strong Vancouver Junior Band under the direction Gordon C. Olson, accompanied by the Jesters Majorette Corps flew to Winnipeg for Pan American Games rehearsals. Then they were off to the mid western U.S. where the band appeared in Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis. The Chicago appearance was at the Lion’s International convention where 137 countries were represented. The band appeared in the bandshell at Expo 67 in Montreal on July 13, 14 and 15. In Winnipeg the band was featured in a 15 minute tabloid in the opening ceremonies which was televised nationally. Highlights were the 10 heraldic trumpeters of the band playing a fanfare to announce the arrival of the Duke of Edinburgh who opened the games. They played the Royal Fanfare as well as the fanfares marking the principal events surrounding the ceremonies. The band also appeared in London, Oshawa, Cornwall, Ottawa, Sault Ste. Marie and Port Arthur before returning home and another season of half-time shows for the B.C. Lions’ football games.

Larry: Absolutely. Every year he would take bands into the Kiwanis Festival. Concert band or jazz band. And I carried that on when I took it over too. I supported Kiwanis for many years Interviewer: And there was a whole movement away from all that. Larry: No. I don’t think so. Interviewer: Pete Stigings and Dennis Tupman, all those guys, they were much more interested in, less competitive festivals there is a whole bunch of them still out there now. Basically, they just want friendly competition where all

1965 1967

The Chicago appearance was at the Lion’s International convention where 137 countries were represented.

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Mid- Western Canada & US Tour receive a rating but no winner. You’re not really competing. What they’re doing is getting a red award or you’re getting a number, but you don’t come out with a winner. You supposedly come out with everybody feeling good about the content. Larry: Yeah. I guess there’s a bit of a movement away from competitive festivals, but you know, they still kind of coexist. And in a lot of music festivals, you can declare yourself as competitive or not. You can go in for adjudication only or you can go for adjudication and a rating. Other festivals, it’s not optional, but competitive festivals are still very much a thing especially in the United States. Like at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Idaho, everything from single A to quadruple. Semiahmoo goes every year. Interviewer: You’re talking competitive festivals versus just everybody gets a pat on the back and feel-good comments from the adjudicator. Okay. So, let’s go back to your grandfather for a minute, give me an idea how he… Okay. You were saying that he started in Norway. Ken: That’s the way it’s been recollected to us that back in Norway, there was a family tradition of bands and music. In the early 20th century, my grandparents had immigrated. My grandfather from Norway and my grandmother from Sweden. They actually met in the immigration hall, in Montreal. We always knew my grandfather as Joseph and my grandmother as Ellen. But as Larry pointed out, that was an anglicization of their original Norwegian names, as was common practice back then. But essentially, once my grandfather arrived, it was, as with so many immigrant families, you didn’t have two names you combined them together. So, for my grandfather it was most definitely, a multi work reality. Interviewer: So when did he arrive in Canada? Ken: They would have arrived in Canada; I believe about 1907. I’d have to double check that date if I have that actual record. I have a bunch of information already. Early 1900’s. Interviewer: He came to Vancouver right away? Ken: In Montreal for several years. My dad was born in Montreal. So, Continued on page 111

Pacific National Exhibition parade August 1967 Parade Sports 100 Entries This year’s Pacific National Exhibition parade was the biggest ever, with almost 100 floats, exhibits and bands. Lt. Gov. George Pearkes and Mrs. Pearkes will head the parade. Labor and Education Minister Leslie Peterson, world swimmer Elaine Tanner and sprinter Harry Jerome will also appear. The parade began at 10 a.m. Saturday and was an hour long. The procession started at Thurlow Street and travelled along Georgia, Burrard, Hastings to Clark Drive were it ended at 12:30 noon. The PNE Century float was one of the highlights and one of the longest at 40 feet. The float saluted 100 years of confederation.

He had his own 40 piece house band, 30 dancers and Olson’s 50 juniors. The maestro started to develop themes. HeThis saluted such places as Hawaii, spending money on props grass skirts,100 fake palmexhibits trees and year’s Pacific National Exhibition parade was the biggestsuch ever,aswith almost floats, andtombands. toms.

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LEFT: Jolly Jester 16 year-old Lynne Trembley eyes Grand Musical Award won by Vancouver Junior Beefeater Band at Seattle Seafair.

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ABOVE: Drumming up interest in carnival and bazaar planned by Mother’s Auxiliary to Vancouver Junior (Beefeater) Band, Mrs. F.A.B.Bennett, president, wields drum sticks to amusement of band members Joy Hofer and Rick Hill. Bazaar will be Saturday from 1 to 9 p.m. in Vancouver College gymnsasium.

Grand Musical Award won by Vancouver Junior Beefeater Band at Seattle Seafair.

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Seattle Seafair Parade

LEFT: July 27, 1968 Jester Wendy Mackay, 17, a member of the Vancouver Junior Band, tootles a trumpet in a salute to the Beefeaters for winning – for the fifth time – the grand musical award for junior bands at the Seattle Seafair. The band won the award earlier in 1961, 1963, 1965 and 1966. The band has 78 members.

He had his own 40 piece house band, 30 dancers and Olson’s 50 juniors. The maestro started to develop themes. trumpetsuch in a salute Beefeaters for winning the fifth – the grand award forand junior HeAsaluted places toasthe Hawaii, spending money –onforprops suchtime as grass skirts, musical fake palm trees tombands at the Seattle Seafair. toms.

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Crowds estimated at 80,000 to 100,000

This year marked offall thethat continent for themarched British along Columbia Beefeater Band. They arrived The Canadians stealthe the first showtrip with jazz as to 300Europe performers Princes Street in the brilliant sunin London on July 21 via a PWA charter flight from Vancouver. shine to mark the opening of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

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The Edinburgh Military Tattoo CONTENTS FESTIVALS CONCERTS

PARADES EDINBURGH

EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO “We were a complete smash hit at the tattoo,” said Gordon Olson. The festival producer and many others said we were the number one item there and the producer hopes to have us back in the tattoo in 1971 or 1972. “We definitely put Canada and B.C. on the map.” Olson said the band played before about 250,000 people at the festival and about 85 million television viewers when one night of the tatoo was broadcast by the British Broadcasting Corp. The band, whose members range in age from 14 to 19 was the only Canadian youth group participating in the festival, which also included the R.C.M.P. Musical Ride. The seven week tour, the first overseas tour for the band, began with performances in Belgium, Holland, West Germany, Luxembourg

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On July 24th, the Beefeater Band departed England Doveratfor OstendePark by steamer and Gardens then coach Brussells While in London en route to Edinburgh the bandatplayed Battersea and Festival on to Sunday as one Edinburgh Military where they stayed overnight at the Hotel Van Belle.. Tattoo, August 15th of 300 performers and 30 floats that made up the Carnival procession in South London.

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1969 BELOW: Wednesday March 19, 1969 Music goes round and round as french horn section gets special attention from conductor Gordon Olson during BC Beefeater Band’s rehearsal. Group will tour Britain and Europe this summer.

Pageant of Music On Wednesday, April 16 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre the band performed its Pageant of Music with MC Ted Reynolds for 1600 people. The performance was one of the main fundraising efforts to send the 74 young musicians to the Edinburgh Festival Tattoo this summer. In addition, Herb Capozzi, Social Credit MLA for Vancouver Centre, presented their conductor Gordon Olson with the provincial government’s cheque for $4,200. Representing the team, Miss B.C. Lions, Valerie Bryan, handed over one for $500. It was a rousing send-off. Rousing certainly, and colorful, with the musicians in the full regalia of their scarlett Beefeater uniforms, but also a bit

1965 1969

ragged when they attempted pieces outside the range of their forte, which is the march. Before they reach Edinburgh on August 15, their trumpeters would do well to tighten their ranks a bit, especially in their classical repertoire. Selections included Beaded Belts by Erickson, Finlandia by Sibelius, Hornascope by Bennett, George Girl, Die Meistersinger by Wagner, Mountain Greenery by Rodgers, Tailgate Concerto arr. Warrington. After intermission the band performed Colonel Bogey by Alford, Carnival Variations by Jacoby and McRae, Russian Easter Overture by Korsakoff,

“First class. It had a real bite to it. I don’t think I’ve heard a group that has had such a professional sound. This is the most tremendous band I’ve heard for years. If you’re only half as good as that you will be better than most of the bands we have ever had.” Brigadier J.S. Sanderson upon hearing the Beefeater Band for the first time in the Arcadian Hall.

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Concerts Beefeaters will play for 85 million on TV

Trumpet Voluntary by Purcell, Sound of Music by Rodgers and Hammerstein and Two Familiar Hymns by Ployhar. Pushing the aspect of visual enjoyment one step further, there were the Jesters, the band’s reserve of majorettes and dnacers in some nice, zippy choreography.

An international audience estimated at 85 million television viewers will see the B.C. Beefeater Band take part in the military tattoo at this year’s Edinburgh Festival. The band, which has 63 members aged between 15 and 19, left Suinday by air for Europe and a fivecountry sightseeing tour before the start of the festival. It will be a working holiday, with the band giving performances in Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Holland and France. At the festival the band will take part, along with the RCMP, in 28 performances of the tattoo on eht esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. It will be the strongest Canadian representation for many years. The RCMP_ will be performing their mounted musical ride. Youngest member of the band is Lynn Josephson, 14, who plays the clarinet. A senior player is Doug Adkins, 19, a superrmarket meat cutter, who recently has found no difficulty in turning out for day-time rehearsals. Members have each put up $350 for the trip and the provincial government has contributed $4,500 towards expenses. The Ediburgh Festival committee is to give a further $5,000 and to provide free food and accomodation during the band’s Scottish Stay.

CKWX Celebr ation 6 This Ro 9 man the med an nual ev ent was held at Georgia the Hotel o n Februar 28th an y d a grea t numbe Vancou r o f ver ’s to p rankin busines g smen w ere pres ent. The VJB su pplied th e trumpete rs.

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He had his own 40 piece house band, 30 dancers and Olson’s 50 juniors. The maestro started to develop themes. trumpetsuch in a salute Beefeaters for winning the fifth – the grand award forand junior bands at HeAsaluted places toasthe Hawaii, spending money –onforprops suchtime as grass skirts, musical fake palm trees tomthe Seattle Seafair. toms.

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1969 This year marked the first trip off the continent to Europe for the British Columbia Beefeater Band. They arrived in London on July 21 via a PWA charter flight from Vancouver. They were quickly whisked off to Astor College in London where hey spent the next three days sightseeing around London and as far away as Oxford, Warwick Castle, Stratford-onAvon and Banbury as well as Windsor Castle and Eton. Their place of residence in London was in a residential area affiliated with Middlesex Hospital, a medical college.

1965 1969

On July 24th, the Beefeater Band departed England at Dover for Ostende by steamer and then coach to Brussells where they stayed overnight at the Hotel Van Belle..The next day after some sightseeing they were off to Antwerp for more sightseeing, then over the border into Holland for a two night stay in Arnheim at the Hotel Carnegie and Hotel Bakker. They toured nearby Amsterdam in the daytime. On July 25th it was off to Germany to visit the famous city of Cologne. Next was a drive along the Rhine River to Bonn, the capital of West Germany and then on to the

Brigadier J.S. Sanderson, producer of the annual Edinburgh Festival and Military Tattoo, came to Vancouver on the Thursday before their departure for London to meet the band and to brief them on their role in the festival.

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ABOVE: South Vancouver members of 72 member BEEFEATERS BAND which departs today on tour of British Isles and Europe are pictured above. From left to right: Front row: Nola Brinkworth, 2996 East 27th Avenue, Shirley Williamson, 2811 east 42nd Avenue, Middle Row: Allen Jewall, 5327 Knight Street; Jerry Brebner, 6684 Culloden Street; David Waugh, 4817 Dumfries Street. Back Row: Daryl Bennett, 1372 East 63rd Avenue, Tim Rior, 5303 Fleming Street; Randy Simpson, 922 East 63rd Avenue; Dale Friesen, 1176 East 31st Avenue.

Full Color Tattoo Opens Tonight - The Royal Caadian Mounties unfortunately had their exciting musical ride reduced to walking pace due to the lack of space on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. The performance lacked the life of movement and the impact of the bloodcurdling charge, which has had to be missed out. The RCMP were overshadowed somewhat by their enthusiastic young non-service colleagues in the British Columbia Beefeater Band. It is the first visit to this country by the 70 member group who all wear the Tudor style dress of the Yeoman Wardrers of the Tower of London. The average age is 18 and they are led by an enthusiastic drum-major and five female jesters. Both organizations will perform in all 28 performances of the tattoo.

to the Hotel Eden in Bad Godesberg for the night. On July 28th the band continued along the banks of the Rhine to Koblenz and then on into Luxembourg where they stayed the night at the Hotel du Parc in Echternach. In Luxembourg they saw the illuminations. On the 29th the band drove through Luxembourg to the cathedral city of Rheims for lunch and then on to Paris for a two night stay at the hotels Splendid Lafayette and Citroen. Concerts took place in Brussels, Bonn and Paris. They left Paris on July 31st and drove through the Picardy countryside and Flanders to Ostend. He had his own 40 piece house band, 30 dancers and Olson’s 50 juniors. The maestro started to develop themes. who now thespending band’s travel agent, first wrote Sanderson in 1967 to suggest their HeRichard salutedCraddock, such places as isHawaii, money on props such Brig, as grass skirts, fake palm trees andoftomparticipation in the famous festival. Recruiting overseas acts begins a year before the festival. toms.

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1969

ABOVE: The scene is Princes Street, the uniforms are copies of those worn by the Beefeaters who guard the Tower of London, the bandsmen wearing them come from British Columbia in Canada and the tunes they play are jazz-flavored – and that all started in America, or was it Africa? The British Columbia Beefeater band got a great reception when they took part in a special parade of tattoo performers along Princes Street today.

Canadians steal the show with all that jazz 500 performers marched in brilliant sunshine along Princes Street - and there were no serious traffic jams. As the long, colourful parade headed by massed pipes and drums moved from Regent Road to the Grassmarket, the crowd of tens of thousands watched in silence until the Canadians came on the scene. The applause burst into hearty cheering for the Canadian Mounted Police and their horses as they rode by smart and neat in their scarlett uniforms.

1969 1965 1969

Grand Musical Award won by Vancouver Junior Beefeater Band at Seattle Seafair.

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ABOVE: Massed military bands march past a crowd of thousands in today’s procession of Edinburgh Military Tattoo performers along Princes Street.

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo

ABOVE: The British Columbia Beefeater Band, closely followed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment, make their way along Princes Street, Edinburgh, yesterday morning during the parade of elements taking part in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo of 1969. Large crowds turned out to watch and cheer the performers. Crowds estimated at between 80,000 and 100,000 lined the route and basked in the sunshine. massed pipes and drums led the march, but the favourites with the crowd were the Canadian contingent, ed by the British Columbia Beefeater Band. Led by five batontwirling majorettes who pranced their way along the street, the band gave an atmosphere of relaxed joviality, in contrast to the rather dour pomp of some of the military participants. They were followed by a squad of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police who also received a tremendous cheer.

BELOW: A closer look at the young instrumentalists from British Columbia.

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LEFT: Majorettes lead the British Columbia Beefeater Band, from Canada, along the Castle Esplanade in Edinburgh at last night’s Tattoo dress rehearsal.

ABOVE: Majorettes lead the British Columbia Beefeater Band, from Canada, along the castle Esplanade in Edinburgh at last night’s Tattoo dress rehearsal. In earlier years band leaders at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo have invariably been in the military mould, but this year things are different. A high-stepping majorette (she’s one of six) leads British Columbia’s Beefeater Band. BACKGROUND: Grand Finale…the moment that stirred the hearts of thousands at this year’s Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Massed on the Esplanade at the close of the tattoo are the regimental bands, the Danish Guards and the Mounties where the castle makes a dramatic backdrop. LEFT: Back view of the British Columbia Beefeater band.

ABOVE: Massed bands fill the Esplanade at Edinburgh castle. This is the first visit to this country by the B.C. Beefeater Band led by their enthusiastic drum-major and five female jesters. They over shadow somewhat the RCMP with their enthusiasm.

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The Edinburgh

Grand Musical Award won by Vancouver Junior Beefeater Band at Seattle Seafair.

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The Edinburgh Military Tattoo

ABOVE: Sandra and Shelley McClellan are in Edinburgh to play clarinet in the Beefeater Band. They are thrilled by the event of course. And there’s easily ABOVE : The energetic drum-major, Doug Adkin of the Beefeaters lets himself go.

enough excitement for two.

BELOW: George Hunter listening to Doug Adkin and George Yea. When George was given a saxophone to play he said, “It’s terrific. I’ve never seen anything like it. Wow!”

ABOVE: Mr. Olson with Major Neville.

Military Tattoo

ABOVE: Hamming it up for the cameras are Doug Adkins and Larry Josephson after returning home this week after 28 performances at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland. They appeared before 250,000 people at the tattoo.

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1969 Canadians steal show in Tattoo parade - The parade along Princes Street yesterday by 500 performers from the Edinburgh Military Tattoo was described by all concerned - with the possible exception of the corporation transport department. Crowds estimated at between 80,000 and 100,000 lined the route and basked in the sunshine. Masssed pipe bands and drums led the march, but the favourites with the crowd were the Canadian contingent, led by the British Columbia Beefeater Band. Led by five baton-twirling majorettes who prances their way along the street, the band gave an atmosphere of relaxed joviality, in contrast to the rather dour pomp of some of the military participants.

They were followed by a squad of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police who also received a tremendous cheer.

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The band is the only Canadian youth group participating in the festival which runs from August 15 through September 7. They will be accompanied by the RCMP Musical Ride.

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The Edinburgh Military Tattoo Mrs. Gene McKinnon, and her restless urge for meeting young people, has seen the Canadian Mounties and Beefeaters visit her Linlithgow home. Mrs. McKinnon (85) is “queen” of the world’s liqueur industry and has Williamcraigs farm as a busy sideline to the profitable Drambuie firm of which she is chairman.

ABOVE: Mrs. McKinnon pictured with members of the Canadian Beefeaters who visited her last week Children’s eyes sparkled for an hour as they were transported from their world of nurses and doctors. The occasion was a special show by Edinburgh Tattoo performers at the Princess Margaret Rose Hospital at Fairmilehead. Children sat in beds and looked on enthralled as kilted pipers marched up and down and red-coated soldiers playing flutes and drums wheeled and turned on the lawn.

BELOW: Scottish Country Dancers and the massed bands fill the Esplanade at Edinburgh Castle.

He had his own 40 piece house band, 30 dancers and Olson’s 50 juniors. The maestro started to develop themes. Sanderson praised band. spending “It’s unusual for aonband of this playskirts, so extraordinarily well... very HeBrig, saluted such places as the Hawaii, money props suchage as to grass fake palm trees andI’m tomimpressed>” toms.

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1969 A twin is a smile big enough for two When one half’s glad, the other half is glad too. It is all part of being a twin. The musical misses are Sandra and Shelley McClellan. They’re in Edinburgh to play clarinet in the Beefeater’s Band. A band, despite the name, made up of teenagers from Vancouver, Canada. Sandra and Shelley are in the line-up when the Beefeaters play at the tattoo. They’re thrilled by the event of course. And there’s easily enough excitement for two.

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Four of the 16 Jesters majorettes, directed by Mrs. Olson, will travel with the band, the Olsons andd three chaerones. The Tattoo specifically asked for the majorettes because that is something seldon seen over here. The four girls had to learn to play a band instrument over the past eight months in order to come.

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The Edinburgh Military Tattoo Spellbound They listed openmouthed as scarlet-uniformed Royal Canadian Mounted Policemen came and sat by their bedsides and related yarns about the Yukon and the Klondike. The mood of the occasion was summed up by little five-year-old Gordon Hunter from Falkirk who sat in his bed surrounded by members of the Canadian Beefeaters Band from British Columbia who lent him a saxophone to play.

BELOW: ROGER OWENS, 15, is blowing his horn over an invitation sent to Vancouver Junior Band to take part in the 1969 Edinburgh Festival. Carol Grassi, 17, holds a poster publicizing the annual tattoo.

“It’s terrific,” he explained. “I’ve never seen anything like it. Wow!” LEFT: Gordon Hunter (5) listening to Douglas Adkin and George Yea

Mounties always get their fan Children’s eyes sparkled for an hour as they were transported from their world of nurses and doctors. The occasion was a special show by Edinburgh tattoo performers at the Princess Margaret Rose Hospital at Fairmilehead. Children sat in beds wheeled outside and looked on enthralled as kilted pipers marched up and down and red-coated soldiers playing flutes and drums wheeled and turned on the lawn.

He had his own 40 piece house band, 30 dancers and Olson’s 50 juniors. The maestro started to develop themes. The band was told they needed to have two alternate numbers for the festival for every one they play, because, He saluted such places as Hawaii, spending money on props such as grass skirts, fake palm trees and tomwhile the basic format is left unchanged, the music is sometimes arranged to suit the mood of each particular toms. audience.

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1969 B.C. Beefeater Band Back; British Show a ‘Smash Hit’ “We were a complete smash hit at the tattoo,” said Gordon Olson. The festival producer and many others said we were the number one item there and the producer hopes to have us back in the tattoo in 1971 or 1972. “We definitely put Canada and B.C. on the map.” Olson said the band played before about 250,000 people at the festival and about 85 million television viewers when one night of the tatoo was broadcast by the BBC. The band, whose members range in age from 14 to 19 was the only Canadian youth group participating in the festival, which also included

The seven week tour, the first overseas tour for the band, began with performances in Belgium, Holland, West Germany, Luxembourg and France. It then performed for a month in the 90-minute tattoo, giving 28 performances consisting of a 12-minute individual act and a part in the finale of massed bands. “We were the first of what are called show bands to appear in the tattoo,” said Olson. Band members also included the Jesters majorette group. “The young people in the band did a great job representing Canada, both musically and personally in the way they conducted themselves,” said Olson.

the R.C.M.P. Musical Ride.

ABOVE: Headline news in Scotland, Vancouver’s Beefeater Band took Edinburgh by storm when they performed in city’s famed tattoo. Sheila Peterson scans press clippings of Scottish press coverage, all ecstatic in praise of Beefeaters and RCMP Musical Ride, which shared the bill.

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Beefeaters Band – A Letter! I hope you will forgive me the liberty of writing you, but I felt I would like you and your readers o know how much the Edinburgh people, nay, everyone who saw and heard the youngsters of the B.C. Beefeaters Band, appreciated the refreshing enthusiasm of these kids, and their wonderful show at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. If this is an example of Canadian youth, then it;s time they were sponsered on a world tour and I know this may sound a bit far-fetched but in this modern permissive age of flower people, hippies, mods and rockers and what have you these youngsters were like a breath of clean spring air in a smuttly world. This performance at Edinburgh will be remembered for many a long day, and if I say that the sight and sound of them in the old esplanade of the Castle stirred an thrilled you the same as the skirl of the pipes to a Scotsman, you have an idea how well they went down here. Vancouver can be very proud of its sons and daughters. I was involved in a very minor part, being the Tattoo transport clerk, and a colleague of Sgt. Val Bragan, who looked after the kids as if they were all his own and I amsure after 20 odd years service, this is one assignment he will remember all the days of his life. I can hear him telling his great-grandchildren all about the time he looked after the kids of the British Columbia Beefeater’s Band at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo of ‘69.

Officially home from the glens the Beefeaters presented a homecoming concert at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Thursday night. All the elements were there the blare of the brass, the blur of batons the flash of sequins, and Sousa and Beethoven jostling elbows with apparent amity. As bands go, the Beefeaters are very good!

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The Edinburgh Military Tattoo Well sir, I sincerely hope I haven’t bored you, but as I’ve said I felt I had to do something as a tribute, as these youngsters were a joy to watch and listen to. Jas Duffy, Tattoo Transport Clerk, 25 Loaning Crescent, Edinburgh, Scotland

RIGHT: Bruce Harris

After playing in the Edinburgh Tattoo, our BC Lions (Beefeaters) Band participated in the recording of a Tattoo album. The EMI recording rep was so impressed with the Vancouver kids that he suggested a separate session. Eleven hours later, they’d cut their own disc, which will be distributed in North America by Capitol Records. Jack Wasserman

RIGHT: December 11, 1969 Bully for the Beefeater Band Boys BELOW: On Saturday, October 4, the United Appeal entertainers visited Brentwood Shopping Centre on behalf of the Giant Effort. Emcee was well-known band leader Dal Richards, performers were a group from the Beefeaters Band.

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He had his own 40 piece house band, 30 dancers and Olson’s 50 juniors. The maestro started to develop themes. Olson offered several sidelights at the homecoming from ensemble featuring very and slicktomDixieland group; He saluted such places as Hawaii, spending moneyconcert on props such as grassplaying, skirts, fake palma trees soloists, notably Frank Costanzo, and dnace numbers by the Jesters Majorettes. toms.

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THE COMMUNITY MUSIC BOOK PROJECT The COMMUNITY MUSIC BOOK PROJECT brings together photos, programs and editorial on your music program and creates a book. It then compiles an alumni & friends group who purchase the book when the book is completed. The proceeds go to support your music program. This Beefeater book is the second book to be compiled (2022) and published through the Community Music Book Project. Besides the Community Music Book Project we have the SCHOOL MUSIC BOOK PROJECT. Handsworth Secondary School in North Vancouver was the first school to have two books published on its award winning program this year 2022. Over the next five years we have an ambitious plan to publish 100 more books on school music programs all over British Columbia, each with an alumni group of 1000, advocating for music education. To discover more about the fantastic benefits for your program from being a part of our MUSIC BOOK PROJECTS you can find us at www.thearthurdelamontfoundation.com or at www.communitymusicbookproject.com